Key FOB range

[TimeLord]

Hello all.

I replaced the batteries in my FOB yesterday because the car wouldn't unlock/start/open windows until i was within a few steps of it, and with the FOB sitting in the vehicle the car wouldn't detect the key. Today when i got to work, I was walking away, pressed the lock button and nothing happened, i turned around and walked closer to the car pressing the lock button as i moved closer. I was touching the car when it locked. This is frustrating since my previous car (2009 Milan) wouldn't unlock via remote at all if i used the aftermarket remote start to start it (Separate remotes) I figured range wouldn't be an issue with a much newer car, but here we go again.

Anyone have any thoughts, tips, fixes?

Much obliged.

 

[rubydist]

There are several things that affect the range, (including the battery in the fob) but also outside interference from other electronic radiation in the air. I have had cars parked in locations where the fob needed to be in the console pocket to start the car due to all the interference going on at that particular location. You may find that parking in a different area of the lot will make a significant difference in the fob range. You will also find that the fob range will vary depending on which direction from the car you are located.

 

[TimeLord]

There are several things that affect the range, (including the battery in the fob) but also outside interference from other electronic radiation in the air. I have had cars parked in locations where the fob needed to be in the console pocket to start the car due to all the interference going on at that particular location. You may find that parking in a different area of the lot will make a significant difference in the fob range. You will also find that the fob range will vary depending on which direction from the car you are located.

Thank you, I will try and park in an empty lot later on and see what range I have. Will update with results.

 

[kryptto]

Thank you, I will try and park in an empty lot later on and see what range I have. Will update with results.

Old trick - place remote under the chin bone and use you body as a range booster. That being suggested - our fobs - in general are very very powerful. I went through a process of tracking down a parasitic battery drain - to get the BCM to go idle I had to move the fob inside my house and far away from the car. However - I had replaced the battery like 2 months prior. Mainly a battery issue - there is a procedure - we should all learn for starting our cars without a fob working.

 

[Ta2dResqr]

Old trick - place remote under the chin bone and use you body as a range booster. That being suggested - our fobs - in general are very very powerful. I went through a process of tracking down a parasitic battery drain - to get the BCM to go idle I had to move the fob inside my house and far away from the car. However - I had replaced the battery like 2 months prior. Mainly a battery issue - there is a procedure - we should all learn for starting our cars without a fob working.

Mythbuster's did a test on the chin trick. It works even better with a gallon jug of water (if you happen to be carrying one of those lol).

 

[kryptto]

Mythbuster's did a test on the chin trick. It works even better with a gallon jug of water (if you happen to be carrying one of those lol).

I must of missed that episode - but sure - I will start carrying the 8lbs of water wherever I go. HA!