Key Not Found

[Lancerlot]

I usually visit the same local Esso filling station with my GTS. Invariably the entry/drive fails to turn on the ignition initially, but normally works on the second or third attempt. Yesterday I was stranded on the forecourt for around 25 minutes during which I faffed around trying to get some life into my motor.

Waving the key fob around the cabin made no difference whatsoever. Getting in and out of the car, remote locking/unlocking produced the same effect. Eventually, dangling the fob in the space between the steering wheel and dashboard brought about the desired result and to my great relief, the dash sprung to life and I was able to get on my way.

It only seems to happen on this particular forecourt - never anywhere else - and it occurs to me, as there are some electric vehicle charging points around 25 metres away, are these emitting some sort of mysterious signal that blocks my starting system?

Anyone else had a similar problem? Also, have you tried the suggested remedy of removing the dummy key and starting the car by inserting the real key in order to get you going again? I've yet to try this, but I think I may give it a dummy run before my next fill up!

Regards,


Clive

 

[Lancerlot]

I've now had a look at the emergency Entry/Drive bypass suggested in the handbook and here's how it goes
.
First of all the handbook suggests pulling the end plate from the dash to access the bent wire tool stored on the inner face.

There's a convenient slot in the bottom of this plate that accepts a flat bladed screwdriver. I wound vinyl tape around to protect the trim. You need to gently work the panel around its circumference to release the fasteners. Frankly it's a bit of a faff just to get to a piece of wire. Next time I'll search around for a paper clip or similar and forget Porsche's official tool!

Here's the result

Hook the tiny plastic cover from the key well (The dummy key has already been removed for the illustration)

Next push the little button now revealed and you should hear an audible click as the dummy key is released and it can then be removed.

You can now insert the real key in order to finally start the car.
Take care as that little plastic cover is easily lost and is also the very devil to put back in situ!
Regards,

Clive

​

 

[Lancerlot]

Since considering the above, I've discovered a much easier way to remove the dummy key when you get that dreaded message.

​

Take the main key away from the car. Then turn the dummy key clockwise, as though starting the car and immediately turn it back anti-clockwise all the way to the left. It can then be removed. Now retrieve the real key and insert it into the ignition to start the car.

​

Hopefully, this will now be my back up should I get stuck on a forecourt in future. I filled up yesterday at the same venue, but used a pump farthest away from those wretched electric charging stations, thankfully with no reoccurrence of the problem.
Regards,

Clive

​

 

[malarcy]

Had something similar a couple of times with non porsche cars - one, a vauxhall parked up in a small shopping centre car park while were on holiday - stopped responding the the remote key press - there happened to be a vauxhall dealer over the road - I assumed fob battery - wandered in and asked parts for a battery - they said - happy to supply but are you parked across the road near that clock in the middle, which I was.... they said - just fire up the car and move it ( easy in this case) and it will be fine - it was.

Other time, mate of mine at work found his renault not responding to fob and wouldn't start- I noticed the fluorescent light he was parked under was flickering - we push the car out of the space and sure enough - all working fine.

I wonder how many people get affected by this kind of thing