[Nashunt]

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.

[matt de maria]

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

[joep]

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

[Nashunt]

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.

[hoophead]

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

[Nashunt]

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?

[87turbolook911]

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.

[Nashunt]

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

[gottspd]

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.

[Nashunt]

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