I had my dealer install a Dodge OEM remote starter in my new 2008 Ram. Owners manual says that starter should have a range of 300', granted I understand about walls etc. being in the way.

I did some testing to see where I could stand and start the truck and, to my disappointment, the distance that will work is approximately 30'-40' not the 300' that is claimed. The 30'-40' foot test was with clear line of sight, anything outside 40' will not start. And, that is with clear line of sight, forget about starting the truck from inside my house (50' and the garage wall in the way!

What should I do? I assume the battery is new but could that be the problem, should I go get a new one? Any help is appreciated. If I can't solve the problem by Monday AM I will be back on the dealers doorstep.

 

Aftermarket remote starts are way better, my 08 came with the factory one. It totaly sucks, poor range. I rarley use it, but still very disspointing. You migth want to use yourself as a transmiter, all you need to do is place the remote under chin and press the buttons, it does work and have used this method a few time.

 

^^ wtf?

 

What brand names of aftermarket ones are better? If the Dodge one is this bad I am going to make them take it out and install something better. What should I look for?

 

i just had mine installed like a week or two ago. it's pretty sweet. it starts from hella far away. it's some after market one installed fairluy cheaply at a car custom place in chicago called mr kustom.

edit: the brand is "autopage"

 

Not sure that this will helpbut have the dealer read tech tip #TT9001588. In part it says....

Issue Description:
If the vehicle is equipped with a Mopar Remote Start Kit and the issue is (1) the Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) triggers when remote starting and/or (2) Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) becomes intermittent or totally inoperative, install one of the following applicable kits.

68035610AA - Mopar Remote Start Repair Kit (2007 DR / DH / D1 / DC & HB/HG)
68035609AA - Mopar Remote Start Repair Kit (2007 JK / JS / KA / MK / PM )

 

Try to get an alarm/remote startthat uses a paging remote...they're not very expensive anymore and their range is very far.

 

Could this just be a battery issue with the MOPAR remote? If I put in new battery am I likely to see dramatic increase in distance?

Or, let me put it another way........... who out there has had good luck with their MOPAR remote? What distances can you start at? Through a wall or two?

Looking for some possible good new here!

 

Not sure what technology mopar use, but I work in const., I used to unlock the doors on my older truck with my ORBIT remoter start from the 5th floor across the street without an issue's. Now with my new truck with the mopar one, impossible, the damn thing just doesn't work. (the truck was built with my specs and I had it since sept 07, its brand new 08)

I would think any remote start using FM would do the job!!!!

Derricksmash - it has been tested that it helps when you place the remote on your chin to start your car, your body acts as an extension of the remote antenna, I was surprised too when I first heard it, but it actually works, can't say to what extreme, but its pretty surprising.

 

I have an 07 Mega Cab Hemi with the factory remote, love it.....everything on one key, doors, panic, starter. Works great, from inside my house through two walls and the garage door it starts my truck no proble. Try relacing hte battery before doing anything like taking it out.



Chris