I just retrofitted a factory keyless entry system in my car and it seems as if it doesn't catch the signal as far as my old 95 did. I usually have to be within 10 feet or so from the car for it to work.
I installed the box in the factory location and the remote batteries are good.

EDIT: I just looked on shoebox's picture and it looks like mine is facing the other way. I'll try turning it on the other side to see if that will help any.

 

I consider 10 feet good at times, lol, but sometimes get better range. There are some places I can park that it hardly works at all. I think it has to do with electrical interference from power lines, as those places where it does not work well are near overhead power.

 

I'm lucky if mine works outside of 5 feet. I have new batteries also. It almosts defeats the purpose of keyless entry.

 

Why would you need to unlock your doors from 20 feet away?

Hell, 5 feet away still gives you time to hit a button and reach for the handle. Boom. No unlocking necessary and keys already in hands to start the car. If you were 20 feet away.. what would be the point?

 

Mines a 96, not sure if it makes too much of a differance.. My keyless remote works from a good 30-50 feet depending on walls for locking, but usually only 20 feet or so unlocking. It works much better than my 95 did, which was usually only 10-15 feet.

 

Yeah, my 1997 Grand Prix has better range. I think when they switch to a BCM, it improved.
Range is sometimes helpful if you are making sure you locked your car from inside your house.

 

I have had the privilage to drive more cars than I can count with keyless entry on my job. With that said all the newer GM vehicles have basically the same key fob as my 97.. not that square one like you have but the next version up. But what I noticed is that my car goes out maybe 20 feet at best when other cars will trigger well over 100. Hell my fathers 99 Z71 with identical key fob as mine has been known to set off his alarm over 50 yrs away thru several typical home walls. I think the Fbody just has a weak receiver for some reason...

 

could it be all the plastic body panels?? acting as some sort of insulator?

 

Mine will go 15-20 with good batteries.

BTW I bought some batteries from Radio Shack once, and when I put the batteries in, I went outside to get something out of my car, and the lights cam on inside my wifes 94 camaro. I could unlock both of them. I never could figure that one out.

 

I am lucky if it works within 5ft I say 3ft if I am lucky. Maybe old battery?

 

On my 97 mine will work from five feet away.
It sucks when I forget where I parked at the mall and I can get the panic to work.
The dealer told me that there were 2 types one had a wire antenna.
And the other had none.
I can't find mine It's not in the pasanger side kick panel.
Somebody told me its in the pasanger side roof in the back of the car under
the headliner?


Chris G.

 

If you don't mind losing a few brain cells try this:

When your ready to lock/unlock your beast from a distance that doesn't initially reach, hold your remote to your chin. Be sure it is pointed upward, you're about to use your head as an antenna, and while still holding the remote to your chin press the desired button.

I had a friend who was in the valet business who says it was the easiest way to match the key to the car from a distance. *shrugs*

Whatever gets the job done. And of course... YMMV.



Ruben F.

 

People can laugh all they want, but holding the fob under your chin actually does add range. It looks really stupid , but I have tried it myself with positive results.

...now, if I can just muster enough good brain cells to help me find the key fob.....

 

I have used that tactic before too but why does it work?

 

Try holding the fob at an equal height to your chin but sideways of it. It will probably work the same. I don't think the skull works as an antenna, just that the extra height above waist level helps range. Could be wrong...