Okay perfect! I will test it this evening and post the ebay link and seller who I bought it from.

 

So I checked the key and it worked perfectly, here is the ebay link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWNX%3AIT

Cost $20 with shipping, take a picture of your existing key and email it to them. They cut the key and mailed it to me in about 7 days, excellent service

ebay name: www_keysinthepost_com

 

... Sorry to jump in...
I have a 996 C4 2002. I left the car for 6 days and the remote keys don’t work. The mechanical lock with the keys also is dead. I can turn the key clockwise and anticlockwise 90 degrees but nothing happens.
I managed to open the engine hood from under the rear light which I found from a thread on the internet and then the alarm went on, horn and lights, I believe indicating the battery is OK.
The central mirror light was on for some time and the keys still don’t work.
I am trying to open the front hood but cannot find any manual cable.
I am thinking if I disconnect the battery the alarm may reset and the remote keys could work.
Any ideas how I can reset the keys or open the car?.

 

If you turn the key in the lock, that should unlock the driver's door even without power.

To reset the remote unlock, put the key in the ignition, turn the key to ON, then turn off, remove the key and press the lock button on the remote within 6 seconds. That's all it takes. If your doors don't open now, something else is wrong.

 

The problem is that turning the key in the lock nothing happens. It Looks that the lock is bust and the remotes are also in sleep mode. I probably never open the car before by turning the key and was not aware it does not work?!
I need to reactivate the remotes. Any ideas?

 

I think you're going to have to find a mechanical solution. The only way to reactivate the remotes is from inside the car. Perhaps a call to an Auto Association would work - those guys have tricks for breaking into cars. They can get in faster than using the keys sometimes. They are used to helping people who lock their keys in the car.

 

Thank you Slider,
It seems the lock is not working mechanically. Nothing happens when I turn any of the two keys I have.
Option is to break a glass to get access to the ignition switch. Then everything will be OK. But I don’t want to do it.
A locksmith even said he can’t open the car??? (How do they steal the cars then??)
Someone suggested turning the key quickly 3 times. That did not work either.
I am looking to see if the front bonnet can open manually to have access to the battery. That may reset the status of the key remotes.
I read that some Boxters have a cable the corner of the plastic fender line that covers the inside part of the wheel arch. This is to the rear of the suspension spring near the edge of the wheel arch. Not sure if it’s there?
Other option is the "destroy",(rip the fabric) the soft top, I am looking to get a new one anyway?!!
What a mess
I’ve started a thread on this if you would like to follow, not sure how I can invite you.
This thread is located at:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/996/242353-sleep-mode-remote-keys-door-does-not-open-mechanical-new-post.html

 

A locksmith is not the same as the Auto Association - Those guys use slim-jims to gain access by bypassing the key altogether. They don't have to break anything. Give them a call...

 

This is exactly the same thing that happend to me, my locks were seized and the remote went to sleep so i couldnt get into the car. There is a manual release on the right side wheel well, i just removed the side marker light, put a wire fish into the hole and was able to pull the cable out to manually release the hood. This then set off the alarm and re-activated the remote key. My car was a 2001 996, the manual release should be the exact same for your 996

 

No Luck, cant see any cable to pull, only wires!

 

Great new guys.
I took the wheel well off finally to see where the wire is, found it and open the front bonnet.
The alarm went off BUT the remote keys still don’t work.
I now have both front and back bonnet open, inserted a new battery after that just in case, BUT the car is still locked.
Could it be because the bonnets are open? I don’t think so!
I am now thinking to take the battery off and leave it for a couple of hours.
Any ideas?

 

How do you turn the alarm off after it goes off? Does the remote on the key work to turn that off? Have you checked the battery in the remote key? Seems like a weird problem, keep us updated