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How to: Fix or upgrade a 987 key


Elliot_holder

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Been meaning to write up a how to guide, and eventually found some time. Hopefully this helps those looking to either upgrade or fix broken keys

I facilitated a Group Buy of key shells over on 911UK and do have a few left, so if anyone is interested please give me a shout. Given I've now upgraded both my keys, I wont have use for any more.


Step 1 - Open key shell using your fingernail at the base of the key blade.

02OpenKeyShells_zps17c176a3.jpg

The new key shell doesnt have the battery terminals, battery, transponder or the circuit board with micro-switches. These all need to be switched across using the following steps.


Step 2 - Remove the key blade by sliding back the spring loaded lock mechanism using your fingernail. (careful it doesnt spring loose). At the same time wiggle the blade and pull till it comes free.

04RemoveKeyBlade_zps8db2eea8.jpg

Step 3- Next, remove the battery by prying it up using a small flat head screwdriver or fingernail.

Once the battery is out, remove the battery terminals, you will need to reuse them in the new key shell. BE CAREFUL WHEN REMOVING, THESE ARE FRAGILE

The negative battery terminal is secured on a little plastic "post" and is easy to remove by inserting your small flat head screwdriver under the post and prying up. Do the same on the other side of the post so you don't bend the metal tabs on the terminal.

The positive battery terminal is more challenging, especially if you try and pull it from the top. The metal is too delicate and can bend out of shape. Instead, insert a flat head screwdriver under the terminal from the front, and use that to push the terminal up and out of its slot.

05RemoveBatteryTerminals_zps29dedd24.jpg

Step 4 - Removing the transponder is the hardest part, because (on the 997.1) it is glued in place. Note that your new key will not work without the transponder, so you must remove it, and you must be careful not to damage it.

Also worth flagging that dependant on how careful/destructive you are, it may result in you destroying your original key. To make removal easier you can try softening the adhesive around the transponder with some appropriate solvent or glue softener.

I used a small stanley blade to cut the plastic around the transponder. Once I made cuts into the plastic on the left and right of the transponder, I used a pair of needle nosed pliers and tweasers to bend the original plastic key shell. Then I had enough space to use the blade to score the glue and pry out the transponder.

07TransponderExtracted_zps01101ce6.jpg


Step 5 - Now that you have all of the parts out, begin to assemble the new key shell.

Key Blade
Insert the original key blade into the new key shell, reversing the same motion you used to extract it. Push it in hard till it clicks in place.

Battery Terminals
Replace the battery terminals. These may be a little loose in the new key shell, so I used a pair of needle nose pliers to flatten the tabs. These tabs "bite" into the plastic post to keep them secure so its important they fit snugly.


Transponder
Do not forget to place the original transponder into the plastic shell. The transponder is critical if you want your car to start. You will notice that the curved side of the transponder should face down and towards the key blade. The flat edge of the transponder will be at the top. There is not necessarily any need to apply any glue, but it can't hurt and keeps it in place.

Battery
Insert the original battery into the new key shell. The flat (positive) terminal should face up.

09InsertBatteryandCircuitBoard_zpsac4d3d

Circuit Board
Place the new rubber part into the key shell face plate (the side with buttons). Then take the original circuit board and fit that into the rubber part.


Now firmly close the key shell case.


Finally, drive your Porsche with your shiny new key!!

12FinishedKeyShellButtonSide_zps4368cf6d

12FinishedKeyShellEmblemSide_zpsa97b9f75

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  • 9 months later...

Hi all,

Had a couple of PM's and responses to this thread, but apologies for the slow reply. Been an exceptionally busy few weeks at work on the run up to xmas. Thankfully things have now calmed down a little, and I have a long list of Porsche related bits to do over the xmas break :)

@Topbox - These specific key cases wont work for the 986 as it has a different key design, but same principle apply. Its possible to transfer the internals and replacement key cases are available.

@Tony Daniel - The transponder definitely need securing. I've typically done mine with double sided tape, or with a glue gun. This way its relatively easy to get the transponder out again should the key cases ever need to be changed again.

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