Any way to extend the range of keyless entry on '97 T4R?

[BradB]

Take pity, I have searched threads all day looking for a solution.

I have a '97 Runner with the VIP alarm. The range and directional use of the keyless entry fob is very limited. It barely works at all from directly in front or behind the truck and from the side has a range of maybe 10-15 feet. Is this normal? How much range do you have?

I was hoping perhaps there was an antenna that could be lengthened, or something. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

 

[TheDurk]

My '99 factory fobs (no alarm) work reliably from 40 or 50 feet away, even from my brother's fifth floor apartment to the street--unless the battery is going. Then it shortens right up. Every few years I have to clean and bend the contacts in the fob so the battery makes good contact. This happened to both fobs. The spring arm loses tension with time, at least on the '99 version.

 

[t4r4life]

 

[IanB]

This is going to sound, and potentially look wierd, but it works. Touch the fob to your chin when you hit the button. Someone told me about this years ago and it does work, you just need to work on your technique so people don't notice and give you funny looks. I guess it uses your body as an antannae or something?

 

[t4r4life]

This is going to sound, and potentially look wierd, but it works. Touch the fob to your chin when you hit the button. Someone told me about this years ago and it does work, you just need to work on your technique so people don't notice and give you funny looks. I guess it uses your body as an antannae or something?

it works but you look like a R **** doing it lol

 

[BradB]

That is amazing. Gonna try that, and a new battery, this weekend!

(Oh, and if people aren't looking I will practice my chin technique. )

 

[t4r4life]

That is amazing. Gonna try that, and a new battery, this weekend!

(Oh, and if people aren't looking I will practice my chin technique. )

glad to help, and it works better at the temple but you'll look like your trying to off urself with the remote lol

 

[NOT ME OR SOMEBODY]

I had one doing the same thing, but noticed wife's was much better.

Stole Wife's and problem solved. ( she never drives it anyways )

I think the fobs start to go bad after awhile.

Or maybe a new battery would help it.

 

[t4r4life]

so i did mine just now
tools needed

one screw and pry that **** open like a boss

new grind that **** down like a boss

ran outta sand paper so i used a drill bit cuz im smart

finished like a boss

 

[t4r4life]

video coming soon

 

[GottaBeTRD]

This is going to sound, and potentially look wierd, but it works. Touch the fob to your chin when you hit the button. Someone told me about this years ago and it does work, you just need to work on your technique so people don't notice and give you funny looks. I guess it uses your body as an antannae or something?

i 2nd or 3rd this, when i sold cars we did this all the time to find which car they were.

Im looking forward to seeing how that wire trick works! that guy makes some pretty cool stuff. i wonder if there is a way to get a laser in there to make that work. i think it would give you even more distance??

 

[t4r4life]

 

[BrianSD_42]

Yes you look like a re**** with the remote pressed on your head LOL.

Thanks for posting this though, I did not know about either of these tricks.

 

[GottaBeTRD]

LMAO the end was just hilarious its crazy why putting it to your head works like that? i wonder what the science of that is?

hows your battery in that remote? IMO it should be able to work a little farther than that?

 

[Tucson4runner]

were you wearing horseshoes? i wonder if there is something we can do to extend the antenna in the truck as well. ill put the wire mod on this weekends to do list. nice video

 

[SCRunner12]

I like the end and you saying "and there's my sexy truck."

 

[Nunyabiz]

You could get a remote start system, most of them are good for about 1/4 mile or more.

 

[Socco]

This is going to sound, and potentially look wierd, but it works. Touch the fob to your chin when you hit the button. Someone told me about this years ago and it does work, you just need to work on your technique so people don't notice and give you funny looks. I guess it uses your body as an antannae or something?

When I was installing alarms in the late 90's, I was taught this trick. Yes, it is far more discrete than shooting yourself in the temple! I don't know why it works, but it does. It certainly can't be good for the brain cells though!

Luckily I have a Compustar with FM transmitter on the 3rd gen, so this isn't an issue for me!

 

[bgmac]

I like the end and you saying "and there's my sexy truck."

At least you made it to the end.........i bailed a minute into it. This thread was good for a few good laughs though.
Like mentioned above, if you go with a remote start system you wont have ant issues with the fob working from far away. Its also nice to start up your car at wal mart when you see the person parked to you is getting in/out to keep them honest that they dont door ding your ride!

 

[J-money$$$]

I lost the oem fob for my factory alarm in mine. It sucked to say the least.

Then i had an aftermarket alarm in my 4runner and it worked close to 100 yards away from the truck. I could even be in my house in the furthest room from my truck and hear it lock and unlock with the horn. It was a cheap alarm. It was about $100 installed. I think it was an Astra 777 from syctec or something. The fob would even show if doors or something was open. and the fob would beep if the alarm went off. It was cool, but i recently removed it. Not because i was unhappy with it or anything, but Im OCD about giant fobs on my key ring.