No range on key fob door opener
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 40
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No range on key fob door opener
I don't know if anyone else has experienced this, but when I try to open the door with the key fob opener I have to be within 20'. I complained to the dealer, they changed the fobs, but it is still the same. There are times when you want to open the door sooner or hit the panic to set the horn off to find the truck, etc. I just feel that it should have more range to it. Does anyone know where the signal is picked up in the truck, and or any way of increasing the range. By the way I have a 2004 F150Scab............
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,746
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From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
30 feet is about right, according to the owner's manual. Factors that can reduce this range are: vehicles parked closely near yours, nearby radio/ TV towers, weather conditions and nearby structures. Also, the range is usually better if you're standing in front of the vehicle, vs. standing off to the side or at the rear.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 341
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From: eastern Ma
I had a remote starter put in mine. I wasn't thrilled with the range, so I took it back to the place that installed it. The guy told me to put the fob to my chin, and push the button. It works better, but I feel like a fool doing it. I guess it turns your head into an antena.
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 43
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turkyhntr.
As crazy as it sounds, Leo_T's suggestion actually has some credibility. I responded to a thread about this very problem several months ago. I also have lousy range with my '04 key fob using it normally. But by pressing it firmly to my chin or cheek bone, I can get about 40 to 50 feet. I discovered this when I had a 1991 Honda Accord with an aftermarket alarm system installed, Alpine I believe. It too had lousy range. Someone suggested it to me and it really worked and have been doing it ever since.
P.S. Some of us have more metal in our heads than others!
As crazy as it sounds, Leo_T's suggestion actually has some credibility. I responded to a thread about this very problem several months ago. I also have lousy range with my '04 key fob using it normally. But by pressing it firmly to my chin or cheek bone, I can get about 40 to 50 feet. I discovered this when I had a 1991 Honda Accord with an aftermarket alarm system installed, Alpine I believe. It too had lousy range. Someone suggested it to me and it really worked and have been doing it ever since.
P.S. Some of us have more metal in our heads than others!
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,746
Likes: 7
From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
Well, if you want REAL range, and don't mind looking like a complete idiot:
Yes, hold the remote against your chin or neck WHILE HOLDING AN UMBRELLA (open or closed, doesn't matter) AS HIGH AS YOU CAN. I've been able to lock and unlock cars up to 500 feet away with that trick!
Yes, hold the remote against your chin or neck WHILE HOLDING AN UMBRELLA (open or closed, doesn't matter) AS HIGH AS YOU CAN. I've been able to lock and unlock cars up to 500 feet away with that trick!
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 184
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From: Omaha NE
I had a aftermarket remote starter in my old Explorer,I felt the range was to great on that. I would put the keys in my pocket, and sometimes would start the truck and or unlock the doors when bending over or hitting my pocket on something. I feel more comfortable with the short range FOB.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 575
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From: San Diego
The range on my FOB on my Expy is pretty lousy too, like within 10 feet. The chin trick does work...
Now I have a problem with someone that lives near me having the same code or whatever on their FOB. There are literally 4 Expeditions, 3 Explorers and 4 F-150's withing 150 ft of where I park (residential street, off-base military housing in San Diego), not to mention a few Focuses and Mustangs and one of those Ford station wagon thingies. Out of all those Ford FOB's, one of them unlocks my truck.
I have checked, double checked and had my wife check it and it happens almost every weekday morning.
I guess their range is a lot better than mine...
Now I have a problem with someone that lives near me having the same code or whatever on their FOB. There are literally 4 Expeditions, 3 Explorers and 4 F-150's withing 150 ft of where I park (residential street, off-base military housing in San Diego), not to mention a few Focuses and Mustangs and one of those Ford station wagon thingies. Out of all those Ford FOB's, one of them unlocks my truck.
I have checked, double checked and had my wife check it and it happens almost every weekday morning.
I guess their range is a lot better than mine...
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,746
Likes: 7
From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
Originally Posted by Onespeed24
...and one of those Ford station wagon thingies ...
http://www.fordstationwagonthingy.com
(Sorry, it's been slow, it hasn't stopped raining in over a week, and I'm bored...)
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 780
Likes: 18
From: East Texas
My key fob must be the exception. I was driving my 77 one early morning last week. I had forgotten my coffee cup in the 2005. As I was driving back to the house I decided to try the fob which was on the key in the ignition of the 77 (switch is on the dash). I hit the button while driving up, the fob had no line of sight to the 2005, and the headlights came on with the door unlocking.
Of course, instead of blocking the signal, the truck might have been acting as a 5,000 lb. antenna.....
Of course, instead of blocking the signal, the truck might have been acting as a 5,000 lb. antenna.....
New User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
I had the same poor range on my '03 Taurus. I purchased a remote start for it that advertised a starting range of up to 1/4 mile depending on the prevailing conditons.
The thing is, you get that same performance with the door locks also! I work at a hospital on the second floor. I park approximately 350 steps from the entrance to the hospital and I can see the headlights flash the locked signal from the hallway window!!
The thing is, you get that same performance with the door locks also! I work at a hospital on the second floor. I park approximately 350 steps from the entrance to the hospital and I can see the headlights flash the locked signal from the hallway window!!
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by is300wrx
Put the remote under your chin. Something that has to do with your brain can increase the electric range. Its been prove. Try it!
