Upgraded my Key to a new - Page 3 - Porsche General - PistonHeads UK

Hi all, Thought I'd share some handy work I managed over the weekend. One of my 997 keys was looking tired and had a cracked casing, so I took the plunge and decided to strip it down and fit it into a gen 2 case ordered online. To get it done you have to stip the internals from old key, including very carefully cutting away the glue around the transponder, and tranfer everything across into the new casing. It was quite fiddly, but I am very pleased with the results, and so far it works perfectly. Key is much improved vs the earlier version, much more weighty and substantial, and buttons are recessed so its harder to open the doors/frunk by mistake. Few pics below.. enjoy

Er, which is which?

link to the place you bought? my spare has a cracked case but is 3 button

Paddy_N_Murphy said: Mine needs three buttons though Good work OP I actually bought a 3 button one first by mistake. Still have it PM me if you are interested.

And nothing needed to be coded to the car... Sounds great!

That's right - no coding required just some intricate transplant surgery. Both key blade and transponder move across from your original key casing. If people are interested I'll create a 'how to', there is a knack to doing it but once you know how it's fairly simple and doesn't take more than 15-20 mins.

Excellent work! My 997.1 key has cracked the plastic where the keyring ring goes through, so now the keyring falls off. It looks like the silver one in the picture above. I'm interested in refurbishing it so it all looks as it should, but preferably would like to keep the silver look. So, the question is, where did you get the hardware, and can you show us how its done?

This is the kind of info that brings down governments Well done OP, I salute you

elliot_holder said: That's right - no coding required just some intricate transplant surgery. Both key blade and transponder move across from your original key casing. If people are interested I'll create a 'how to', there is a knack to doing it but once you know how it's fairly simple and doesn't take more than 15-20 mins. I've trawled eBay and can see there are all kinds of options, including the flip type that loads of manufacturers use. I imagine once you remove the blade and transponder you can plant them into anything that works. I've previously had a broken key just like your silver one so having had it open, I can picture what you mean about removing the transponder.

mankey said: I've trawled eBay and can see there are all kinds of options, including the flip type that loads of manufacturers use. I imagine once you remove the blade and transponder you can plant them into anything that works. I've previously had a broken key just like your silver one so having had it open, I can picture what you mean about removing the transponder. Watch out buying some of the cases advertised on eBay, the quality of the cases you buy online varies significantly. I'd been thinking about this mod for a while and had previously bought a replacement case off eBay, only to find when it arrived that it was poor quality and didn't have the Porsche badge - therefore it looked very after market, and not at all OEM. After much searching and a few dodgy key fobs later I found a supplier in china, and that's the one pictured above. It's not a genuine Porsche part, but having compared it to a mates genuine key it's indistinguishable. If people are interested I'm happy to organise a Group buy.

Let me have an idea of costs, but count me in.

I'd be interested in this too subject to cost, thanks

Something really weird about seeing a blade on a key these days...

This is better than a half hour locked away with a copy of Razzle

Me too, group buy please... Looks brilliant.

