Okay, since I'm on a roll: another question.

My keyless entry quit working after I shipped my car back from overseas. I had the unit that operates the keyless entry replaced and keyless entry works again - but the range stinks!

Before I had the unit replaced, my keyless entry was good for at least 100 yards - maybe more. Now it's good for maybe 20 feet. I have also noticed that I have to pause between unlock/lock commands. Before I could hit: unlock-unlock and all the doors would unlock. Now it's: unlock-one potato-two potato-unlock to get the same result. Same with the lock/beep double push. I have also noticed that the key fob can be "masked" or blocked by the car. For instance - standing by the trunk with the key fob at waist level - the trunk won't pop. I have to lift it up and point it through the rear window. This did not happen before I replaced that control unit.

I have tinted my windows with metallic tint since the replacement, but this was a problem even before the tint went on. I looked at the old part, and there doesn't appear to be any switch or gain control (no switches of any kind) on the unit itself.

Has anyone else had a similar problem after replacing the keyless entry control unit? Is there any way to boost the signal of the keyfob or, alternatively, to adjust the sensativity of the receiver in the car?

Yes, I know you can touch the keyfob to your chin to extend the range. I don't know why it works, but it does. It just makes me look like a retard. (more than usual!)

 

I'll repost in the 1st Gen CL/TL sections. The only post I found on transmitter range was in the 1st Gen CL forum.

If I find anything out I'll post back here.

 

Weak battery?

 

When I picked the car up from shipping, I assumed that my remote battery was dead since the keyless worked the day I shipped the car (not 45 days ago) and thought a dead remote battery was the most likely problem. I replaced the batteries in both remotes - which is when I discovered that the receiving unit was kaput.

 

I just had some insight on this problem - maybe someone here can help me out.

The FCC ID for '02 and later CLs actually changed slightly - discovered from the many posts on "will this '02 keyfob work with my '01 CL?" Is it possible that the replacement receiver (installed in my dash) is coded for the '02 and later FCC ID - and this difference in code is causing the range problem?

From reading the posts - I know that the '02 and later keyfobs will work with an '01 despite the different code. I assume the reverse is also true, but haven't seen any posts on the topic.

Has anyone who owns an '01 - who has purchased the newer, prettier, '02 and later keyfobs - noticed any difference in range or performance due to the difference?

Has anyone who owns an '02/03 bought a replacement '01 keyfob - same question? Did the range get better, worse, or the same?

Of course, another theory is that the replacement unit was not placed in exactly the same location and now it's field of view is partially blocked by (or receiving interference from) the dash structure.

I suppose I can just take it back and gripe. I think the stealership warrantees their work for 12 months. Of course, I've also been looking for an excuse to buy the newer keyfob, so...

 

"I had the unit that operates the keyless entry replaced and keyless entry works again - but the range stinks!"

It's likely the unit. They either did not locate it right, or it's a newer model that just has less range. I was never able to use my remote in my 02 & my 2 03's more then 20 or so yards away.