Remote Keyless Entry has almost zero range
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 64
Likes: 5
Remote Keyless Entry has almost zero range
I bought this truck used. While still at the dealer, I told him the keyless entry fob must have a low battery. So they grabbed a few more from the coffee can inside and had them reprogrammed for my Excursion. But the range never improved. I changed the batteries, and still the same.
I can often stand immediately next to the truck and it won't work on the 1st or 2nd attempt. Looking at some threads (one 12 years old) I can see that no one has ever reported this short of a range. Most complainers say 20 feet is all they get.
Any idea what I could do? Is there or is there not an antenna? Am I looking for the vehicle security module VSM? Help!
I can often stand immediately next to the truck and it won't work on the 1st or 2nd attempt. Looking at some threads (one 12 years old) I can see that no one has ever reported this short of a range. Most complainers say 20 feet is all they get.
Any idea what I could do? Is there or is there not an antenna? Am I looking for the vehicle security module VSM? Help!
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: jacksonville florida
same thing happens on mine.
saw a trick on top gear one night that I was sure had to be a joke to get people to look like idiots...but ill be damn if it doesnt work.
hold the fob to your head and push the button. instant range extender.
saw a trick on top gear one night that I was sure had to be a joke to get people to look like idiots...but ill be damn if it doesnt work.
hold the fob to your head and push the button. instant range extender.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 672
Likes: 8
From: Tampa, FL
I'm not sure where the antenna for it is, but does the truck have aftermarket window tint that may be blocking it? Some of that stuff is crazy in what it does. Kills radio antennas that are inside the windshield or rear glass, etc. Check the windshield as that's typically where they are placed. Other than that, I'm scratching my head.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 64
Likes: 5
This one has factory tint. The windshield seems normal, or it did until a large crack developed. But range was always bad even before windshield crack. The Ford dealership that I bought it from should have at least checked it out, but they only tried different transmitters. There is a Ford TSB about this, but it is vague about the concept of an antenna.
"Step 2.c. Verify external antenna is connected (if applicable)."
That's from TSB 03-18-1 (03181)
I was just wondering if anyone knew for sure about an antenna for our trucks?
"Step 2.c. Verify external antenna is connected (if applicable)."
That's from TSB 03-18-1 (03181)
- ELECTRICAL – REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) – SERVICE TIPS
I was just wondering if anyone knew for sure about an antenna for our trucks?
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Posting Legend
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 30,221
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From: Central Illinois
This is mine as well. I can unlock the doors from 100 yards away one day, and literally won't unlock the next day. As soon as I unlock with keypad, it works fine. 
-The Great
-The Great
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 611
Likes: 4
From: Northern NV
Here's the TSB: http://www.thedieselstop.com/faq/949...les/031801.pdf
g. Poor performance is most likely the cause of a remote entry receiver, not a remote entry transmitter issue.
g. Poor performance is most likely the cause of a remote entry receiver, not a remote entry transmitter issue.
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