Replace 996 smart key

Hi All, Just picked up a sweet '99 996 coupe, but it only has one key. Was looking at the head and blade from Pelican, but I called my local dealer and they said they WILL NOT cut or program a third party key. Called a couple locksmiths and as soon as said Por- they were like NOPE. From Pelican: Blade (30) + head (160) = $190.00 From dealer: Blade (130) + head (210) = $340; cut/program = $215; all in = $555.00 :-( Any ideas? Is it worth calling third party shops? Thanks!

I had mine done by a locksmith for 120$. They key has no other function then unlocking the car manually and starting the car.

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Interesting. Plenty of info here about new key programming by dealers and key cutting. There is a mail order key outfit in the U.K.(can't remember the name) that you send pics of your current key blade and they cut you a new one and quickly ship to you. That's how I got my new blade. It works perfectly. Have always heard that a dealer will program a new key head to your car IF you have the unique code info(which Pelican's product will have) no problem. You do have to have the car present and be able to prove that it is your car. I'll try to find the blade cutting outfit's name for you.

Two things to clarify: are you seeking a key (start the car) or a remote key head (remotely lock/unlock). These are different as it takes different steps to program each one. Also, when speaking about "third-party", are saying they wont program a Porsche OEM remote purchased from an outside source, or they wont program a remote purchased from XYZ company? I can understand not wanting to program a remote from a different company as this can cause issues, but refusing to program a Porsche OEM key/remote...? I don't understand.. they are making money on the labor...

OP: the key blade cutting service: keysinthepost.com

I just purchased a 996 with 1 working key and another that had a new key blank cut and key head. The key would lock and unlock the car but would not start it. A local Porsche dealer programmed the key, not purchased through them, and charged .75 hours labor, about $115 to program to work in the ignition. Important that the bar code on the key head is kept so they can reprogram.

Well that gives me hope. Just talked to a tech at Pelican. He said '14 and newer cars have to be programmed or validated by Porsche. I'm just looking to get a dupe key of the one that I have with the push button for door lock/unlock that also works in the ignition. There are a few others dealers I can reach out to, but yes - Loeber Motors in Lincolnwood said they won't cut/program even an OEM key purchased from somewhere else.

I had mine done by a local locksmith for about $150 (including key blank, cutting and programming). I had to have my original key and show proof of ownership and my DL before he would do the work. He spent a while on the phone with a Porsche dealer (he works for them regularly) getting the code he needed to program the key using a Durametric. You may want to check your local classifieds to see if anyone advertises this service.

You can always afix the transponder (pill). to the stearing wheel colum. That way you can use any key correclty cut.

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haha that is defiantly one solution. I have never tried this but does the immobilizer still set and lock the car? I had always thought the car wouldn't lock if it thinks a key is in the ignition, but I could be wrong.

Ok - Napleton Westmont Porsche will program a third party supplied key but won�t guarantee it. Porsche dealers no longer cut keys. I�ll have to prove ownership, then they order a key from Atlanta. Once it arrives, they call me to come in and get it programmed for $140. Still should cost me half what the other dealer wanted to charge. thanks for the help!

There's a difference in locking the car with the remote and starting the car. The remote locking is a different issue.

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This is about what I paid my dealer for a fully functional 2nd key w/the remote. Ordered the key based on my vin (had to show them my reg) and they took care of the rest. Only the dealer can code the key to properly operate your car, so if you want a fully functional 2nd key, as I did, your only choice is to buy it from your local dealer. If you only want a key that will lock/unlock the door and start the car, you can just buy the key from your dealer (for about the price you quote above) and just attach it to a plain (non-programmable) cap that they also sell which costs about $35. The part # is 996-538-423-01. You can save a little $ on the cap buying an aftermarket one but there's not that much difference in cost from buying the blank from the dealer than buying it and then having cut by a 3rd party but it's a lot less trouble if you buy it from the dealer, and you'll for sure that it's the right key for your car. So, that's the way I'd go, if I just wanted an extra key w/o the remote. In fact, that's initially what I was going to do until I realized that I really needed/wanted a fully functional 2nd key.

I wanted a fully functional second key with remote, and I can confirm that's a dealer-only exercise. It was about $500, all in, so that quote is accurate. A steep price to pay, but I like the peace of mind.

I�ve had a valet type key made (unlocks, starts car, has no remote). My locksmith made it and programmed it. Currently, he can�t program the remote heads, but plans to buy equipment for that in future. I�ve used keysinthepost.com and they made me a blade from photo that is perfect. I will order remote head from Suncoast and have locksmith program pill and head. Still costly, but saves some. Ask local Indy who they recommend for keys. That�s how I found my locksmith.

I get raped with the Porsche keys (twice), Audi key (twice), BMW key (once) and it gets to the point where you just accept that you buy their cars, you are going to be fed on by the dealer for something. Keys and programming them is the "only" thing they will get blood out of me. Everything else will be done by me. Period. End of story. Even if it takes $1,000 special tools it will be done by me.

keys in the post are amazing. I bought a 996 on 10/11 took a picture on the day of the transaction, came home uploaded and paid and 8 days later i have a working copy sent from the UK! A M A Z I N G

I’ve done that also with KITP. Key worked fine. Now if they could program remote!

As a newbie can you buy a used key from a pick n pull and have it reprogrammed?

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No

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@Zuffenhinson hey bumping an old thread here but I'm also in Chicago and need a 2nd key cut/programmed for my 996TT. I have 1 original working key and just ordered from Gaudin Porsche the OEM blank key blade and OEM transponder remote and am trying to find a place to cut the key and program the remote. Did you have any luck with Westmont Porsche cutting and reprogramming your replacement key? Any other options you spoke with? I've called some locksmiths who claim they can cut the key but cant program the remote so I assume I have to try a dealer. Appreciate any guidance you can share...thx

Car had one key when I got it. Porsche exchange in highland park was $500 and an Indy in Kenosha was $450 for a key. Had to have a working key to code a second one. Dealer told me if no keys were available, then the security module would also have to be replaced for an additional $2,000. $500 for a fully functioning key seemed like cheap insurance compared to $3,000 later if I lost or damaged my one key.