AskAboutGadgets Archive

Extending my car remote range

• posted by: fudgey on 2010-07-30
• tagged: remote
• score: 3

At this time, I literally have to hold my fob on my car to get the remote to work. And I know it's not the battery.

I've seen a few videos about extending signal range and I wanted to know if any of them really work:

• Hold the fob to your chin - this should work, but not in my case.
• Add aluminum foil behind the battery (another video disproves it).
• Solder a wire on the antenna inside the remote.
• Extend the receiver antenna.

Any suggestions?

Answer 927

• posted by: Jeff Atwood on 2010-07-31
• score: 2

Have you tried contacting your VW dealer? That doesn't sound like a range problem, it sounds flat-out defective.

I'd at least confirm with your dealer before trying any range extending trickery... having to hold it up against the car is just crazy talk.

Answer 1365

• posted by: torbengb on 2010-08-16
• score: 0

The trick about holding the fob under your jaw really does increase range. I've tried it myself and I get about 50% more range out of it. I use it rarely, but it's a neat little trick that comes in handy when you need it.

Answer 1366

• posted by: naugtur on 2010-08-16
• score: 0

Pressing it against the side of Your head also extends range. And it looks funny :)

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