Stock wireless remote entry has no range......

[Jeepers]

1048170

Hello all,



I'm a proud new owner of a 94 Cherokee Sport, Black 2 Door, straight 6, standard options.



I've replaced the batteries in the key fob for my wireless remote entry but I still have no range. I have to be within 1-2 feet of the Jeep for it to work. Is this normal? Is there an antenna or range switch some where that I can adjust?



Any info would be appreciated,



Matt[addsig]

 

[dingus]

1048260

in my XJ, the receiving part of the Factory keyless entry is up on the console on the roof. i'd imagine you have something similar... mine's just a black ball that hangs down a little. the actual unit is located under the dash in the passenger side... it sounds like maybe your wire is cut between the two so you're only getting about a few inches of antenna... check the wire for cuts or anything.

[addsig]

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

1048399

Batteries in the key fob?[addsig]

 

[jeepthrills]

1049079

isnt the factory keyless system infrared? Thats why there is that ball on models with overhead console and the plate thingie on models without. I think that is the "eye' (antenna) of the system. Just a guess.

[addsig]

 

[Jeepers]

1049283

I do have the "black eye" on my overhead console too. Thanks for the inputs guys, I'll tear into it this weekend and check on the wires.



Matt[addsig]

 

[dingus]

1049306

yeah... the overhead console (on mine anyway) just has one screw that screws into the roof near ther rearview mirror. take out that one screw, and the whole console slides forward and comes down.[addsig]

 

[pinaplebob]

1050319

One easy fix i've learned....tested...and love is more of a temporary fix...

working at a car dealership it was my common practice to use the remote to find that car...and to increase the range of the remote, I would do the following....



Take remote point it at your throat above the adams apple and point it at the back of your mouth.......

open your mouth and push the button....

It greatly increases the distance of the remote....



it bounces the signal off your teeth and acts like a antenna.



(ever stick foil in your mouth?)[addsig]

 

[rossman40]

1052539

The 94s uses infra-red which is the same as most TV remotes. You have to have direct line of sight btween your keyfob and the little black thimble on your overhead consule. The brain box is in the overhead and the relay is under the glovebox. Take good care of your remote unit, I just bought a new one to replace the original that corroded and it cost me $131. Newer units are RF(Radio Frequency) so they have greater range (remotes only cost $40). [addsig]

 

[MudderChuck]

1052576

OK I tried pinaplebob´s trick. Now, how do I get my ears to lay down flat again?[addsig]

 

[dingus]

1052619

lol[addsig]

 

[pinaplebob]

1052752

So your saying it worked? lol[addsig]

 

[Saurian]

I have an 00 Cherokee Sport, my keyless does the same thing, usually, I have to be within about 5 feet of it to unlock the doors, I changed the batteries in the key fob, no difference. Sometimes, it won't unlock at all unless I hit lock first, then unlock, but the stupid panic alarm will activate even when I'm down in the basement, or in the back yard a good 20 feet away with a house between me... Both clickers do this. Any suggestions, comments, concerns?

 

[graewulf]

my GC has the infrared system.. it sucks. i'm installing an aftermarket remote start and throwing this POS in the trash.... only function i lose is arming the alarm by remote (locking the doors before closing does arm it though)

 

[jay79cj7]

Saurian,
I also have a 00 XJ sport and have the same problem with range. It doesn't work as good as it did new, and changing the batteries doesn't help. I also have to hit lock first alot of times; don't know why. If you figure out a fix, let me know... I installed a remote start for cold winter mornings and I don't have range to reach the parking lot from my apt anymore.

 

[Saurian]

Funky "foam" in the Clutch Master Cylinder!!!!

I'll keep pestering it, and let you know if I come up with anything... Good to know that we have the same problem, especially the having to lock before unlocking... Sounds like a programming problem to me...

 

[jay79cj7]

I notice that I have to hit the lock button first after I have dropped or jarred the keys. It kind of serves to keep you from accidentally unlocking the doors, but I don't think its on purpose.

 

[Annihlator95]

I have a '95 sport XJ, and I took the remote apart...and attempted to clean the buttons off in case that was the problem, along with changing the batteries...all I accomplished was that I could then unlock the Jeep from about 5 feet away if I got the right angle on it...it's very annoying, so I gave up and just use the key lock on the door. (I think i broke the lock button when I took the remote apart.)