I'm on the case with the supplier and will come back with some prices shortly. I'd expect it to be around £30 inc postage. If you look on eBay etc you can get cases cheaper, but as I found from experience it's worth spending the extra few quid to get one which fits and looks OEM. How to.... (1) Open the key shell using your fingernail at the base of the key blade, on the button side of the key shell. (2) The new key shell will be missing the battery terminals, battery, transponder, and the circuit board with micro-switches. The key shells use a spring loaded locking mechanism to ensure the key blade does not pop out. (3) Remove the key blade by sliding back the spring loaded lock mechanism using your fingernail. Simultaneously, use a thin small flat head screwdriver (like the kind you use to repair eye glasses) as a wedge to pry the key blade down and out. You'll be able to pull the key blade out with your fingers once you've gotten it out part way. Slightly turn the blade to the right, to clear the plastic lock mechanism, just before you pull it out all the way. (4) Next, remove the battery by prying it up using a small flat head screwdriver. Once the battery is out, remove the battery terminals, because you will need to reuse them in the new key shell. The negative battery terminal is secured on a little plastic "post" and is easy to remove by inserting your small flat head screwdriver under the post and prying up. Do the same on the other side of the post so you don't bend the metal tabs on the terminal. The positive battery terminal seems to be a bit more challenging if you try pull it from the top. The metal is too delicate and can bend out of shape. Instead, insert a flat head screwdriver under the terminal from the front, and use that to push the terminal up and out of its slot. (5) Removing the transponder is the hardest part, because (on the 997.1) it is glued in. Note that your new key will not work without the transponder, so you must remove it, and you must be careful not to damage it. Note that dependant on how careful/destructive you are, it may result in you destroying your original key. To make removal easier you can try softening the adhesive around the transponder with some appropriate solvent or glue softener. I used a utility blade knife to cut the plastic around the transponder. First I tried a Stanley knife but the blade was bending against the plastic and the glue, and there was a danger of the blade snapping and hurting me. You will need a strong blade for this job. Once I made cuts into the plastic on the left and right of the transponder, I used a pair of needle nosed pliers to bend the original plastic key shell. Then I had enough space to use the utility knife to score the glue and pry up the transponder. Porsche really made sure this little part is virtually impossible to remove! Once it's out, carefully trim a little excess plastic from the edge of the transponder, but be very careful NOT to damage the transponder. (6) Now that you have all of the parts, begin to assemble the new key shell. (6a) Key Blade Insert the original key blade into the new key shell, reversing the same motion you used to extract it. The blade needs to be inserted slightly from the right side and straightened once the notched metal part is inside the plastic slot. Note that the spring lock mechanism will automatically move back and engage as you insert the key blade, so you don't need to pull the lock back with your finger. Once it is in as far as you can push it, you can hold the key and gently press the blade down onto your desk to ensure it is in all the way. (6b) Battery Terminals Now, replace the battery terminals. These may be a little loose in the new key shell, so I used a pair of needle nose pliers to re-flatten the tabs, on the negative terminal, that "bite" into the plastic post. I also bent the vertical tabs on both terminals a little more, so they fit more snugly into their respective slots. (6c) Transponder Do not forget to place the original transponder into the plastic receptacle in the new key shell. The transponder is needed for your car to start. You will notice that the curved side of the transponder should face down and towards the key blade. The flat edge of the transponder will be at the top. There is no need to apply any glue, but it can't hurt and keeps it in place. (6d) Battery Insert the original battery into the new key shell. The flat (positive) terminal should face up. (6e) Circuit Board Place the new rubber part into the key shell face plate (the side with buttons). Then take the original circuit board and fit that into the rubber part. (7) Close the key shell case. I found it was easier to align the faceplate beginning at the base of the key blade. Then, holding the two halves between my fingers, I used a small screwdriver to make sure the supper part was not obstructing the two halves, before I firmly pressed the key shell closed. It will snap together easily. (8) Porsche Badge. The Porsche emblem on the key shell has a clear protective plastic on it. You can peal this off. Glue on the emblem isn't great so I secured with some super glue. (9) Drive your Porsche with your shiny new key!!

great write up on your last post Elliot, look forward to my new key

Yup, £30 would be fine by me. PM me when you want paying. Mine is a two button job, if that makes any difference. I'm considering buying a pair so my spare key looks the same.

wish I'd paid more attention at school......

I've just replaced the key shell from my 997 with one of the new ones from Elliot, and lo, it is really as easy as that! Overall, I'm very satisfied with the whole experience, now I have a key with an un-cracked case, which looks to be a much higher quality item than the OE Porsche product. All the buttons now appear to work fine, but I haven't taken it for a drive yet, or started the engine.

