The range of the remote for my keyless entry has always seemed pretty crappy, probably 40-50' or less. I recently replaced the battery in the keyfob figuring that was the problem, but it didn't get any better. In the past few months I've had a few other GM rental cars during business travel and in all cases the keyless remotes worked waaaay farther away - like 100 yards or more.

Now, I guess if the thing works before I get to the car it's served its purpose, so maybe I shouldn't care. But sometimes it's nice to have that extra range to get the car to light itself up when you're trying to remember where you parked or you just need some light as you approach the car in a dark lot.

So, is my remote's lack of range typical? Other than the battery in the keyfob itself, what could be causing the reduced range I'm seeing? The keyfobs I had for a couple of the other GM cars were identical in appearance to the one I've got for my V, so I'm guessing they were the same, but they worked 6 or 8 times as far away. What's the story?

Yeah, its very typical. Someone addressed this awhile back. The solution was to put the remote to your chin while trying to unlock the car. I know this sounds crazy but give it a try. You would think it would be on all GM cars but its not others I have had besides the V have worked great.

Yeah, I'm familiar with the chin trick. :p It does help, but normally when I really want the keyfob to work it's when I'm carrying something, so the chin trick is hard to execute.

Yeah I understand. Not to mention it looks a little goofy holding it to your chin.

Instead of the chin, you could also put it on your other wrist and use your hand as an antenna instead of your head. If you're still wanting you use your head you can open your mouth while holding it to your chin. Looks even more stupid, but works better. :eyebrow:

When I was looking at an S4 and on that forum they had the same issue. Someone tracked down the remote antenna and rerouted it and it would work from about 200'. I think.

Instead of the chin, you could also put it on your other wrist and use your hand as an antenna instead of your head. If you're still wanting you use your head you can open your mouth while holding it to your chin. Looks even more stupid, but works better. :eyebrow:

:histeric:

yeahi hate that. every time i drive an 08 STS or SRX, it works 5x the distance the V's does :(