Key Problem

[bobbyg]

thanks Thom. I think the key that I've been given is not actually a remote key but just a key with a light, that's why it doesn't work. I just asked the owner about the other keys.

However, I'm still not sure if my car is actually equipped with keyless/remote unlock.

Thanks and cheers mate.

[pjv]

Bobbyg, I have an owner's manual for the earlier series 986, and it says that 'In the case of vehicles without remote control, the grip of key A incorporates a lamp that lights up when you press the button'. In the manual for my car (2004) there is no mention of 'vehicles without remote control'. So it seems like some earlier cars do not have remote locking/unlocking, and it sounds very much like your situation. Maybe you could check the list of accessories codes that is usually found under the front boot lid, or as a last resort take it to a dealer, or other Porsche service place, to get them to have a look (probably at a price!). Hope that helps.

[bobbyg]

Originally Posted by pjv

Bobbyg, I have an owner's manual for the earlier series 986, and it says that 'In the case of vehicles without remote control, the grip of key A incorporates a lamp that lights up when you press the button'. In the manual for my car (2004) there is no mention of 'vehicles without remote control'. So it seems like some earlier cars do not have remote locking/unlocking, and it sounds very much like your situation. Maybe you could check the list of accessories codes that is usually found under the front boot lid, or as a last resort take it to a dealer, or other Porsche service place, to get them to have a look (probably at a price!). Hope that helps.

Hi PJV, thanks mate, that, together with an email I received from the original owner, clarified things for me. It was never installed with a remote as it was apparently an optional, which surprised me a little bit, considering that my much cheaper and less classy Kia Rio had it as standard for 1/5 of the price. Will have to live without lol.

Cheers mate and thanks for your help.

Ps. Can you please give me some info on how to find what the codes at the options part under the bonnet mean?

[pjv]

As you say, it is interesting that a car as expensive as a Porsche might not have remote locking when it is so common in cheaper cars. Now you have that sorted out, all you have to do is worry about the IMS bearing!

To get a list of option codes, have a look at website 986online.com, I just looked at it and it seems extensive. Otherwise Google 'Porsche boxster option codes' and you will get other possibilities.

Good luck with it, they are great cars, just a bit expensive to live with.

[bobbyg]

thanks again pjv,

what about the IMS bearing?

cheers.

[pjv]

I guess we are getting off topic, but the IMS bearing is well and truly covered on this forum, so you could do a search and find heaps of information and debate about it. I was totally unaware of it when I bought my car 2 years back, so it gave me a bit of a fright when I discovered the issue.

Briefly, engines to 2009 (Boxster and 911) have a bearing on the intermediate mainshaft (IMS) which is prone to failure, leading to seriously expensive repairs and/or engine replacement. A friend's '00 996 had his go a while back. Engine survived but cost $12K.

You can have it replaced if it worries you, costs a bit less than $3K to do locally. Not all Porsche specialists locally can do it. Opinions vary on how prevalent the problem is, and what is the best course of action. I have been advised not to worry too much about it by my service people, but I still do!

Do a forum search and check out others' opinions and experiences. Cheers.

[rdass623]

Originally Posted by bobbyg

thanks Thom. I think the key that I've been given is not actually a remote key but just a key with a light, that's why it doesn't work. I just asked the owner about the other keys.

However, I'm still not sure if my car is actually equipped with keyless/remote unlock.

Thanks and cheers mate.

eagle day sells those key handles, for a 2000 model, they can be used, if the remote is inoperative, or you just want a smaller key to stuff in your pocket. if you change over to one, you will need to use the chip which came with the original key. when I purchased my boxy, I had one fully operational key and one without a remote, and switched to one of those lighted key heads.