I got a replacement 3 button from Elliot. works a treat

Thanks for feedback, glad you guys are pleased with your new keys. :-) I'll be upgrading my spare this weekend. When I do I'll take plenty of pictures through the process and will add them to the above 'how to'. Took a punt and ordered a few more which should be arriving any day. If anyone else wants either a 2 or 3 button case, PM me. Edited by elliot_holder on Thursday 24th October 20:43

Quick note to all those who ordered keys. They have all been sent out today first class recorded so should be with you all soon :-) I took a punt and ordered a few extra, so if anyone else is interested let me know.

I received one of Elliot's new key cases this morning: the 2-button variety for a 997S.2. The problem I had with my original keys - both of them - was broken lock/unlock buttons. A pair of tiny plastic lugs had snapped off, leaving the buttons free to fall out of the key! You can see one of the tiny lugs in the piccy below. My local Porsche Centre had told me categorically that no repair kit was available (albeit there is for the Gen-1 key) and the only solution was to buy two, complete new key heads at a over £300 each. Ouch! The great news is Elliot's new key case was the perfect solution. I didn't even have to swap-over any components from the original Porsche key - I simply swapped the top half off Elliot's key case (including the buttons) on to the bottom half of my original Porsche key. 2 minutes to do, perfect fit and I now have a perfectly-working key for 1/10th the price of a new one from Porsche. Many thanks to Elliott for finding the key cases and saving me many £££££s!

Elliot, do these work for 996 Models?

TBH I wouldn't have a clue. Not tried it with a 996 key yet. Would need to take a close look at the internals to see if they can be swapped across. If you could send me some pics of your key ideally front, back, and inside showing battery, transponder and board. I'll happily do some investigation to explore the possibilities.

I've got one of these replacement keys, the changing over was relatively straightforward although the transponder part was a bit of a pain. For some reason I can't remotely lock or unlock my boot using the new key. The red light flashes but that's it. If I insert the key into the door it unlocks and the engine will start. Thoughts?

Just responded against your new thread. Let me know all the details and I'll help as much as u can. Things to check. - connections from battery connectors align with circuit board well. - check buttons align with circuit board well. - make sure blade is locked in place fully - Ensure the battery is inserted correctly Apologies if this sounds like a stupid question, but assuming you are upgrading from either a 2 button to another 2 button or a 3 button to another 3 button. The most tricky bit of the swap is the switch of the transponder, but if your car starts it sounds like this is fine.

elliot_holder said: Just responded against your new thread. Let me know all the details and I'll help as much as u can. Things to check. - connections from battery connectors align with circuit board well. - check buttons align with circuit board well. - make sure blade is locked in place fully - Ensure the battery is inserted correctly Apologies if this sounds like a stupid question, but assuming you are upgrading from either a 2 button to another 2 button or a 3 button to another 3 button. The most tricky bit of the swap is the switch of the transponder, but if your car starts it sounds like this is fine. My gen 1 key was a 2 button and the replacement I bought was a 3 button key. Should this make a difference?

Yes, but not a huge difference, you will just have one button which doesn't do anything. The structure of the two versions of the key are the same, two button versions just have a blank where the third button would be. The third button is for opening of the rear deck lid (engine compartment), and obviously only works where the internals from the original key were intended for a three button key. Given the internals of both versions of the key case are the same (aside from circuit board) they are interchangeable. The 3 button key case will still work fine with two button internals ( I've got this setup on one of my keys at the moment which are 2 button) you'll just have one button which doesn't function. In this specific case it would be the rear deck lid button. If you are having problems, let me know, happy to help if I can.

What a great thread, however one question (and I'm being serious) This is a non Porsche option therefore does it affect the warranty?

HoHoHo said: What a great thread, however one question (and I'm being serious) This is a non Porsche option therefore does it affect the warranty? O. M. G. This whole thread is a piss take pleeease... (Cherry on the top being this last post). I'm getting married in December and have my Stag in Vegas just before but am just missing a bunch of insanely funny guys to help send me on my way. I was wondering if you all ( once finished with your gen 2 key swapping ) could come along for the ride? I would be eternally grateful...

