987 Boxster Remote Key Range

Searched around but can't see this happening on any 987. I have a 07 Boxster , original Key fob (grey) and the a newer one (black), both unable to lock, unlock, or operate trunks unless it's pressed right beside the driver side door at waist height which is very annoying. I know there was a recall on the 986s about remote range, some rework is necessary by opening the A-pillar cover and take out the antenna. I opened up my A-pillar but cannot find the antenna there, anyone know if it's stored somewhere else for the 987s? Or the range problem belongs to something else, I tried new battery but zero improvement. Appreciate any input.

Did you ever figure this out? I'm having the same issue. Some days I can pop the trunk from 25 yards, others days i have to be standing beside the driver or passenger door. Agree it is not battery .

Found the following instructions for removing/installing the antenna control module. It appears to be in the center console behind the radio and HVAC controls. Have not messed with mine yet. Maybe loose connection. Porsche Workshop Manuals > Boxster (987) F6-2.7L (2006) > Relays and Modules > Relays and Modules - Accessories and Optional Equipment > Antenna Control Module > Component Information > Service and Repair

I have found my key fob's to be inordinately sensitive to battery choice within the fob. Off brand made in China batteries do not seem to make for a happy key fob. Name brand Duracell 's seem to make the fobs happier in my experience and offer more range.

I also have this problem can anyone take a picture of that antenna? I remember that the dealer told me that it is located at the A pillar.

Try touching the key to the tip your nose when operating to increase the range. Seriously.

Interesting observation balpo...I popped the lid of my troublesome key and had a Rayovac battery intalled...part of a 3-pack I think I bought from Walmart some time back. Will try to track down a name brand battery and give it a go. Thanks. olivertan...if you open the link I included above, you'll see where the antenna module is located and what it looks like.

Bought some Duracell batteries over the weekend and so far, the remote is working perfectly. Thanks balpo!

I suddenly lost the normal range (~30’) on both of my boxster 987 key remotes, and had to be up to the driver’s door for them to work. I wasted so much time searching the internet for an answer and finally figured it out... The car had just come out of winter storage and had the car batter reconnected. That’s what threw me off in the beginning. But I thought it was strange that both remotes would die at the same time, and figured it must be a problem on the car side, not the key side. I put fresh batteries in both remotes just to be sure since it was cheap and easy. It didn’t solve the problem. Then I realized that I had mounted a new wireless charging cellphone holder on the dash the day I took it out of storage. I’ve always had a charging phone holder there that was plugged in using a long cord to the socket inside the armrest. The cord was tucked in to keep it hidden. The new charging mount required a different type plug . The new cord I had was too short to run all the way to the armrest so I plugged it into the socket on the side of the passenger foot well. And THAT was the problem. I suspect the phone charger was drawing power away from the antennae controller and reduced the range down to nothing. As soon as I unplugged the charger I was back to normal distances. Plug it back in and immediately go back to none. A longer cord to the socket in the armrest and life is good again.

This is an old thread, but I wanted to add my fix to this same issue, as Google shows this thread as a top hit. My battery had died, and I replaced it with a name brand (to avoid what some had said it being susceptible to cheap alternatives). The range was still an issue; I worked periodically and could not figure out WHAT was going on. FM Bluetooth Transmitter!!!! The 12v power supplies are always on, and when the transmitter is plugged in, the RF is interfering with the key. Lower frequencies are less problematic, but still the same issues. The Fix: 1: rewire one of the outlets to a switched circuit or 2: Wire a low voltage cutout switch inline with a plug. at 12.5v (or lower) it kills the power to the plug. At 13.5v (car running) switch closes and the RF transmitter works.