(996) Suddenly my key stop working, I changed the battery. It would light up/blink (red LED) but doesn't unlock or lock. I have to put the key in to unlock/lock.

What could it be? Transmitter? Reprogram?

 

possibly dead key. happens, happend to me

 

Fob probably died, get a new fob from Sunset ~$100 and take the blade from the old key and put it in the new fob. Then you need to take all your keys to porsche dealer to reprogram that one. I just went through this and it cost me $55 at pioneer porsche (PCA discount)

 

+1... what he said

 

There are two ways the key can be affected... If the unlock button is activated 256 time while out of range of the car, it will de-activate itself. To re-activate, all you have to do is use that key to start the car and activate the transmitter (unlock) within 6 seconds of stopping the engine. Now, here's the thing... If the unlock is activated 1000 times while out of range of the car (like say, sitting on the keyfob in your pocket for 5 minutes), even an act of god will not re-activate the key and you will need to replace the radio transmitter.

There are two parts to the key - the "pill" or ignition transponder and the radio transmitter used to unlock the car. They are not linked - one can be replaced without replacing the other.

Go ahead - ask me how I know all this stuff...

 

you just made that up

 

carlsen porsche charged me $450 for a whole new key plus programming.

i have a spare key that works for my 996. if you find a way to reprogram it to your car, you can have it for cheap.

 

To re-activate, all you have to do is use that key to start the car and activate the transmitter (unlock) within 6 seconds of stopping the engine.

+1

This has worked for me in the past.

 

You might also try the trick of putting the battery in backwards. Sometimes that fixes it too.

 

I just gave that a try, and now the other key doesnt work, in fact nothing works now.

 

Try disconnect battery, and leaving the key farther than 30 feet or so, reconnect battery.

 

So which one works? I mean my key fob still blinks red led when pressed.

 

I am dropping the car off at the dealer where I purchased it and they are taking it to the Collection in Coral Gables to have a spare key cut and reprogram both FOBs.

 

If you can start the car, the transponder is working. If you can't unlock your doors with the keyfob (and it is blinking), then your radio transmitter has de-activated itself.

To re-program - start the car with the key in question, then turn off the car and press the lock button on the keyfob within 6 seconds. If that doesn't fix it, you are wasting your time at the dealer - he won't be able to fix it either (assuming you have another key that is still working properly).

 

When you press the lock button, should the fob be left in the ignition or should it be removed.