I've had my D since new in '01. I seem to recall that my remote fobs used to work at a greater distance than they do now, even after just replacing batteries. Mine are reliable up to maybe 25' (3 car front bumpers away while walking to it in a parking lot). Whats normal? ... and if mine is not, any ideas on what will improve it?

 

Try to hold it away from you and if you are in a crowded parking lot, lift it up over your head so the signal transmits to it. I've found that the signals like to bounce off objects.

SJ02

 

Some times mine works from a good distance and sometimes it doesn't. I know this sounds stupid, but hold the remote against your temple and press the button, it increases the distance foe some reason.

 

Do we know what part on the D has the receiver, and where it is located? This is curious to me.

 

It's the ctm that controls all of that, now I'm not sure if it has some kind of antenna or external receiver.

 

I have the FSM, which says the CTM is behind the drivers kick panel, has three multi-wire connectors, but does not mention an antenna. It makes sense that it's there, since it also does the chip-key security function. The FSM doesn't have anything in detail about remote keyless entry (RKE).

 

Just wanted to update this as I had to use the trick at the golf course. It didn't help any with me holding the fob above my head, nor with it against my temple. What did work, was when I put it on my vocal cords. (next to your adams apple) Try it next time!

SJ02

 

I don't golf. I'm old enough, I just don't. Let me know what body part helps in other locations.

 

I'm sure it works at 'home' too.

SJ02

 

I wonder if that will work for women? How tall are you? What was the temp and humidity during your test?


I'm joking around above, but I think there is no real way to consistently improve the distance by any significant amount. Maybe a RF reflective cone on your wrist?

I initially asked wondering if my distance experiences were significantly shorter than others, but it appears not. I guess I'll just keep walking as needed until the lights flash.