Chalt

This is likely off topic, unless newer 944's/968's had keys with a chip (immobilizer) in them?

Anyway, my '86 944 has a regular old key, no electronicals in it.

So, OT:

I have a '06 Civic Si and an '08 Civic EX-L. The '08 only came with one key. Bought blanks on ebay. The DIY methods of programming didn't work, although it has worked for some folks, as seen on youtube. Browsing forums, I heard mention of an "SBB Key Programmer" that can program a key through OBD port from the ECU. Got two questions:

1) Anyone familiar with these tools? If so, what do you know about them? Any advice?

2) Do any Porsches use the chips in the keys? (newer models I am guessing) ----- if so, has anyone here reprogrammed a key without going to the dealer? Was it difficult? How much do chipped Porsche keys cost to get replaced at the dealer?

PS: Dealer charges about $300 for a new key, locksmith charges $235 per key. I would rather buy a tool than be a the dealer's tool.

931guru

No 944 or 968 or 924 key had a chip in it. Seventies and Eighties technology, man. They were still using carburetors on a lot of cars.

If you have a car with an immobilizer and need to replace keys, prepare to be the dealer's beetch.

Jay Wellwood

Newer cars have the chip.

Related story-

My '09 Cayenne has a chip built into the keyfob. Original keyfob started to eat batteries like popcorn, so ordered another keyfob from Porsche (ordered mine from Sonnen as they are the lowest price on anything new from Porsche). Had to provide VIN and proof of ownership before they would process the order.

Key arrives ~2 weeks later. Confirmed it fits the locks/ignition, but without programming it will not operate anything electronically on the Cayenne. Only option is to take the new keyfob to the local dealership to have programmed. Charged 1/2 hour of labor to complete. Had spoken to an independent here in the ATL area who used to work at one of the local Porsche dealerships - he indicated the programming was only available at the Porsche dealerships with no known outside sources available.

YMMV

Chalt

So did they charge more than the Honda dealer does for programming? Honda charges $91 per key and $90 additional to program it. Was going to get an extra key for a VW new beetle we had and VW wanted almost $400 for a new programmed key.

Jay Wellwood

My local dealer charged $65 to program the key.

New key cost $260.

Mauricewhite

My key cost is $150 and i have got it from an expert that works with 24 7 locksmith near me.

thomasmryan

My experience involved 30/key but one should do all the keys. This is on a mid-00 Subaru but the point is to purge the stack if unused IDs

Perry 951

I run a very busy independent shop that works on all makes and models and program several dozen keys each year. Some manufacturers allow an "add a key" function through a series of ignition cycles and button presses. There is a limit to the number of programmed keys so if the process fails, it might need to be cleared and the master/slave key reset. (all programming requires 2 keys).

Honda/Acura is a little tricky depending on what version of the immobilizer is on the vehicle. If the add-a-key method did not take, It may require J2534 pass through programming and a seat licence for security access. Buying a tool and a programming subscription will cost you more than having the dealer do it.. unless you need to program a bunch of keys all at once.