Key Fob Range

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Dec 9, 2009 | 10:46 AM

dangerz

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Melting Slicks

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From: DC

St. Jude Donor '09-'10

Key Fob Range

What range are you guys getting from your key fobs? It seems like I have to be between 5-10 feet for mine to work. I know I've seen others have a lot longer ranges.. any idea why mine is bad? Do I need a new fob?

Dec 9, 2009 | 10:55 AM

joshtownsend

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From: Houston/Dayton Texas

change battery, then clean contacts while your there.

Dec 9, 2009 | 11:01 AM

65GGvert

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From: Kannapolis NC

Straight line, over 75 feet. 5 to 10 is weak. Do you just have the one? Definitely try the battery first.

Dec 9, 2009 | 11:10 AM

87SAM

Safety Car

Joined: Jan 2001

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From: Boise ID

From the 2000 manaul:

Operational range varies with the orientation of the transmitter. For best performance, hold the transmitter vertically, with the buttons facing you and the bottom cover of the transmitter towards the vehicle. As battery life decreases, so does the maximum operational range of the RFA transmitter. In most cases, the transmitter battery should only be replaced when the operational range has severely decreased. If the transmitter range decreases or the transmitter does not operate, test for the following conditions:

Says range is 50 to 100 feet. With the most range from the side and back of the car.

Dec 9, 2009 | 11:34 AM

C5kid

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From: Hershey, PA, USA

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St. Jude Donor '12

hold it to your head, you'll add another 20-30ft of range doin this.

Dec 9, 2009 | 12:38 PM

LQQK

Instructor

Joined: Sep 2006

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From: Sioux Falls SD

I thought that deal of holding the Fob under your chin was crazy but it works. I do it all the time on my cars and it adds to the range alot.

Dec 9, 2009 | 12:40 PM

Mark C5

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From: Indian Rocks Beach FL

St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10

Here in Florida I can use the fob 15-20 feet away from the car but when I travel to Houston (Missouri City) I have to be right on top of the car.

Dec 9, 2009 | 02:38 PM

Vetteman Jack

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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25

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You should be able to get at least 50 feet of range with a properly working fob. Might want to check the battery like was mentioned above.

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Dec 9, 2009 | 03:53 PM

Z0Tex

Pro

Joined: Aug 2009

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From: Temple, TX

Change the battery. It should be a type CR2032. I had a similar problem before, but after I changed the battery, the range went way up. Problem solved.

Dec 9, 2009 | 04:16 PM

#10

Hammer99

Le Mans Master

Joined: Feb 2009

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From: Northwest CT

Put in new batterys definately. I did and my range is now at least 75'.

Dec 9, 2009 | 04:21 PM

#11

dangerz

Thread Starter

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From: DC

St. Jude Donor '09-'10

I had a new battery and it didn't do anything. Maybe it's the fob itself.

Dec 9, 2009 | 04:41 PM

#12

Tom/99

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From: Houston,Texas USA

Both fobs on my 2004 coupe have only had a 5-10 foot range since new.

Dec 9, 2009 | 05:44 PM

#13

killain

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From: SE Pennsylvania

St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26

Oldtimer

I don't know the range, mine have fresh batteries and I usually hit the button about 10 feet from the car ?

Dec 10, 2009 | 12:30 AM

#14

Camjamsdad

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Quote:

Originally Posted by LQQK

I thought that deal of holding the Fob under your chin was crazy but it works. I do it all the time on my cars and it adds to the range alot.

saw it on mythbusters. so i figured i'd try it. it works. i get better range from the side of my jaw.

Dec 10, 2009 | 04:02 AM

#15

ROCKnROLL

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From: Louisville KY

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camjamsdad

saw it on mythbusters. so i figured i'd try it. it works. i get better range from the side of my jaw.

I press it against the side of my neck and I get much more distance. Something to do with your body acting as an antenna.

Aug 21, 2010 | 02:19 PM

#16

thrasher64

Advanced

Joined: Feb 2007

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From: Lacey Washington

I'm not getting more than 5-10ft max out of either of mine with a fresh battery.

Aug 21, 2010 | 02:22 PM

#17

jrose7004

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From: Oklahoma City OK

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Some days the range is farther than other days.

Aug 21, 2010 | 05:27 PM

#18

Mark C5

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From: Indian Rocks Beach FL

St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10

Aug 21, 2010 | 05:31 PM

#19

D C

USMC (retired)

Joined: Aug 2004

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From: Wimauma FL

Do I need to do anything after installing a new battery or I just go and replace the battery and move on?

I am having distance problems as well, therefore I ask.