AJDiBianca
Member
- First Name
- Tony
- Joined
- Dec 22, 2019
- Threads
- 3
- Messages
- 18
- Reaction score
- 41
- Location
- North Carolina, USA
- Vehicles
- GT4, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne, Taycan 4S
- Thread starter
- #1
>>> TRY THIS: Replace the key fob batteries <<<
BACKGROUND
My 2020 4S began suffering from the dreaded "You car is a brick" failure. After a tow to the dealer and "no problem found," the issue began reoccurring on a regular basis at the most inconvenient times. Each time the fix was 1) Lock the car, 2) Move the keys very far away, 3) Wait 20-30 minutes, 4) Start the car.
VOODOO
I'm an engineer, so while it works, this solution feels a bit like witchcraft. My Porsche tech asserts that isolating the keys and waiting allows the many computer modules to fully reset. But no one seems to be able to explain exactly what mysterious voodoo goes on between the key and car overnight.
TESTING THE THEORY
I began placing my keys inside small metal tins when parked (to simulate distance) and block any spurious radio transmissions. To my chagrin, this solved the problem supporting the theory of spurious "key to car communication" at night.
SERENDIPITY
Many weeks later, the LED on one of my keys stopped lighting. I replaced both key-fob batteries, and VOILA - the problem has not recurred since.
A NEW THEORY
Batteries die slowly over time. In my case they were almost two years old. My THEORY is keys with weak batteries transmit intermittent signals that somehow prevent a proper system shut-down and result in the dreaded Electrical system error.
EVIDENCE
While far from conclusive, after changing batteries, ditching the metal tins, and leaving the key close to the car when parked, the problem has not returned. If you believe in Murphy's Law, this afternoon my Taycan will probably rebel and not start - but so far this $2 solution has fixed the issue.
MY RECOMMENDATION
Spend the $2, change both of your key-fob batteries, and post your results here.
BACKGROUND
My 2020 4S began suffering from the dreaded "You car is a brick" failure. After a tow to the dealer and "no problem found," the issue began reoccurring on a regular basis at the most inconvenient times. Each time the fix was 1) Lock the car, 2) Move the keys very far away, 3) Wait 20-30 minutes, 4) Start the car.
VOODOO
I'm an engineer, so while it works, this solution feels a bit like witchcraft. My Porsche tech asserts that isolating the keys and waiting allows the many computer modules to fully reset. But no one seems to be able to explain exactly what mysterious voodoo goes on between the key and car overnight.
TESTING THE THEORY
I began placing my keys inside small metal tins when parked (to simulate distance) and block any spurious radio transmissions. To my chagrin, this solved the problem supporting the theory of spurious "key to car communication" at night.
SERENDIPITY
Many weeks later, the LED on one of my keys stopped lighting. I replaced both key-fob batteries, and VOILA - the problem has not recurred since.
A NEW THEORY
Batteries die slowly over time. In my case they were almost two years old. My THEORY is keys with weak batteries transmit intermittent signals that somehow prevent a proper system shut-down and result in the dreaded Electrical system error.
EVIDENCE
While far from conclusive, after changing batteries, ditching the metal tins, and leaving the key close to the car when parked, the problem has not returned. If you believe in Murphy's Law, this afternoon my Taycan will probably rebel and not start - but so far this $2 solution has fixed the issue.
MY RECOMMENDATION
Spend the $2, change both of your key-fob batteries, and post your results here.
Sponsored
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