Remote Control Range
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 4
From: C.H., N.J.
Remote Control Range
Recently I rented a 2005 Chevy Malibu with a remote control that worked from amazing distances. It had the remote start feature that actually worked from over 50 feet. I can't get the remotes on my 1999 FRC or 2003 Blazer to work from that distance. I've changed the batteries on all the remotes at least once, but that doesn't increase the range, certainly not even close to the Malibu's range. Are the newer GM remote systems capable of working at a longer range? Is there a way to increase the range?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 4
From: C.H., N.J.
Originally Posted by Vetten02
I know this might sound stupid, but try putting your remote under your chin & pressing it. As hoakie as it sounds, it works for me..... 
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,887
Likes: 2
From: Havin' fun in Frederick, MD!!!
St. Jude Donor '05 '09
I went into a sports complex a couple weeks ago and remembered after I was inside that I might have forgotten to lock my 2004. I went to the window of the building (I was on the second story overlooking a hockey field/court) to a place where I could see my car. The remote worked from there and I had to be at least 150 feet from the car.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 4
From: C.H., N.J.
GM Upgraded the Remote Receiver in 2005
I had my Vette to the dealer for annual state inspection this morning and asked the tech about the 2005 Malibu's remote range. He told me that in 2005 GM has a new receiver in their cars with a much longer range for the remote. There's nothing wrong with my remotes, they're just the old technology.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,208
Likes: 2
From: Rochester MN
CI 5-6-7-8 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
NCM Ambassador
I have heard that the C6s have multiple receivers ( I think 5) so that the remotes work better. My 03 Grand Am's works best as I am sitting down in the recliner - pops the trunk or set off the alarm. Of course, if I am walking towards it to unlock the doors, it is finicky, but not as bad as the vette.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,305
Likes: 24,575
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
I've also found that in addition to the shorter range for the remote, it can depend on what angle you approach the car from.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 24,129
Likes: 1,038
From: The Beautiful Pacific Northwest
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09, '14-'15-'16-'17-'18
In was on the 12th floor of a building, my car was parked on the street about 1/2 block away and I could see it from the window. Just out of curiosity, I pushed the "lock" button and lo and behold, the back-up lights flashed. I was very surprised that it'd work from that far away...
On the other hand, you have to be standing practically right next to my wife's Buick Regal for the remote to work... Both GM cars. Go figure.
On the other hand, you have to be standing practically right next to my wife's Buick Regal for the remote to work... Both GM cars. Go figure.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 17,786
Likes: 4
From: Redsox, Pats, Celts & Bruins !!! Redsox Nation !!!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Its funny
My Vette's FOB works no father than 10 feet. My Trailblazer's FOB works from hundreds of feet away.
Thats ok, I rather it not work so far away. So when my son get the remotes and pushes all the button, the vette will not unlock and stay unlocked.
My Vette's FOB works no father than 10 feet. My Trailblazer's FOB works from hundreds of feet away.
Thats ok, I rather it not work so far away. So when my son get the remotes and pushes all the button, the vette will not unlock and stay unlocked.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 19,557
Likes: 1,470
From: I love you & miss you Linda
2017 C7 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Contributor
Originally Posted by Vetten02
I know this might sound stupid, but try putting your remote under your chin & pressing it. As hoakie as it sounds, it works for me.....
