Airflite40

I have seen have porsche 928 keys that have a red keyhead. Why? I searched the archives on all forums and came up with little to no info. Why are some red and some black?

SMTCapeCod

I think one is a valet key.
And then the lengths are for the cars with (long key) versus without (shorter key) the alarm.
My car came with a red short one that operates the ignition (only) and a black one that operates all locks and the gas cap (only).

Airflite40

So the red key allows the valet to drive the car, but not lock it or unlock it?

Jim bailey - 928 International

I think the "logic" was they could not arm and disarm the alarm so if the Valet , parking attendant , repair shop employee , detailer duplicated the key and later went to your home to steal the car ( having read your address from your registration ) the alarm would still protect the car...

Tenshieternal

Speaking of keys and locks and this may seem like a dumb question but, how are the door power locks electronically activated when you turn the key in the lock? And do they have a separate relay?


Angelo
'82 Platinum 5spd
'84 Silver Koenig AT (STB 5spd)

kary4th

I don't have a factory alarm. I have two red keys (one for doors, one for ignition and trunk) and a black key that used to have a light in it. This key works the ignition (and I would presume the trunk as well).

Jim bailey - 928 International

Kary only your ignition lock key is original the other locks have been changed as they broke over time. When new one key did everything.

PorKen

It's the only key that works for the gas cap* on alarm cars*.

I was so happy to find the red key when I took out the driver's seat while doing the first cleanup after buying. Which reminds me, isn't the first vacuum and cleaning job the best? You're cleansing the car of the all the POs, kinda of like revirginization.

*I've found that my red key worked in another 928 gas cap, so there must be fewer pins in the caps.
**Alarm option starts in '80.

Jim bailey - 928 International

from the Owners manual...."Your Porsche comes with two each of the following keys: a - master key for ignition lock ,door locks luggage compartment lock and glove compartment lock. b - auxiliary key for ignition ,door locks and luggage compartment lock. Key light the master key has a built-in flashlight....Anti-theft alarm.....the engine cannot be started while the alarm system is activated. the alarm system is activated when the driver or pasenger dooe is locked with the black key. .....the red key can be used to lock and unlock when activation of the alarm is not neccesary,or when the car is being serviced...the fuel cap can only be unlocked with the red key....

mcholdfast

My long black key works in everything including the gas cap.

michaelathome

Just tried it out. My 1 and ONLY black key will arm the alarm when used on the hatch/trunk and doors. Car is a no start if alarm is sounding. Gas cap doesn't lock using the key. Looks like Jim may be right. Glove box locks w/black key.

Michael

IcemanG17

Hmm
I don't have the factory alarm on mine.....I need to try the gas cap to see if it locks?

Airflite40

my shark came with 3 keys, all black and all work everywhere, except the gas cap which was broken and now replaced. All three keys have the light as well.

bikeboy600

I got my 928 around a month ago. 1980 4.5L, The only key I got with the car was the Red Head one. The key is very smooth, like it has been used a whole lot. Is this normal are the keys "smoother" than say a standard US make car key?

mcholdfast

When I got mine, the key was worn smooth as you describe and shortly after that it became a chore to get it to work in the ignition. A couple of times I thought it was going to leave me stranded but it always worked eventually after working it back and forth. I finally ordered a new one from the dealer using the vin and it worked perfectly. The cuts are much sharper on the new one and it was easy to see why the old one wasn't working as it should.
Also, I just got home and locked the gas cap with my long black key just to be sure I wasn't losing it. Damn, I was hoping I'd have a reason to up my meds.