weird key (remote control) issue -- HELP?

hi there.. i bought my '03 996 cab two years from the dealer who only had one key. today they called me and told me they found a 2nd key for the car. so i stopped by and picked it up. here is the problem: the second key only works when i use it to physically lock/unlock the door with and to start the car with, but it does NOT work as the remote control (even though the red light flashes on the remote) even from 2 feet away from the car. anybody knows why that is? do i need to have special magic done to activate it? i know the car disables remote control capability after 5 days of inactivity, but this appears to be a separate issue.

I would put a new battery in, even if the led is flashing. Just to be sure...

Hi- I can't think of any magical incantations, but I've experienced the same problem. Even though the LED still flashes, your remote, like mine, most probably has an internal circuit board problem and unfortunately its not repairable. I went down the new battery route,but its not the problem. You can either by a new one from Porsche($$$) or find one on e bay or some such and take it to Porsche for programming(<$$$$). Good luck.

I have a 2nd key that is SORT of like that. Occasionally the remote doesn't work, but it will unlock & start car fine. Once I put the key in the ignition and turn it to accessory and remove it, the remote works again..sometimes for months. It's my spare that I rarely use, so maybe it's just the battery.

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I have access to a code reader (friends in high places willing to do low things) and the last time this happened there was actually a code in the buffer dealing with the security system or locks or something like that. One fob worked and the other wouldn't. We cleared the code and it worked great for a couple of weeks. I bet if I check again the code has returned. Love the 'Character' of exotics!

The key comes in two parts - the physical metal piece that will work in your locks, and the electronics that work with your alarm/central locking system. So when the dealership orders a key for the car - using it's unique code - it comes with the correct metal key, but a generic set of electronics that need top be 'registered' with the car. My bet is the 'spare' key they 'found', was ordered for the car, so works with the locks, but was never registered with the car's electronics - A process which mysteriously involves handing over $100 or more in many cases. Go tell them that you think this is the issue, and see if they can do the electronic piece for free.

Actually, the key comes in 3 parts. The first is the metal piece. This will physically allow you to manually lock/unlock and turn the key in the ignition. The second part is the immobilizer chip inside the plastic housing that has to be coded to the cluster. This is what allows the car to actually run. The third part is the electronics associated with the remote. This part also has to be coded to the ecu to allow the remote function to lock/unlock the doors and activate the alarm system. It sounds like the key ordered has the immobilizer chip coded properly, but the remote function is not enabled. It may be either a coding that has to be done or a hardware problem with the remote electronics. If it's any consolation, I have the exact same problem. I haven't taken mine into the dealer to see if they can recode the remote. Have you tried the TSB to "reset" the remote (ie. take the battery out, put back in backwards then put back properly and reset the remote to the car)? I tried this on mine but no luck.

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Good point on the immob chip - had forgotten that. And also the reverse the battery trick - I've seen posts where it has worked. Make sure you don't touch the batter surface with your bare skin though, as this will significantly effect the future battery life - use a tissue or something.