Are you experiencing issues with your Porsche 911 Key Fob? It’s a common frustration for owners. Many Porsche 911 enthusiasts have encountered the untimely demise of their key fobs, often sooner than expected. While it might seem like the battery is the culprit, frequently, the fob itself simply stops working. Fortunately, there’s a cost-effective and reliable solution that many Porsche owners have turned to: aftermarket central locking units.
For owners of models like the Boxster and likely applicable to certain 911 generations of the same era, installing an aftermarket central locking system can bypass the troublesome factory fob. These kits are designed to integrate with your car’s existing central locking mechanism, offering a dependable remote entry solution without breaking the bank. Instead of relying on potentially faulty Porsche fobs, this approach provides a robust alternative.
If you’re considering this DIY upgrade, here’s a simplified overview based on community experiences. Please note, these instructions are for informational purposes and should be carried out with caution and ideally with reference to your vehicle’s wiring diagrams:
- Power and Location: Most connections can be made conveniently under the passenger seat. Access this area by removing the seat (typically held by four screws).
- Wiring is Key: A Bentley manual or the official factory wiring diagrams are essential. These resources will provide the precise information needed to identify the correct wires for splicing.
- Negative Triggering: Porsche door motors are negatively triggered.
- Door Contact Signal: Locate the “door contact” wire in your wiring diagrams. This is the trigger for door opening. Note that there may be separate “door safe” signals, and the distinction should be understood from your diagrams.
- Individual Door Triggers: Each door often has its own “door contact” signal. If your aftermarket alarm system requires a combined signal, you might need an additional relay.
- Unlock and Lock Signals: The “unprime” signal is for unlocking both doors, and a single “lock” signal will lock both doors.
- Wire Colors (RHD as example, verify for your model):
- Red/Brown (thick): 12V Power
- Brown/Red (thin): Motor to open door
- Brown/White: Motor to close door
- Brown/Green: Driver door status (RHD) or Passenger door status (LHD)
- Turn Signals: Black/White, Black/Green
- Avoid Dash Switch: Do not connect to the central locking switch on the dashboard. Use direct connections to the door motors as described above.
An example of a universal aftermarket central locking kit that can be adapted for Porsche 911 models experiencing key fob issues.
For a visual example of such a kit, you can explore options like this example kit. Remember, this modification does not override your original equipment manufacturer (OEM) alarm system. It primarily utilizes your existing RFID chip for the immobilizer and activates your door locks using the new remote fob.
By opting for an aftermarket solution, you can regain reliable remote locking for your Porsche 911 and leave behind the frustrations of a failing key fob. Further research within Porsche owner communities may provide even more detailed guides and insights for your specific 911 model.
