I lost one of my Porsche keys. The one that was in good shape and rarely used (of course). The other one is being held together with scotch tape as I have dropped it so often that the case has nearly disintegrated. Doing a forum search I see that Suncoast sells replacement shells for 997.2 keys that appear more robust than the cheap (but not inexpensive) 997.1 keys. Has anyone done a transplant of the "guts" of the 997.1 key into the 997.2 shell? here's a link to the Suncoast item: http://www.suncoastparts.com/product//BLKKH2.html

My concern is their disclaimer that "In some cases, you may be able to transfer over your current "key guts" to the new key housing."

In "some" cases?

 

Nie find!

For $145, and no returns, they should be able to tell you the deal. I'd give them a call.

 

the anatomy of the key is very interesting- dropped mine once it split and i reassembled it- car wouldnt start- spent 20 minutes on my hands and knees with a flashlight to find that small black unassuming piece of plastic that is the chip. Without that chip your expensive toy is useless. Glad I wasnt parked on gravel!! Needless to say I crazyglued that sucker back in.

 

Keys are one of those things that the manufacturer should be glad to help you with... Instead it's like they've got you just where they want so they can screw with ya. Lost a key fob for an F-150 once and couldn't believe the hoops I had to jump through to get another key made by Ford...
What's the going rate for a Porsche key? $600.?? $700.???

What a shame..

 

I paid $320 at the Porsche Dealer for a replacement with cutting the new key and programming.

 

I think the disclaimer is meant for buyer's skill level not whether or not the "gut's will fit. Not only do you have to transfer the remote electronics but you have to find the transponder chip and R&R it. If you have watch repair skills, you might be able to do it. So you could buy the head for $145, R&R your key blade (watch out for the holding spring when you install the blade) then go to the P-dealer and have them reprogram - not an inexpensive proposition. Good luck.

 

Why would it need to be reprogrammed if you are reusing the key electronics?

 

I thought your post said you lost the key. Did you lose the key but somehow retain the electronics inside?

 

Sorry I meant that I lost the second key that was in excellent condition. "Murphy's law" or corollary or something like that. The one remaining key has all the electronics (which appear to reside in a single rubber enclosure as a small circuit board). The remaining key, however, has a broken shell which, currently is held together with scotch tape. After awhile the case gets torqued and the battery becomes loose and I have to hobble it together once again. Not to mention the embarressment of turning over an 80 K car to an indy for an oil change and hand him a key held together with string and sealing wax.

Anyway my question is whether the 997.1 key innards will fit inside the 997.2 case and have the buttons match up on the outside with the circuit board on the inside.

I think I'll just order it and post the results.

 

I was wondering how the blade is held in place. That's one thing that doesn't fall out when the key is dropped and comes apart. Is there a diagram or tutorial on how the blade is secured to the case?

 

It should work out well for you. Some have said the key for the .2 version is nicer in that it doesn't consistently open the frunk by accident. Interested to hear the result.

 

The transponder device is difficult to remove and if you can then you shouldn't need ny reprogramming. There is a DYI somewhere showing detailed pics - I'll see if I can find it. The blade lock is unique - you'll see a notch on the key blade - it slides into the base of remote fob and there's a spring loaded piece of plastic that locks it into place. Shouldn't be a problem with good eyes and a steady hand. I had the spring pop out and found both the spring and locking piece only to have them pop out again. Finally resorted to superglue to hold the plastic lock in place - never found the spring again - blade is now locked in forever.

 

Thanks. I'll give you an update after I get it.

 

I have tried and failed to remove the transponder. My vocation affords me all the neat little tools under the sun to get into small spaces and I just could not get that little black rod out of the key housing. It is very well attached! I ended up having to go the new, expensive route. Just my experience. Good Luck!!

 

I changed to the new 997.2 key and I think it is much nicer. Feels better and looks better. I bought from suncoast and took to dealer to be programed. talked to people who had tried to change guts but ended up breaking it so just bit the bullet and took it in. Cost me 1/2 hr of labor. Do it, you'll like it.
Remember to take all your keys in and tell them to make the new key #1. Also the programs need to be programed for new key (door locks locking when car moves etc) I had to go back to get that done. Good luck!