Key stopped working?

Has one of your key-remotes stopped working? - Mine did only a few weeks after taking delivery; I just stopped using it and started using the other key... but today, several weeks later I tried to figure out why it stopped working. So, the most typical reason this happens is that the battery runs out. So I replaced the battery , to do this, pull the key apart from the front seam or use a sharp knife to separate the fob and the battery is exposed. It's a CR2032 , replace it and your key should start working. Well, mine did not... and as it turns out, many of yours may not because there is a TSB on this. Apparently, the key fobs lose their synchronization if the buttons are "frequently inadvertently pressed outside the radio range of the vehicle." Well, it's really Porsche's fault for making the buttons so easy to press while the keys are in pockets. To solve this you need to perform the key "handover procedure." This same process needs to be done if you get a replacement key fob, not just for your new fob but for all preexisting fobs as well. To save you a trip to the dealer, here is how you do it: "Insert the key into the ignition lock and turn the ignition on. Then press the remote button until the blinking frequency rate of the central locking switch in the dashboard changes. Remove the key from the ignition lock and test function." Hopefully this will save some of you a trip to the dealer as it did me. - Suneet

About a week ago I went to get something out of my 08 CS after not driving it for about a week. The key remote did not unlock the doors or hatches, so I had to use it as an actual key (!) to open the door. After starting the car (I wanted to make sure the battery was ok), the key remote began to work fine from that point on. I didn't do any special key presses as described in the previous post. How weird is that?

HMB-croc, What you are describing is another 'feature' of the Cayman ; after a few days of no access the car shuts off some convenience features to preserve enough battery power to start-up and one of these is the remote receiver for the key fobs. - Suneet

There may be some other things like this that you don't know about. Take a look in the FAQs here: The Cayman Club - FAQ: Miscellaneous See key for your issue. Porsches can be different than what you are used to so a little reading can help.

This worked for me, but the central locking light never blinked. base 2007 cayman , and wife's key that is accidentally pressed in purse had stopped working.

One of my keys also stopped working soon after I took delivery and left it with the dealer to fix that and something else. They charged me $5 and change for a new key battery . I wonder if they ripped me off... Hummmmm

Omg thank you for this little guide. My key stopped working today, replaced the battery , and no luck still. You saved me a trip to the dealership. Thank you

I could be wrong but I think this procedure is in the manual too

That's what the site is all about, people helping other people! :kiss:

Any other ideas? I recently replaced the battery and now I have two fobs that aren't working. Both light up so I know the batteries are good, and both were working before the swap so I know it's not a key issue. The car is recognizing key 1 vs key 2 and the alarm kicks in as per expected. I have a 2007 Cayman S and I read that the center lock light may not blink when you run the procedure. I think I've tried every combination of putting the key in the ignition and pressing button 1 (lock / unlock), now I'm wondering if there's a reset procedure. I've read the manual and can't really find anything.

That did the trick suneet ! I thought my key battery died and just as you did, grabbed my 2nd set of keys. Figured I'd do a search and came up with your tutorial. Thanks much, saved me having to search for a battery replacement I didn't need. As for those easily depressed buttons that go off when you put them in your pocket. Annoying. I'm now in the bad habit of carrying my keys in my hand till I'm very far away from my car.

Thank you, Suneet! The only difference from your directions was that I only had to place the key in the ignition. When I turned it on, the method didn't work. I noticed that when I put the key in the ignition, the car knew which key it was, so I just pushed the "lock" button, immediate flicker on the dash, voila!

Wow. I had the same problem with the keys for my 2007 CS. Inserted the key. Turned key to turn on and pressed the lock button. That was it. Never noticed any flicker. Re programmed both keys in this manner. Thanks suneet for the information. Daytona.

Hi, I had a similar problem and after reading this blog here is what worked for me: GET INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND SHUT THE DOOR THEN INSERT THE KEY WITH THE PORSCHE LOGO FACED TO THE LEFT SIDE AND THEN PRESS THE OPEN/CLOSE BOTTOM UNTIL THE RED LIGHT IN THE CENTER OF THE DASHBOARD ABOVE THE RADIO BLINKS THEN REMOVE THE KEY AND TRY IT ! IT WORKED FOR ME AND SAVED ME A UNWELCOME TRIP TO THE DEALER Cheers

Another Key Question: I have a 2005 Boxster 987.1 - new owner.... only 6000 miles on the car. My key worked a few weeks ago, now it does not remotely open the doors or either trunk or frunk lids. I have replaced the wafer battery ( LED lights when any button is pressed). I have tried all of the suggestions on this forum and others to re-learn, resync etc. The car starts just fine with either key. I have two keys, but the other was never used and didn't work either. Some have said the IC board goes bad over time (i have an electronics background and don't quite get that)? I wanted to test the key (and RFI pill) without small IC board removed to see if the car would still start - I pulled the board. The cars starts without the board installed in the key fob. Apparently there is no interface between the IC board and RFI. Apparently the board only controls the remote functions. So, are there any sources for a new board or other suggestions? I saw an IC board on ebay, but it's probably just as old as mine. Also... it's strange that I can't get either key fob to perform any remote functions. I also disconnected the 12V main battery . I let the car sit over night and reconnected. This did not fix the problem either.

Having the same issue with my 2008 backup key. It sat in a drawer for many years. Put a new battery in the key fob but it still doesn't open the doors, frunk or trunk. Starts car just fine after opening with the key. But if you don't start the car, the alarm will go off in a minute or so. Tried all the procedures mentioned in this thread to no avail. Hoping someone has another solution because the ones already listed aren't working. And it's not the feature that deactivates key fobs after a week or so. i drive the car regularly with the other key fob which works fine.

Anyone try this with a used key? I bought my car with only one key and was looking into buying another one off eBay that is used. Looking to see if anyone has had success with this process. Thanks. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

It won't work. See: Spare key

I just took delivery of my first Porsche (Boxster S 987) today, and was POed because the key fob wasn't working. This solution worked perfectly for me once I figured out that you need to actually hold the key in the "start" position while pushing the botton. The center button didn't blink for me, but it DID get the car to respond to fob once more. Thank you so much for sharing this!

Glad to see your first visit to Planet-9 helped you out. That's what we're here for. When you get a chance - please visit New Member Introductions - and post some photos of your car and perhaps tell us a bit about yourself. We're a friendly group here and knowing each other a bit helps keep it that way. Welcome to Planet-9, the Friendly Porsche Forum!