My remote control fob 99361825902 with the separate key works fine.

My second key is a switchblade remote that I never use. I just put in a fresh battery. The remote didn't light or activate anything on the car. Does anyone refurb these boards or is it advisable to start with a new, non-switchblade fob (i.e., 99361825902), buy a separate key cap and transfer the switchblade key?

Assuming a new remote is the preferred route, a genuine Porsche one ranges from about $275-$380 depending on the source. Another option seems to be the $150 ECU Doctors remote with a lithium button battery rather than the A23 alkaline battery used in the original fobs. There was chatter about the ECU remote 3-4 years ago but not much since. Does anyone have experience with or recommendations about the ECU Doctors remote or know why it wouldn't be equivalent to a Porsche remote?

 

Dumb question - are you sure the battery is actually good?

I recently did the same thing. Back up switchblade didn't work with new battery. Another "new" battery and it worked fine.

/

 

Not dumb; I've had similar experiences with DOA batteries and other things. This week I bought two new A23s with a 3/25 expiration. When the first one didn't work in the switchblade, I swapped it for the battery in my other fob that I have been using regularly. Neither battery triggered any action in the switchblade. Both worked in my other remote.

 

The FOB is pretty reliable and it's unusual for the LED not to light. Before giving up on it, give the battery contacts a good cleaning (even if they look clean), make sure they're snug to the battery and retest. Could be the PB switch. Can you feel it actuating?

 

Hi Jim,
Is there a reason the unused switchblade remote may have become unpaired to your car? Say the alarm/immobilizer was worked on and only the one fob was on hand to pair to the system.
Also if the fob battery is a little weak or its contact prongs are a little dirty the status light on the fob will illuminate but the fob may fail to work. Try to buy a fresh battery first and clean the prongs, Be aware some new batteries of this style may have sat on a shelf for years at a store so try to buy a fresh one or test the new battery with a volt meter once you have it in your hands.
In any event, the circuit board is the same size in both the switchblade and the 944 style separate key fob housing so you can use the original housing if you like. ECU Doctors makes an exact replacement fob with a compatibly shaped board and programs the same way as the original for less than the dealer part. It is improved and updated to use a modern button battery and has fewer components.
https://www.ecudoctors.com/products/...ry-99361825902

Also here is my page on how to program fobs:
https://993servicerepair.blogspot.co...ming-made.html

Have a great weekend,
Andy

 

If the cleaning doesn't work, see if the light comes on when you jumper around the switch:

 

Thank you, Jay. Even though the contacts looked fine, I should have touched them up with emery cloth first and didn't. That was all it took.

Andy, thank you for confirming my thoughts about the ECU Doctors remote. This little exercise is the incentive I need to finally replace the switchblade remote. With the board working properly, buying a non-switchblade housing and key cap seems to be a low cost, effective solution.

 

Yeah! Google search "Porsche Key FOB cover" lots out there for $10.

 

My switchblade was broken on my extra key. Missing spring. I bought a replacement aftermarket fob on eBay that just transferred the circuit board from the switchblade. I also bought a lighted key head and transferred the actual metal key to it. About $50 all in

 

Fyi: if you buy a fob from an eBay seller, ensure that you are buying the US frequency.

 

Jim, from a fellow Pennsylvanian, consider buying a fob and a lighted keyhead. Your existing key stalk fits in the lighted keyhead. Sources: Porsche, Pelican or ECU.
I hope this information proves helpful.

 

My original switchblade recently failed, didn’t work with new battery. I replaced with the ecu doctors remote, works great. Only downside with mine is that range is less compared with the original spare remote

 

Thank you Twilight. After I cleaned the contacts last night and saw the board in the switchblade still worked, I don't need a complete fob. Instead, I will extract the switchblade key, mate it with a new lighted keyhead and transfer the board/battery to a new, smaller fob.

 

Yes, the remote can be repaired. In some cases, it's an easier process than buying a new one and having to code it to the immobilizer, especially when having a bad ignition switch.
Once an original Porsche remote is fully repaired, it should have a range of about 15-20 feet.

 

This thread was a big help. I had a old FOB I gave up on but after reading here, decided to try cleaning the contacts and unbelievably, it came back to life. RL at it’s best!