Carpokes Porsche Forum

I was just quoted $750 to replace the key fob for my 2014 Cayman ($600 for the fob and $150 for "programming" it) by the local dealer.

Is there a better deal out there? Does anyone repair key fobs, as they would a phone or computer? When I took apart an older Boxster fob, it was pretty simple inside and the fault (worn-out button rubber) was repairable. I don't think that's the fault with this one, as all buttons fail.

Thanks.

That's expensive! I would think that tops should be $400 or less with some more pricey locales charging as much as $500, including the metal emergency key and programming. If there are other dealers reasonably close I'd certainly ask for a quote from them to get some comps.

I imagine there are aftermarket options for less money but they might be sketchy for newer vehicles, especially Porsches. The likelihood of compatibility and/or programming issues is probably high.

To be clear, I don't know from personal Porsche fob experience so I could be completely wrong. Hopefully, others on Carpokes will have more accurate answers based on what they've been quoted or what they've paid.

Steve_Saunders wrote: Mon Jun 09, 2025 3:04 pm I was just quoted $750 to replace the key fob for my 2014 Cayman ($600 for the fob and $150 for "programming" it) by the local dealer.

Is there a better deal out there? Does anyone repair key fobs, as they would a phone or computer? When I took apart an older Boxster fob, it was pretty simple inside and the fault (worn-out button rubber) was repairable. I don't think that's the fault with this one, as all buttons fail.

Thanks.

Forgive me for asking, but have you tried a new battery?

I have. You are forgiven. This time.

Steve_Saunders wrote: Mon Jun 09, 2025 6:27 pm I have. You are forgiven. This time.

Phew, close one. You might look around locally to see if there are any locksmith services that do it. We have one in the Bay Area.
https://multi-locksmiths.com/lp-porsche ... I0EALw_wcB

Not sure how much cheaper they are, but I'd guess that quote was full Porsche retail pricing. Here's another...'

https://www.keylessentryremotefob.com/s ... c88vkDzy-i

Thanks Tom, I have heard of these guys from friends as they are just 20 miles South of me in Omaha, Nebraska. They do show a BBB Rating ( A+ ) and the folks I know who used them said they were pretty easy to work with. Good find and hope that helps the OP?

Tom wrote: Mon Jun 09, 2025 6:50 pm...

https://multi-locksmiths.com/lp-porsche ... I0EALw_wcB

This website shows no products but has a form "Get A Free Quote". I filled that out, but no response.

https://www.keylessentryremotefob.com/s ... c88vkDzy-i

This shows Porsche factory key fobs for $177 but "out of stock". I signed up to be notified when in stock again, and quickly got a very suspicious offer for a "similar" item with no photo and no description.

So we'll see if something happens after a while, but initial indications are not good.

Has nobody else on Carpokes ever replaced a key fob, not at a Dealer?

Steve

I have had 3rd party replacements for regular, older cars, but never for a Porsche.

The following is probably not what you want to hear, but Perplexity gave an answer that seems spot on for newer Porsches.

- For modern Porsche models like the 718 Cayman, dealerships are the default and most reliable source for a replacement key fob. This is because Porsche keys are highly encrypted and require specialized programming equipment, which most independent shops do not possess.

- The key fob comes precoded to your vehicle's VIN, and only authorized dealers have the tools (like PIWIS) to program it to your car

- While independent automotive locksmiths can often replace and program keys for many car brands, the situation is more restrictive for newer Porsches (models 987 and newer, including the 718 Cayman). Locksmiths generally cannot program the immobilizer chip or sync the key fob to the car due to Porsche’s proprietary systems.

- Some locksmiths claim to duplicate the RFID chip, but this is typically only reliable for older Porsche models, not for the 718 Cayman.

Disclaimer: the above came via a LLM AI, so accuracy of statements is not guaranteed. But, they are logical considering modern key fobs are tasked to do many things nowadays and considering governments are dictating certain minimum security standards and also insurance companies demanding more efforts to combat vehicle theft.

Two, probably unhelpful, comments. First, I can commiserate in that I bought a 2021 Audi from an Audi dealer and soon found one of the fobs was nonfunctioning. They refused to even offer a discount on a new one. (They did offer to replace the battery but I'd already done that.) I checked with the next closest dealer (this one in Lynwood, WA) and they quoted me $750 for the fob and $150 for the programming. With tax in this state, the total will be right at $1000.

Last: I was in Florida recently and saw two locksmiths with signs saying they sell and program key fobs for "all cars." Unfortunately, I didn't have my car or fob with me. I have yet to find one of these locksmiths in NW Washington State. "There ought to be a law," is the first thing that came to my mind. Perhaps, with enough of a market demand, we'll see a more economical solution arise.

Here is why Porsche is so expensive. The Porsche dealer doesn't just program your new fob and send you on your way. Maybe it's over kill but ... they erase and install a new code into your car. They then get your original working fob, erase it and program it to your cars new access code and do the same to the new fob. The two fobs and the car now have an exclusive access code. The reason for these steps is to keep your car safe from anyone who might have your lost key fob. At times you'll buy a used car from a dealer or an individual ... it should have two keys right? Well that missing key will still unlock and start your car ... your $85,000 beloved Porsche has suddenly disappeared. I'd suggest you check with any German car maker, VW, Mercedes you'll discover their keys/fobs are just as expensive if not more than Porsche. Actually most cars from the last 10 years or so, even American and Japanese cars have costly key fobs and programming. The Indie shops, don't have the proper shanks, or tools to properly cut the key or the software for programming. The process from Porsche can take a few days because the keys are not cut at your local dealer but cut at Porsche Cars North America in Atlanta ...based on your VIN number. Like anything in the Porsche world, it's an involved process. I hope my long explanation was easy enough to understand. I mention the key shank because I went through this whole ordeal with my Porsche dealer concerning my 987 Cayman about six years ago.