Life of your key fob/remote...how long does it live?

[Rob-00BoxsterS]

QUOTE:

"... The bar code that is sold with the remote is necessary for the technicians to use in order to program the remote to the cars anti-theft and central locking control system. If that bar code with the programming codes is lost then the remote fob cannot be used as intended... When bringing your car in to have one key programmed you should bring all the keys that you have. The other keys might lose their programming codes and get overwritten by the new key code...The car will not start unless the remote is programmed to the vehicle..."



I only have one key that came with the car. It works properly but I do not have the bar code that (I'm assuming) originally came with it. I have been wanting to buy another key (item 16 on my "Porsche to do" list) and get it programmed at the dealership but it looks like my original key may lose it's programming. If I don't have the bar code, does that mean my original key will now be un-programmable?

[Kendo]

For those that have just had the tactile switch fail and want to replace it it can be found at Mouser Electronics for $0.60 each.

Tactile switch

The item you want is figure "C" 101-TF25R-EV (at least this is true for the three button key FOB head on my 2004 key). I used the 400 gf switch for my failed unlock button, but comparing the operating force to the stock switches I think 300 gf would be closer to correct.

BTW the description says it is a thru-hole part. This is incorrect it is surface mount as shown in the picture.

De-Soldering and soldering this piece is easy. Just use a soldering pencil (get one at radio shack cheap) rather than a soldering gun.

[Tool Pants]

That is a good find. I have seen those tiny switches break off the circuit board and there was not much left to even attempt to solder it back together.

[dja1980]

Originally Posted by Kendo

For those that have just had the tactile switch fail and want to replace it it can be found at Mouser Electronics for $0.60 each.

Tactile switch

That is some fantastic information! Where did you find this? I just got done ordering 4 switches. I figured I'd replace all 3 if there is a different feel to the new one, plus an addition just in case.

I'll report back once I complete the install. I'm hopeful that you just saved me several hundred dollars!

[dja1980]

I got the new switches soldered to the circuit board last Friday night. I started with the one that wasn't working, and when I found out how easy that went, I did the other two so that they would all have the same feel.

The entire project was very simple and took me about 20 minutes. Since I ordered 4 switches, I stuck a spare in the keyhead just incase I have a future repair.

Thanks to this fix and the climate control fix I found in another thread, this forum has saved me close to $1,000!!!

[RandallNeighbour]

Please send me that $1000 in savings because this forum has cost me at least that much in mods folks have posted. PM me for my mailing address.

Thank you very much.

[dja1980]

Well... if that's the case, I may have to keep that $1,000 in reserve. Actually, now that I think of it, it's already spent. Thanks to this forum, I have an appointment to have a new GAHH top put on next week. Thanks for reminding me!