So I've done the DiY mod to increase the range of the key fob.

Didn't help.

Changed battery.

Didn't help.

I measured the range to be about 30 yards right after I did the antenna mod on the fob. But now it seems as though it's slowly gotten worse... I basically have to be about 10 ft from the car now, it's so bad.

Anyone else ran into this issues? Possible fix?

Thanks guys!

 

Mine is about 30' from the car too. 06 R53.

 

Mine is pretty weak as well. A little trick I learned is to hold the key up to your chin before you press the buttons. Extends the range somehow. Usually it takes me a couple presses at ~30ft to get it to lock, but even at ~100ft with the chin method, works most every time.

 

I'll take your word for it.

 

Chin trick is a huge help. I'm always using it, but in a parking lot with the car surrounded by big trucks and SUVs even that doesn't work... Just makes me look silly. So I try to play it off like I'm scratching my face with the key. :WINK:

 

Yup, it's true. Go back thru the forum into the 1st gen area and you'll find plenty of discussions about this. I do it all the time.

 

Why is the range sooo shitty though? I remember when I got my first car (Ford Explorer), that keyfob would work well over 50 yards, reaching the car in the middle of a Costco parking lot. The panic button was awesome for when I couldn't find the car, lights flashing and horn blowing.

Has anyone figured out a way to make the car's horn go off when locking the doors?

 

If I had to guess, because the key is only but so big. You can only fit so much electronics on it.

 

Chin trick is the real deal.