[Barryng]

IMO, it is essential to have a third key FOB so it is possible to start the car in the case the usually used FOB is inadvertently lost. Since wallet keys that will start the car are no longer provided, I have been buying an extra (third) FOB for each of my cars and keep it well separated from the one in my pocket so it is unlikely both will be inadvertently lost at the same time. I am frequently away from home with only the one FOB in my pocket as the second FOB resides in the abyss of my GFs bag and she is not always away with me.

For both my BMW X3s, the BMW dealer wanted $225 (in addition to the $325 cost of the new FOB) to program a new FOB. It turns out a new BMW FOB can be easily programmed by simply holding it adjacent to the appropriate spot on the steering column (with an already programmed FOB in the car) and just starting the car. The dealer's "required" charges for computer programming are unnecessary.

So, now I have my new Boxster and need to buy a third FOB. No matter what, I am going to have to buy this FOB through the parts department ($474) and that is expected. Nevertheless, it would be nice to avoid the $160 to $180 the dealer insists is also necessary to program it (plus a 150 mile round trip to the dealer just to do this).

I want to be sure the new Porsche FOB must be programmed using the dealer's computer before I spend even more for the large bottle of Vaseline that will also be required if the dealer has to do this.

 

[Barryng]

Just talked to a trusted and established local independent shop. Up until recently, they or a dealer could program a new key FOB using local software but Porsche recently changed the procedure. Apparently, only a dealer can now do it and all the dealer essentially does is just connect the car to their computer. Their computer then connects the vehicle to a Porsche Germany based server and all security information etc. needed to verify the FOB and activation is done directly between the car and Germany. I was told the forms, previously filled out with all the verifying security information, are no longer used.

I also learned, an established local shop, with a connection to a local dealership, is much less expensive than going to the dealer. The parts man at my selling dealer told me a new FOB would cost $474.90 and activation another $160-$180. I am saving over $200 using the local independent shop that also will arrange an appointment with a nearby dealership to activate it. They told me the actual process takes no more than 35 minutes.

 

[alanhats20]

i get an extra emergency door key, Cheap.
Keep it in my wallet
I keep the other key fob in the car with the battery out

Have this with two P cars
It has saved me

 

[718isPorsche#1]

I read in the owners manual that you can remover the area around where the fob goes in then use the key. Have to find it again. Can they make a key like the one in the fob? If so it could be on a key chain with house keys. If I remember it was in the section about what to do if you have a dead battery.

 

[alanhats20]

U canorder the key fro the dealer
It does not have any programming involved

 

[wizard263789]

Key fob programming can be done by an independent with PIWIS III access and a Porsche contract (we do it for customers) right up to the latest models. This connection to the Porsche servers for key fob programming has been in place from 981/991 upwards.

Unfortunately, there are just not that many independents with the later diagnostic tools.....

Just talked to a trusted and established local independent shop. Up until recently, they or a dealer could program a new key FOB using local software but Porsche recently changed the procedure. Apparently, only a dealer can now do it and all the dealer essentially does is just connect the car to their computer. Their computer then connects the vehicle to a Porsche Germany based server and all security information etc. needed to verify the FOB and activation is done directly between the car and Germany. I was told the forms, previously filled out with all the verifying security information, are no longer used.

I also learned, an established local shop, with a connection to a local dealership, is much less expensive than going to the dealer. The parts man at my selling dealer told me a new FOB would cost $474.90 and activation another $160-$180. I am saving over $200 using the local independent shop that also will arrange an appointment with a nearby dealership to activate it. They told me the actual process takes no more than 35 minutes.

 

[alanhats20]

Just talked to a trusted and established local independent shop. Up until recently, they or a dealer could program a new key FOB using local software but Porsche recently changed the procedure. Apparently, only a dealer can now do it and all the dealer essentially does is just connect the car to their computer. Their computer then connects the vehicle to a Porsche Germany based server and all security information etc. needed to verify the FOB and activation is done directly between the car and Germany. I was told the forms, previously filled out with all the verifying security information, are no longer used.

I also learned, an established local shop, with a connection to a local dealership, is much less expensive than going to the dealer. The parts man at my selling dealer told me a new FOB would cost $474.90 and activation another $160-$180. I am saving over $200 using the local independent shop that also will arrange an appointment with a nearby dealership to activate it. They told me the actual process takes no more than 35 minutes.

Just buy the sword
put the e tra key in the glove box with the battery out
put the sword in UR wallet
save $500

 

[wizard263789]

Not sure what the status is for the US but in Europe this can be done by a Porsche contracted Independent with access to PIWIS III. We code keys relatively frequently for customers. Procedure is as Barrng describes below.

Just talked to a trusted and established local independent shop. Up until recently, they or a dealer could program a new key FOB using local software but Porsche recently changed the procedure. Apparently, only a dealer can now do it and all the dealer essentially does is just connect the car to their computer. Their computer then connects the vehicle to a Porsche Germany based server and all security information etc. needed to verify the FOB and activation is done directly between the car and Germany. I was told the forms, previously filled out with all the verifying security information, are no longer used.

I also learned, an established local shop, with a connection to a local dealership, is much less expensive than going to the dealer. The parts man at my selling dealer told me a new FOB would cost $474.90 and activation another $160-$180. I am saving over $200 using the local independent shop that also will arrange an appointment with a nearby dealership to activate it. They told me the actual process takes no more than 35 minutes.