Duplicate Key Update

There were two separate threads addressing this problem, so I thought I would post my update separately for those that are in the same position I'm in. I'm about 90% through the odyssey of getting a duplicate (not a replacement) key. I have a question to ask, but thought I would share my approach. When I first looked into it there were two dealers here in San Diego that provided me a quote - both were well over $300... My approach should end up costing just about $300 total. I bought a key blank ($20) and a remote head ($130) from SunCoast. I paid Busy Bee Locksmith (here in San Diego) $85 to cut the key. I just spoke a guy at Pioneer Porsche (also here in San Diego) and he was going to charge me $65 to encode the key - total $300... But here's the catch... and the question: The Pioneer guy told me he could encode the key so that it would start the car, but they need the 40 digit code to encode the key so that it would operate the remote control - it's typically typed onto a tag attached to the key. The question is: how do I go about getting that code if I don't have it? They could code both onto the key at the same time, so I thought I would ask where to get the remote code before I get the ignition coded, so they can both be encoded at the same time and avoid paying twice, should I discover how to get the 40 digit remote code later. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks, Rudy --------------------------------- '01 Arctic Silver/Black C2 Cabriolet '03 Silver F-150 Supercrew

The code should come with the new key, on a tag attached with a string. On the tag, there's a bar code with a series of numbers under it. I've heard of many people who buy blank key remotes from independent places like ebay, without the tag, and they can't program them to work. I'm thinking, if you didn't get the code with the key initially....it's gonna be tough getting it now. I paid $285 for the key from the dealer, and an additional half hour labor to program.

Quotes source post: 6032251

Cosmos, Thanks - that's pretty much what the Pioneer guy said. I did order the blank from Suncoast, so I guess that's third party - but if I were to order the key from the dealer, where would they get the code from? Would they get it based on the VIN? Isn't that the only unique identifier associated with the car? I don't know much about this stuff, but I gotta believe the code is recoverable somewhere... I do appreciate the comment! Rudy -------------------------------- '01 Arctic Silver/Black C2 Cabriolet '03 Silver F-150 Supercrew

Nope, the code for the key has nothing to do with the vehicle's VIN# The code is unique to the key itself. I'm not sure about the details, but this is what I think: When you buy a new key remote, it comes with the tag with the original code on it. This code will be used to initially program the key (All available keys need to be programmed together). I think after this first time, subsequent reprogramming does not require the code. I would think your best bet now is to ask Suncoast for the code. I don't know if they are able to trace it, since the key has already been shipped out to you. They might...I dunno. Maybe someone who knows more could give some advice?