One thing I've noticed seems to help the distance that a remote works
(ex. keyless entry, garage door openers) is...

...putting the remote up to your chin (and touching it to it) when operating
it...
I think this has your body act as the transmitter?

Now, I'm not sure of the health effects of this. Maybe I can become
electroman and start opening garage doors with no help
But then again, the FCC claims "no harmful interference"???

caio, -Matt

 

what is the distance supposed to be...

mine is lacking.. severely... maybe 20 ft at the best times... and 10 ft in crowded parking lots

and totally non-functional at a MINI rally, but that is normal I hear.

 

Amazingly, I had heard about this on Car Talk but was too self-conscious to try it in public.............expecially considering the source of the information . You say it actually works? Now I just hafta try!!!!

 

I do it all the time, it actually works from quite aways

 

Definitely a fun trick, as many people don't know about it. It works. Have been using this trick for years to get a few extra feet on the remote. Might work better if you have a bigger mouth.

 

Mmmmmmmmm-- This isn't April 1st is it? Are you guys for real? And it works even better if you stand on one foot, hop up and down and sing Mary Has A Little Lamb, right?

Gos speed.

 

I'm definitely noticing a distinct lack of operating distance, especially with the convenience opening feature.

I feel like I have to hold down the button forever, while only 5 feet from the car.

In my mind, that kind of defeats the "convenience" part of the feature.

Anyone else having that problem ???

BB

 

bored at work, tried it on my 02 vette just now...

Unlocking, car in center of two spaces, 3 parking spots wide car lengths without chin technique, 5 car lengths with chin technique.

 

this would be nice to know during the Florida summer since I love the "all open" feature of windows and sunroof opening up....always impressive

 

Generally, holding the transmitter higher helps the range. The receiver is above the rearview mirror. Just dont overdo things by waving your key above your head and make a spectacle of yourself.

There is also a chance that holding the key in various fashions helps and/or hinders the range by using the body as an antenna (help) or a shield (hinder) as the signal couples to your body in certain situations. Same has holding onto a radio or TV antenna and affecting the reception.

Goose speed.

 

>>One thing I've noticed seems to help the distance that a remote works
>>(ex. keyless entry, garage door openers) is...
>>
>>...putting the remote up to your chin (and touching it to it) when operating
>>it...

Yeah, but then you look real silly. I just wait until I'm closer to the car.

 

It works. I head about it on an earlier thread and and have been using it ever since.

 

My advisor told me that trick when I took delivery back in March. My second floor window at work overlooks the parking lot. I can open my windows and sunroof from my desk. The range is about 80 - 100 feet. It is fun to hit the lock function and have the lights flash when someone is checking out the car. They always look around to see who caught them.

 

I do that all the time, people in the parking lot at my school think I'm crazy!

 

Wow! What a cool trick! I hope we all don't end up with radioactive jaws in the year 2078!!


Gosling speed.

 

I will surely try this

Peace,
D

 

For those looking for a more stealthy approach, simply moisten (how you do this is your choice, dont ask dont tell, thats my policy) thumb and index finger and "pinch" the actual metal part of the key.

 

>>My advisor told me that trick when I took delivery back in March. My second floor window at work overlooks the parking lot. I can open my windows and sunroof from my desk. The range is about 80 - 100 feet. It is fun to hit the lock function and have the lights flash when someone is checking out the car. They always look around to see who caught them.
______________
You nasty divvil. Now I'll have to try that on someone. Hehe!

 

It's no joke. I've been doing this for the past decade with all my alarm remotes. It truly works, and I think is the reason why I feel brain dead all the time!



>>...putting the remote up to your chin (and touching it to it) when operating
>>it...
>>I think this has your body act as the transmitter?
>>

 

Yep, old trick that seems to work every time. Your head acts as one big dish antenna/amplifier for the remote keyless system.

 

Old trick thats been around for years. Works even further if you raise your arm while pressing the remote on your chin. Just can see it now....****Special Report****MINI owners walking to thier cars while holding arms in the air and with remotes on their chins. News at 11

 

WARNING: Check your pants after using this technique. Convenience opening should be restricted to the MINI only!

Theo

 

This is a must try...

 

My old Mini's key would work from about 1/4 mile away, I kid you not. I'd come out of Bowman Hall (at Kent State), and point it in the direction of the Commuter lot and hold the button for about 30 seconds. WHen I got to the car the windows almost always had gone down at least a little bit. Weird.

 

Nice trick! Good info! :smile: