Increasing key fob range?

[Denali2k8]

I got a new key fob last year and over time, it seems the range has gone down. I just replaced the battery but still that range sucks.

I feel like at one point the range was better? Any tips or tricks, or even something I can buy to help this?!? Besides getting an after market system installed.

 

[Doubeleive]

you can either put in a new battery or just hold it under your chin or just in front of your mouth when clicking, the human skull will amplify the signal a little bit (true story), nothing else I know of you could do other than to use GM/onstar app, or just put in a viper system, mine has a 1 mile range and phone app for worldwide use

 

[MidwestMike]

Where is the internal vehicle antenna for the fob?
Can these be modified?

(I've never looked at this, I don't even know what frequency they use or type of antenna you would try..)

 

[kbuskill]

Where is the internal vehicle antenna for the fob?
Can these be modified?

(I've never looked at this, I don't even know what frequency they use or type of antenna you would try..)

The module that receives the signal is the same module that senses your tire pressure monitors. It is located in the driver's side rear quarter panel behind the wheel well. To access it you have to pull the plastic panel inside. It is near the lift motor for the rear hatch if you have that option.

I am not certain about the antenna.

I need to replace mine as my TPMS act up at highway speeds and my remote start works but once started will not allow me to unlock the doors with the remote. I replaced the sensors in the wheels and that didn't fix it.

 

[MidwestMike]

I'm seeing the first thing to try if over time your fob seemed to lose range. Clean the battery and contacts. Just a little extra resistance here seemed to cause issue for many people.

After that, there is plenty of information out there for extending the range of a properly working fob. From adding an extra battery to the fob or a better antenna on a vehicle.

(Although on some S-10 pickups the receiver was under the dash, near the OBD port. I was thinking it would be similar on these vehicles, would not have thought they were in the back. )

 

[njracer]

just hold it under your chin or just in front of your mouth when clicking, the human skull will amplify the signal a little bit (true story),

This! ^^^^

The range you get using your chin is night and day compared to just using the fob by itself. With a strong battery I can probably start the car from about 100yrds.

It's a good trick even if it makes you look a bit funny.

 

[iamdub]

I'm seeing the first thing to try if over time your fob seemed to lose range. Clean the battery and contacts. Just a little extra resistance here seemed to cause issue for many people.

After that, there is plenty of information out there for extending the range of a properly working fob. From adding an extra battery to the fob or a better antenna on a vehicle.

(Although on some S-10 pickups the receiver was under the dash, near the OBD port. I was thinking it would be similar on these vehicles, would not have thought they were in the back. )

On my '00 Jimmy, the receiver was mounted to the back of the driver's knee bolster. I took it apart and soldered a wire to the antenna (which was just a thick printed circuit on the circuit board) and ran the wire up the A-pillar. This almost doubled the range. This may work the same for the RKE/TPMS receiver.

 

[08HoeCD]

Don't know what kind of range we're talking about here or what the OP is expecting, but my fob with this Tahoe has the longest operating range of any fob/car I've ever used. Works at up to roughly 50 yds reliably and often works beyond that range.

2 cents

 

[swathdiver]

He could also get the 2-Way Advanced Remotes, they have a longer range. My Montana's have at least three times the range compared with the Yukon, it's got to be poor reception due to foolish placement of the receiving antenna.

 

[Kenny D]

If the module is back there, what is the little box behind the driver's side A pillar. It has a "this side up" tab and several wires coming out of it.

 

[CrashTestDummy]

This! ^^^^

The range you get using your chin is night and day compared to just using the fob by itself. With a strong battery I can probably start the car from about 100yrds.

It's a good trick even if it makes you look a bit funny.

+1!!

 

[Denali2k8]

I'm getting TERRIBLE range, even under the chin. I wanna say 20 yards max, with clear line of sight. Could the aftermarket remote just be "weak"? It has a new battery.

I'm willing to extend and antenna if I knew where it was lol

 

[Smrtss1]

I'm getting TERRIBLE range, even under the chin. I wanna say 20 yards max, with clear line of sight. Could the aftermarket remote just be "weak"? It has a new battery.

I'm willing to extend and antenna if I knew where it was lol

Same here on a ‘12 Escalade. New batteries, cleaned the contact points and I still have to be within 20-30 yards with the remote against my chin. My Silverado worked from at least 100 yards while it was still in my pocket. I’m at the point where I just use the app on my phone to warm it up.

 

[scot moore]

My 2008 Acadia has a horrible range on the factory fob. Sometimes I could press a button 100 yards away and the lights would flash, so I knew it got a signal but then it wouldn’t do anything until I was about 5 feet from it. That was the normal usable range. As it was a 2008 onstar app was not an option. I installed a t-harness from idatalink, and a module from dronemobile. The key fob I got has a 3000 ft range, but they had some with a mile or more. The dronemobile unit works as long as there is cell service. While the range on my 2012 Yukon was surprisingly good, it uses the exact same harness as the Acadia did. Since I hated the. Yukon fob and had the harness from my Acadia, I installed it. Takes about 20-30 mins and super easy. Now I have a fob I like and a range that is better than my good factory. Plus I already have a 3 year subscription with dronemobile. So no expenses for my install. I can post what I am using if anyone is interested in this upgrade.


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[George Schoelles]

Installed a VIPER security system with a 1/4 Mile range and am very happy