I have a 99 996 that is out of warranty and the keyless entry system is very inconsistent. Sometimes it works, other times it doesnt. Where is the best place to point the key when trying to unlock with the button? also, if this system needs to be reset, how much is it going to cost, and can it only be done at a dealer?

Any info is greatly appreciated.
Ash996

 

Try your other key and see if there is a difference. And, if you have not already done so, replace the battery in the key head. Jeff

 

Are you aware that if the vehicle isn't driven for several days (5?) the remote system shuts down to conserve the battery?

Simply driving the car reactivates.

Key battery is certainly highly probable.

 

willwest is correct, you have to use the key to manually open the door ( the old fashioned way ) and then as soon as you start the car, the system reverts back to normal

 

Thanks guys, but it isnt the five days thing as I drive it more frequently than that. What kind of range are you seeing on your keys? Mine doesnt seem to work unless I am very close to the car. I also try pointing it at that infra red sensor on the dash, but that doesnt seem to do anything. I will try to replace the battery and see if that improves performance.

Ash

 

The remote is RF wireless not IR.

 

I have seen it said here that the key needs to be "reset" when you change the battery (see your dealer). Better check the manual before you pull the keyhead open.

 

Ash:

The range in the keys is not that great. My BMW has a range of 30 feet, but the Porsche is only a few feet.

I had the same trouble mentioned in your post with one of my key heads. I took the key apart and found that one of the terminals of the microswitch had broken where it was soldered on the PCB. Too many cycles I guess. I resoldered the terminal and the intermittent problem went away. The range was no better. I had the battery out for about 30 minutes while resoldering the microswitch and the key head did not require reprogramming. A new key head is over $100, so I figured I had nothing to lose by trying to fix the old one...

 

The range is not that great but that's not a real issue with me. As long as the car gets un-locked when I'm two feet away then I'm satisfied.

 

Thanks all to replied, I wanted to make sure that my car's behavior (range) was not out of the ordinary and something that needed to get checked out. I have also opened the key head before and closed it and not noticed any difference in the performance (I didnt need to get anything reset by my dealer). I will check for any dirty or loose connections. I will also replace the battery, but the red light on the key works fine. Is there a certain area to point the key at that produces better reults?

Ashraf

 

I'm pretty sure the RF antenna in the key is not directional.

 

I have a similar problem, but only in certain parking lots. Most anywhere the remote has a range of about 25-30 ft, but in the parking lot of the local Lowes I have to hold the key with the shaft straight up next to the driver's window to get it to work. I just chalk it up to some RF interference in that area.