Slickhillsy said: O. M. G. This whole thread is a piss take pleeease... (Cherry on the top being this last post). I'm getting married in December and have my Stag in Vegas just before but am just missing a bunch of insanely funny guys to help send me on my way. I was wondering if you all ( once finished with your gen 2 key swapping ) could come along for the ride? I would be eternally grateful... lol, just what I was thinking. Guys, seriously, get out there and enjoy the f king car! Void warranty due to non oem key...LMAO!

VonSenger said: lol, just what I was thinking. Guys, seriously, get out there and enjoy the f king car! Void warranty due to non oem key...LMAO! I got shot of my 911 so couldn't give a s t. Whist the comment was a bit tongue in cheek for those of you without a sense of humour, if they won't allow a Bluetooth/film et al what makes you think this won't cause an issue if they find out! We know what a holes they can be! Edited by HoHoHo on Thursday 7th November 09:09

Slickhillsy said: O. M. G. This whole thread is a piss take pleeease... (Cherry on the top being this last post). I'm getting married in December and have my Stag in Vegas just before but am just missing a bunch of insanely funny guys to help send me on my way. I was wondering if you all ( once finished with your gen 2 key swapping ) could come along for the ride? I would be eternally grateful... Surely the whole point of the forum is to help out others with common problems/interests? For some this will be useful for saving £ rather than going directly to Porsche for a replacement key just because their case is cracked or buttons broken. And those those wishing to upgrade, it solves the problem of mistakenly opening doors when key is in your pocket. If you are not interested in the subject, don't read the thread.

elliot_holder said: Slickhillsy said: O. M. G. This whole thread is a piss take pleeease... (Cherry on the top being this last post). I'm getting married in December and have my Stag in Vegas just before but am just missing a bunch of insanely funny guys to help send me on my way. I was wondering if you all ( once finished with your gen 2 key swapping ) could come along for the ride? I would be eternally grateful... Surely the whole point of the forum is to help out others with common problems/interests? For some this will be useful for saving £ rather than going directly to Porsche for a replacement key just because their case is cracked or buttons broken. And those those wishing to upgrade, it solves the problem of mistakenly opening doors when key is in your pocket. If you are not interested in the subject, don't read the thread. Ok...Ok... Let me try and be slightly constructive here. How about this upgrade for you - tis perfect, no???

I'm grateful for elliots help. Gen2 key already, but lock button tabs gone. Dealer said no on warranty,hundreds for a new key, no repair kit available. So transfer the button over from elliots casings for £30, 30 second job. Thanks elliot.

Slickhillsy said: O. M. G. This whole thread is a piss take pleeease... (Cherry on the top being this last post). I'm getting married in December and have my Stag in Vegas just before but am just missing a bunch of insanely funny guys to help send me on my way. I was wondering if you all ( once finished with your gen 2 key swapping ) could come along for the ride? I would be eternally grateful... They're just getting their keys sorted, but you're obviously after some serious action. Getting married as well whilst you're in Vegas - at some seriously classy outfit are you?

mankey said: Slickhillsy said: O. M. G. This whole thread is a piss take pleeease... (Cherry on the top being this last post). I'm getting married in December and have my Stag in Vegas just before but am just missing a bunch of insanely funny guys to help send me on my way. I was wondering if you all ( once finished with your gen 2 key swapping ) could come along for the ride? I would be eternally grateful... They're just getting their keys sorted, but you're obviously after some serious action. Getting married as well whilst you're in Vegas - at some seriously classy outfit are you? Definitely... Haven't even met my wife yet, was thinking of buying something smoking hot (possibly with a cute sister in tow) whilst out there... Cool eh!

Lol

Excellent write up and top marks for ingenuity and resourcefulness! I want one.

How to guide removed. You'll have to search google. Edited by elliot_holder on Tuesday 13th October 08:09

Where are people getting these now? Any recent examples? I am not sure my key will work using this method as it won’t start the car at all anymore. Only unlocks the door.