Replace 996 smart key
#1
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Thread Starter
Replace 996 smart key
Hi All,
Just picked up a sweet '99 996 coupe, but it only has one key. Was looking at the head and blade from Pelican, but I called my local dealer and they said they WILL NOT cut or program a third party key. Called a couple locksmiths and as soon as said Por- they were like NOPE.
From Pelican: Blade (30) + head (160) = $190.00
From dealer: Blade (130) + head (210) = $340; cut/program = $215; all in = $555.00 :-(
Any ideas? Is it worth calling third party shops?
Thanks!
Just picked up a sweet '99 996 coupe, but it only has one key. Was looking at the head and blade from Pelican, but I called my local dealer and they said they WILL NOT cut or program a third party key. Called a couple locksmiths and as soon as said Por- they were like NOPE.
From Pelican: Blade (30) + head (160) = $190.00
From dealer: Blade (130) + head (210) = $340; cut/program = $215; all in = $555.00 :-(
Any ideas? Is it worth calling third party shops?
Thanks!
#3
Drifting
Hi All,
Just picked up a sweet '99 996 coupe, but it only has one key. Was looking at the head and blade from Pelican, but I called my local dealer and they said they WILL NOT cut or program a third party key. Called a couple locksmiths and as soon as said Por- they were like NOPE.
From Pelican: Blade (30) + head (160) = $190.00
From dealer: Blade (130) + head (210) = $340; cut/program = $215; all in = $555.00 :-(
Any ideas? Is it worth calling third party shops?
Thanks!
Just picked up a sweet '99 996 coupe, but it only has one key. Was looking at the head and blade from Pelican, but I called my local dealer and they said they WILL NOT cut or program a third party key. Called a couple locksmiths and as soon as said Por- they were like NOPE.
From Pelican: Blade (30) + head (160) = $190.00
From dealer: Blade (130) + head (210) = $340; cut/program = $215; all in = $555.00 :-(
Any ideas? Is it worth calling third party shops?
Thanks!
The following users liked this post:
Ratchet1025 (07-19-2020)
#4
Two things to clarify: are you seeking a key (start the car) or a remote key head (remotely lock/unlock). These are different as it takes different steps to program each one. Also, when speaking about "third-party", are saying they wont program a Porsche OEM remote purchased from an outside source, or they wont program a remote purchased from XYZ company? I can understand not wanting to program a remote from a different company as this can cause issues, but refusing to program a Porsche OEM key/remote...? I don't understand.. they are making money on the labor...
The following 2 users liked this post by wildbilly32:
paddlefoot64 (07-18-2020),
Ratchet1025 (07-19-2020)
#6
I just purchased a 996 with 1 working key and another that had a new key blank cut and key head. The key would lock and unlock the car but would not start it. A local Porsche dealer programmed the key, not purchased through them, and charged .75 hours labor, about $115 to program to work in the ignition. Important that the bar code on the key head is kept so they can reprogram.
#7
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Thread Starter
Well that gives me hope. Just talked to a tech at Pelican. He said '14 and newer cars have to be programmed or validated by Porsche. I'm just looking to get a dupe key of the one that I have with the push button for door lock/unlock that also works in the ignition. There are a few others dealers I can reach out to, but yes - Loeber Motors in Lincolnwood said they won't cut/program even an OEM key purchased from somewhere else.
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#8
Instructor
I had mine done by a local locksmith for about $150 (including key blank, cutting and programming). I had to have my original key and show proof of ownership and my DL before he would do the work. He spent a while on the phone with a Porsche dealer (he works for them regularly) getting the code he needed to program the key using a Durametric. You may want to check your local classifieds to see if anyone advertises this service.
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Ratchet1025 (07-19-2020)
#10
haha that is defiantly one solution. I have never tried this but does the immobilizer still set and lock the car? I had always thought the car wouldn't lock if it thinks a key is in the ignition, but I could be wrong.
#11
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Thread Starter
Ok - Napleton Westmont Porsche will program a third party supplied key but won’t guarantee it. Porsche dealers no longer cut keys. I’ll have to prove ownership, then they order a key from Atlanta. Once it arrives, they call me to come in and get it programmed for $140. Still should cost me half what the other dealer wanted to charge.
thanks for the help!
thanks for the help!
The following 2 users liked this post by Zuffenhinson:
bill_996 (07-16-2020),
kwright997 (07-16-2020)
#13
Pro
Only the dealer can code the key to properly operate your car, so if you want a fully functional 2nd key, as I did, your only choice is to buy it from your local dealer.
If you only want a key that will lock/unlock the door and start the car, you can just buy the key from your dealer (for about the price you quote above) and just attach it to a plain (non-programmable) cap that they also sell which costs about $35. The part # is 996-538-423-01.
You can save a little $ on the cap buying an aftermarket one but there's not that much difference in cost from buying the blank from the dealer than buying it and then having cut by a 3rd party but it's a lot less trouble if you buy it from the dealer, and you'll for sure that it's the right key for your car.
So, that's the way I'd go, if I just wanted an extra key w/o the remote. In fact, that's initially what I was going to do until I realized that I really needed/wanted a fully functional 2nd key.
Last edited by sgt1372; 07-17-2020 at 03:46 PM.
#14
I wanted a fully functional second key with remote, and I can confirm that's a dealer-only exercise. It was about $500, all in, so that quote is accurate. A steep price to pay, but I like the peace of mind.
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Ratchet1025 (07-19-2020)
#15
I’ve had a valet type key made (unlocks, starts car, has no remote). My locksmith made it and programmed it. Currently, he can’t program the remote heads, but plans to buy equipment for that in future. I’ve used keysinthepost.com and they made me a blade from photo that is perfect. I will order remote head from Suncoast and have locksmith program pill and head. Still costly, but saves some.
Ask local Indy who they recommend for keys. That’s how I found my locksmith.
Ask local Indy who they recommend for keys. That’s how I found my locksmith.
The following users liked this post:
Ratchet1025 (07-19-2020)