996 Key works intermittently
 

My 03 996 had just one key plus the valet key when i purchased it. i now find that it will only intermittently lock or unlock the doors. Range is poor, too. (yes, i have changed the battery...) Any suggestions? it will work manually, then i need to get the key in the ignition in 10 seconds, which really frosts my wife. (Hmph! Porsche!?) Thanks for any help. Scott.

You need another key remote. To be safe buy another key and 2 key heads.

Could be nothing or could be the remote sensor on the car. Try this first as it helped me on my '03 boxster once:
Flip the battery in the remote upside down and let it sit for a minute or so. Then put it back in right and see if it "resets" and squirrliness between the two components.

GL

Well, i like the idea of flipping the battery for lots of reasons, but it didn't work. So i'm left with Matt's suggestion, but a couple more q's:
1) how do i know if the problem is in the key (the sender) or in the car (the receiver)? @2) If it's the sender, then i can buy a sender online from ebay for $160, and presumably the dealer can reprogram. Is that right?
3) if it's the reciever, is that hard to replace/ does it need to be programmed? i saw one of those on ebay, too, used for $25.
4) Matt, why buy another key and two heads? why not just a new sending head

Sorry to string this out, but the dealer is pretty expensive on this stuff.

Be careful buying a key fob off ebay. You must have the remote and transponder codes (usually printed on a tag attached to a new fob) in order for the dealer to program your car to accept it. Without the codes, it is useless.

Here is a good place to get replacement fobs:

http://www.suncoastparts.com/category/996keys.html

Thanks Jeff. that's the same price as i saw quoted on Ebay, so better to buy from Suncoast.

i still don't know if it's the key or the receiver. any thoughts?

I just added an aftermarket remote keyless entry system. Adds a little key fob, but cheaper than replacement keys and range is way better than OEM. You can even have it pop your trunk.

Thanks Vu, where did you get it, and what mfgr? did you install yourself? scott

Does the indicator light up on the remote? Mine periodically stops working (despite a new battery). I've found that a quick spray with electrical contact cleaner (on the electronics of the key) works brilliantly and the key comes back to life.

yup, the key light comes on but even so, that's the $10 solution and you can always use the stuff. i'll give it a try. thanks