Go Back   986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners > Porsche Boxster & Cayman Forums > Boxster General Discussions

Post Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 06-17-2021, 07:21 PM   #1
Registered User
 
Finnegan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 455
Improve key fob performance?

The lock/unlock button has been getting worse over time. It seems the optimal range is now about 3". I recently changed out the battery, but it hasn't seemed to help much. Is that button itself going out? Is there any way to improve the performance?

__________________
'04 Midnight Blue Metallic 986
Finnegan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2021, 03:11 AM   #2
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Dahlonega , Georgia
Posts: 1,346
Do you know how to solder ? Or know someone that does ? The switches are easily replaced if you know how to solder . They are simple surface mount devices . First disassemble and with a magnifying glass or microscope inspect the switch solder joints . You are looking for any fractures or cold solder joints . Sometimes reflowing the existing solder joints fixes the problems .

If that doesn't do it replace the switches . Carefully remove them using solder wick you do NOT want to damage the pads . New switches are available from various online retailers and are inexpensive. With good switches and good solder connections the performance should be good as new .

WARNING- if you don't know what you are doing I would not attempt the repair . It is a small surface mount board and if you overheat or lift the pad you are in for an $$$ lesson . Good luck
rfuerst911sc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2021, 06:00 AM   #3
1998 Boxster Silver/Red
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: 92262
Posts: 2,915
Quote:
Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc View Post
Do you know how to solder ? Or know someone that does ? The switches are easily replaced if you know how to solder . They are simple surface mount devices . First disassemble and with a magnifying glass or microscope inspect the switch solder joints . You are looking for any fractures or cold solder joints . Sometimes reflowing the existing solder joints fixes the problems .

If that doesn't do it replace the switches . Carefully remove them using solder wick you do NOT want to damage the pads . New switches are available from various online retailers and are inexpensive. With good switches and good solder connections the performance should be good as new .

WARNING- if you don't know what you are doing I would not attempt the repair . It is a small surface mount board and if you overheat or lift the pad you are in for an $$$ lesson . Good luck
Sounds like you know what you're doing. Do, will, you repair inoperable keyfobs? Maybe not Porsche? Thanks!
__________________
1998 Porsche Boxster
Starter986 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2021, 02:34 AM   #4
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Dahlonega , Georgia
Posts: 1,346
Quote:
Originally Posted by Starter986 View Post
Sounds like you know what you're doing. Do, will, you repair inoperable keyfobs? Maybe not Porsche? Thanks!
I worked for Lockheed Martin for 26 years and have worked on lots of PWB's and CCA's for military applications . I did replace the switches on my key FOB and it works great . I am now retired and enjoying not having to touch a solder iron . So no not interested in doing any repairs for others . Sorry
rfuerst911sc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-28-2021, 07:09 AM   #5
Registered User
 
Finnegan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 455
Ok. So aside from home repair, what are my options? Are there any third party fobs I can buy?
__________________
'04 Midnight Blue Metallic 986
Finnegan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-28-2021, 12:35 PM   #6
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 1,182
Option 1: New key fob from Dealer. programmed by dealer
Option 2: Install aftermarket keyless entry system. If having someone do this, cost will most likely equal the cost of Option 1
Option 3: Live with it and just use physical key to lock/unlock car
Option 4: Replace immobilizer, DME & Key with used from a donor car. SOMETIMES this can be cheaper then Option 1 if you get 2 keys from the donor car. You will have to swap over your key shank and/or have the dealer get new ones cut for you from Germany (yes, Factory is only who can do this Dealer can't)

__________________
2000 Boxster Tiptronic
2003 Boxster
2003 996 C2 Cab
2002 996 (SOLD)
1986 944 (gone but missed)
Stl-986 is offline   Reply With Quote
Post Reply


Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 08:04 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page