Unlockable car, ignition key okay

[78F350]

A few thoughts:

http://986forum.com/forums/diy-project-guides/56773-3rd-party-keyless-entry-diy-why-not.html

Or get this which has the Key blanks and remote. A good locksmith can get the key cut to the lock, or alter/replace the lock:
Car Remote Control Central Kit Door Lock Locking Keyless Entry System Universal


Or get one of these and practice 'till you don't need a key:

[78F350]

Thinking further, I bet Woody has a key blade and lock. ...even an ignition tumbler to match (they are easy to remove and install if you have the key) Call him (512) 925-9171: https://www.facebook.com/Woodys-Parts-LLC-866155110110548/ or pm him here at the forum: itsnotanova

[MikeMcMo]

Thanks. However, due to the $850 discrepancy between the dealership solution and the "Car Remote Control Central Kit Door Lock Locking Keyless Entry System Universal," something tells me the internet solution is too good to be true. Seems like there might be too many Porsche safeguards/over-engineering pitfalls that would keep it from being that easy. Thoughts?

I also just noticed the armrest glovebox lock cylinder isn't turning with the ignition key.

I PM'd Woody and will wait to hear back from him before I make any other move. Thanks again!

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by MikeMcMo

Thanks. However, due to the $850 discrepancy between the dealership solution and the "Car Remote Control Central Kit Door Lock Locking Keyless Entry System Universal," something tells me the internet solution is too good to be true. Seems like there might be too many Porsche safeguards/over-engineering pitfalls that would keep it from being that easy. Thoughts?

I also just noticed the armrest glovebox lock cylinder isn't turning with the ignition key.

I PM'd Woody and will wait to hear back from him before I make any other move. Thanks again!

You are wrong. It works great.
Read the first link 78F350 posted.

Someone obviously changed your ignition cylinder at some point.

[MikeMcMo]

Yes, I read a couple pages of the 3rd party keyless post, but quickly got swamped- way out of my comfort zone there. I can honestly order one of those sets and take it to a locksmith and they can do the coding? What do you recommend? Thanks.

[78F350]

Originally Posted by MikeMcMo

Yes, I read a couple pages of the 3rd party keyless post, but quickly got swamped- way out of my comfort zone there. I can honestly order one of those sets and take it to a locksmith and they can do the coding? What do you recommend? Thanks.

If getting into the wiring is more than you want to do, I'd recommend getting the door lock + storage compartment lock + key blade and having someone competent replace it as I described. If you want the remote locks, many car audio shops can install an aftermarket keyless entry for much less than the Porsche original system will cost.

Or if you want to get it all back to Porsche OEM, spend $600 to $1500 for a dealership to fix it.

[78F350]

If you do get a key blade/locks/ignition tumbler, here's some helpful links if you DIY some of the replacement.
Pelican Parts has a series of tech articles about the car. Here's one specific to the door lock, there's another about removing the door panel:
Porsche Boxster Door Lock Mechanism / Door Handle - 986 / 987 (1997-08) - Pelican Parts Technical Article

I suggest replacing the ignition tumbler so that you can use one (same) key for the locks and ignition. Just make sure that you have your current transponder 'pill' in whaterver key you use to start the car.


Some of the videos and DIY articles about replacing the ignition tumbler are much more complicated than they have to be. There is no need to pull the steering column apart. Simply turn the key and insert a straightened paperclip or metal probe in the hole to relase the tumbler:
***video link is no longer valid***