Keyfob range/responsiveness is lousy
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,469
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Keyfob range/responsiveness is lousy
My Keyfob range/reliability is pretty lousy -- most of the times I have to press the buttons a half dozen times to get the trunk to pop or doors to lock/unlock. Often times I find myself standing right next to the car, looking like an idiot, pressing the buttons waiting to hear a click. And then every once in a while it will work on the first click from 40 feet away (which I'm sure is exactly what it would do if I ever took it to the dealer...). I know it's not the batteries as both fobs act the same way, and I've replaced the batteries in both. I know this can't be normal.
Is there any chance that there's an antenna on the receiver that's broken off, or is there any fix I can try? Any insight or help would be greatly appreciated.
Is there any chance that there's an antenna on the receiver that's broken off, or is there any fix I can try? Any insight or help would be greatly appreciated.
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From: HOW FAST WAS I GOING OFFICER? Los Angeles Hating GM Dealership Service Dept.'s Since Sept. 2004
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Put it up to your jaw bone and press the button. Your head will act like an antenna. (I think it has to do with your fillings)
I look like Jack In The Box and I can open my car from half a mile away
I look like Jack In The Box and I can open my car from half a mile away
Last edited by MyVetteDream; Sep 15, 2005 at 12:21 PM.
Melting Slicks
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From: Big Bear City CA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
If you guys go into the DIC and reprogram, you'll most likely clear this problem. It worked for mine. I can be about 100' away from the car and it still works. 
Race Director
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From: Redsox, Pats, Celts & Bruins !!! Redsox Nation !!!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Originally Posted by C5VetteLS1
If you guys go into the DIC and reprogram, you'll most likely clear this problem. It worked for mine. I can be about 100' away from the car and it still works.
What year do you have?
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I agree - try reprogramming the fobs. If that doesn't work, could be a problem with the receiver.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,469
Likes: 4
Originally Posted by C5VetteLS1
If you guys go into the DIC and reprogram, you'll most likely clear this problem. It worked for mine. I can be about 100' away from the car and it still works.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 206
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From: Columbia MD
I've noticed that the FOBS for a couple of my friend's Fords work from much further distances than mine. Another friend's Chevy FOB has the same limited range as mine. It's just the way it is I guess.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 716
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From: Long Island City NY
I've reprogrammed it several times and still, the same situation. I get so sick of these damned fobs. It's really pulling me closer to getting a new alarm system. Sometimes, I have to do the chicken dance around my car to get it work...even right next to the car. No one has been able to come up with anything better. Common, guys. I know someone out there must have a little time on their hands and some know-how. Me, I don't know jack about car electronics.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 618
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From: Houston TX
The Vette is the only one of our cars that HAS a decent range. Hmmm...
Its a 2001 fastback... works from across the parking lot, its pretty amazing. Stock FOB and everything, so I don't know what gives.
Its a 2001 fastback... works from across the parking lot, its pretty amazing. Stock FOB and everything, so I don't know what gives.
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From: Redsox, Pats, Celts & Bruins !!! Redsox Nation !!!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Originally Posted by C5VetteLS1
1997
Until 2001, the FOB sucked Azz. From what I have gathered on this forum. I might be getting a DEI Viper with pager and remote start.
I plan on taking theft off my insurance next year. $1734. with the best record you can have. MY Trailblazer EXT LT V8 cost $1550. But my protections are high, 250k/500k. I have to much to loose if I get sued.
Race Director
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From: Phila PA, Bonita Springs FL
I've been on the Forum since late 1999...
I remember somone posted with pics, something he did with the "antenna" in the rear, looked like a wire, he did something with it & his FOBS worked 1000% better.. Not sure if he extended it or relocated it or what, but I DO remember seeing that post....
I remember somone posted with pics, something he did with the "antenna" in the rear, looked like a wire, he did something with it & his FOBS worked 1000% better.. Not sure if he extended it or relocated it or what, but I DO remember seeing that post....
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,469
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Originally Posted by YO-EL
I've been on the Forum since late 1999...
I remember somone posted with pics, something he did with the "antenna" in the rear, looked like a wire, he did something with it & his FOBS worked 1000% better.. Not sure if he extended it or relocated it or what, but I DO remember seeing that post....
I remember somone posted with pics, something he did with the "antenna" in the rear, looked like a wire, he did something with it & his FOBS worked 1000% better.. Not sure if he extended it or relocated it or what, but I DO remember seeing that post....
