No one likes walking away from the car only to wonder if you locked the doors. It’s even worse if your car’s remote has terrible range, and you have to go all the way back to check. This trick can fix that — all you have to do is pop the case on the remote, extend the antenna, and you’re good to go.
Image: Caitlin Regan.
We’ve shown you a couple ways to increase your car remote’s range, like adding a little aluminium foil, but this method is a little more permanent. Instructables user 5hockwave2 shows you how to open the case for your remote and add some wire — any thin wire should do — with a little solder to the existing antenna. Let it cool, close it back up and you’re good to go.
One of his commenters disputes whether the antenna in the remote is the metal trace running around the circuit board or the actual lead on the board itself, and we’re inclined to agree that adding your wire to the trace is probably a better option. Still, this really only works on remotes that have that kind of antenna, and IR remotes that require line-of-sight need not apply. Your mileage may vary, but one thing you can certainly do while you have the remote open is replace the battery — that’s a sure-fire way to improve the range too.
How to Boost the Range on Any Car Remote Key [Instructables]
Comments
3 responses to “Improve The Range Of Your Car’s Keyless Remote With A Little Solder”
Alternatively, point your remote into your chin upwards and let your skull amplify the signal.
I can vouch that this technique works. Technically your body concentrates the signal by reflecting it to a more coherent beam, a bit like a parabolic antenna, it doesn’t amplify it. Also helps keep your brain warm on cold days…….
Judging by the comments on that guide, I’d give this one a miss.