So, always wanted to post about this but I always forgot. Anyways, I have put new batteries in my keyless entry thingy a lot but it never makes a difference. Basically, my problem on my 96 deville is I basically need to be within 5 feet of my car for my keyless entry to work. Is this a common problem? Anything I can do to fix it?

Where is the receiver within the car so I can maybe extend the antenna?

Thanks guys!

1996 Cadillac Seville STS V8-4.6L VIN 9
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Technical Service Bulletins

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Remote Keyless Entry - Insufficient Operating Range

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Notes



Remote Keyless Entry - Insufficient Operating Range
File In Section: 9 - Accessories
Bulletin No.: 63-90-12
Date: September, 1996
Subject:
Insufficient Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Operating Range
(Apply Tape to Electronics Bay Board)
Models:
1996 Cadillac Concours, DeVille, Eldorado, Seville
Condition
Some owners may comment on insufficient Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) operating range. Owner states they must be within a few feet for the transmitters to operate properly.
Cause
Variance between vehicle/component builds.
Correction
Always test any RKE concerns outside of buildings and away from anything that could cause electrical interference; i.e., power lines, automatic door openers, which could cause erroneous diagnosis of the system.








Use Figure 1 to check the RKE transmitter range at specified locations around the vehicle. If the system operates within the specified ranges, this repair procedure should not be used.
If the range is less than the ranges specified in Figure 1, use the following repair procedure.
1. Remove Remote Function Actuator (RFA) module, refer to Section 9K of the Service Manual.








2. Apply tape, P/N 12373149, to Electronics Bay board in area shown in Figure 2.
3. Reinstall RFA module.
If the installation of this tape does not increase the range of the RKE system, replace the RFA module.
Parts Information
Parts are expected to be available September 23, 1996 from GMSPO.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation Labor Time

R4480 0.4 hr
Copyright © 2005 ALLDATA LLC
Terms of Use

does this help?.
sts96

Ok, the only part I dont know is how to remove the RFA module. (I learned how to reprogram it through the DIC before) Also, a concern of mine is that I have a non-oem passive alarm system that was installed into the car before I bought it and it is already programmed into the cadillac remote. So will removing the RFA cause that to remove the programming from the non-oem alarm? Thank you for your help, I greatly appreciate it.

Also, where in my car can I find the RFA module? Is it behind my seats in my trunk? Thanks again.

Ok, i went to check it out, and yea it pretty much works with 16-23 feet on the points on that chart. Sometimes the buttons are hesitant. I guess I shoudnt be too much in a rush to unlock my doors haha

Thanks for your info.

When it gets warmer, I will put that tape on there- maybe it will improve performance. Its just so friggen cold out right now!

I know the '97's all had short range for some reason. Maybe '96 as well. I just never let it bother me, as long as it was open when I got there. My '02 has a MUCH greater distance. Just the nature of the beast I guess.

Mine acted the same way. What I do to correct it is take it apart, pull the rubber pad off the circuit board and clean the graphite contacts and the points where they come in contact with the board with rubbing alcohol.
Works for me every time.
It has to do with moisture. I have to do this about every three months.

budz