remote range
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,786
Likes: 7
From: Iowa
remote range
My factory remote seems to have an effective range of about 1.5m. I don't think it was like that when I bought it just went down over the years. Its got a good battery I already checked. I'm assuming that's not typical. Is there anything I can do or should I just replace the remote?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 65
From: Rochester Hills MI
i bought a new fob a couple years ago, and it has always worked from around 3m (9ft) away. it doesnt bother me as long as i dont have to put the key in the door and risk scratching it.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,052
Likes: 97
From: Southeast, Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
i've never had mine work from 100 feet, but i would say it works consistantly from approximately30 ft or a bit more. i have found in areas where i suspect there is a lot of RF interference like from alarm system in shops and banks, etc the range is greatly reduced sometimes down to right at the front fender. there are some tricks you can play with any car remote fob like pressing it to a car antenna when you hit the button. it seems to extend the signal strength.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 240
Likes: 2
From: Yangpyeong Gyeonggi-Do
I agree. The surrounding environment seems to be a big factor in FOB operation. When home I easily have FOB operation from 30 - 40 ft (have not tried from a greater distance), but when in the work parking lot I have to be right up against the car. Since these are very small powered transmitters the surrounding interference plays a big role in their operation.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,786
Likes: 7
From: Iowa
Your profile says you own a 99 which would mean your remote has the legendary PASSIVE mode. If your using that mode, turn it off and see what it does. Also many of the early remotes eventually suffered from loose internal components. Look through this post and then check out your remote for the problems described:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...post1570747451
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...post1570747451
I guess that's just the way it is, but I'm sure a new remote would improve things some. I have an aftermarket alarm which has no problem working from very long distances. only thing I want the stock one for is for the windows with the valet. today I had to walk out into the rain to put the windows up. just drizzle so no big deal, but it would be nice to have it work from 40 ft away then I wouldn't have to get wet as it starts to rain.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,109
Likes: 4,137
From: Kannapolis NC
I actually stepped off the range on my 98 and it was over 75 feet. Even farther if I place it against the underside of my chin and opened my mouth. I know, I laughed too, till I tried it and it extended the range. I tried it on my F150 and it also extended the range. Just sayin'
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,786
Likes: 7
From: Iowa
I actually stepped off the range on my 98 and it was over 75 feet. Even farther if I place it against the underside of my chin and opened my mouth. I know, I laughed too, till I tried it and it extended the range. I tried it on my F150 and it also extended the range. Just sayin'
another funny thing about the remotes range I've noticed. if I walk up to 3 ft from the car so it will start responding, I can then back off a good distance and it will still work. but not until I've gotten close first. kind of defeats the purpose.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,119
Likes: 156
From: Huntington tx
I actually stepped off the range on my 98 and it was over 75 feet. Even farther if I place it against the underside of my chin and opened my mouth. I know, I laughed too, till I tried it and it extended the range. I tried it on my F150 and it also extended the range. Just sayin'
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,820
Likes: 34
From: Ravensdale WA
I have 2 new fobs for my 98 and they are no where near the range of my other vehicles. I found my truck at Six Flags Magic Mountain from clear across the lot. I always forget where I park there for some reason. I have walked all over that lot with a rental car fob pushing the panic button a few times. At least I remember what my truck looks like and it taller than the cars. My Sky and Michelle's Malibu have much less range than the truck but much more than my C5. If the passive switch is on it seems to be less.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
From: Coral Springs Fl
I actually stepped off the range on my 98 and it was over 75 feet. Even farther if I place it against the underside of my chin and opened my mouth. I know, I laughed too, till I tried it and it extended the range. I tried it on my F150 and it also extended the range. Just sayin'
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 779
Likes: 67
From: Simi Valley Ca
St. Jude Donor '12
I actually stepped off the range on my 98 and it was over 75 feet. Even farther if I place it against the underside of my chin and opened my mouth. I know, I laughed too, till I tried it and it extended the range. I tried it on my F150 and it also extended the range. Just sayin'
My Ford Sporttrac's FOB would work 100' away, go figure. As sleek as our cars are, GM apparently didn't give much thought aboout the design of our FOB's, kinda fat, stubby things...imho.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria Ca.
Mine works 50-60 feet.
Odd thing-If I'm parked in front of the ATM machine where I make my bank deposit,It won't work at all unless I hold it about a foot from the left rear fender and press the button....everywhere else,it works fine.
Odd thing-If I'm parked in front of the ATM machine where I make my bank deposit,It won't work at all unless I hold it about a foot from the left rear fender and press the button....everywhere else,it works fine.
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Mine works at at least a 30 foot range. Haven't tried it much further than that.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,072
Likes: 109
From: Longmont Co
thanks! I actually saw that once before and already applied the suggested fix to all the pins on the IC. it didn't seem to change anything.
I guess that's just the way it is, but I'm sure a new remote would improve things some. I have an aftermarket alarm which has no problem working from very long distances. only thing I want the stock one for is for the windows with the valet. today I had to walk out into the rain to put the windows up. just drizzle so no big deal, but it would be nice to have it work from 40 ft away then I wouldn't have to get wet as it starts to rain.
I guess that's just the way it is, but I'm sure a new remote would improve things some. I have an aftermarket alarm which has no problem working from very long distances. only thing I want the stock one for is for the windows with the valet. today I had to walk out into the rain to put the windows up. just drizzle so no big deal, but it would be nice to have it work from 40 ft away then I wouldn't have to get wet as it starts to rain.
(Still sounds like a weak battery, how exactly did you determine it is still strong?)
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,786
Likes: 7
From: Iowa
I tested the battery with a voltmeter. A few times. Still over 3v. But I also replaced it just to make sure. Figured it was worth a few bucks. Didn't change anything though.
