Hey everyone, So I have a 2006 Monte Carlo SS that came with stock Keyless entry and remote start. Which is amazing especially since the mornings can be a little on the cold side when I have to go to work. Only thing is that this thing has next to no range. I have to be within at least 4 feet of my car for it to work. My question is, is this just how it is? Are OEM Keyless/remote start remotes really that bad? Is there anyway to get more range out of them? I have replaced the battery in the remote which didn't help. If they really are just that bad I may have a viper system put in lol

 

Although I don't have OEM remote start I do have aftermarket (python). In my experience, I have not gotten much more range than you, and if anything at all is in the way it won't go. It won't even go through a light jacket pocket. I couldn't justify spending $350 on an aftermarket system when you've already got one that's not much different. Just my .02 from the "greener" side of the grass.

 

Viper Smart Start will be about the best for range sence u can start it from anywhere with a smart phone but it wouldnt be a justified expense sence you do have to pay for the system than a fee for service, id just stick with your stock one

 

I have 3 after market remote start/ alarms....

I have a range up to 1/4 mile... whether im inside a building.... down the street.... or if its outfront.... I have had no issues and they start everytime...no matter what distance I have wanted to start them from....

I dont believe you can increase the distance with a factory keyless entry...

I spent close to 400.00 on each of them...but well worth it in my opinion.

 

Thanks for the help guys. I may have a viper system put in because I have seen the range on those things and it is flat out rediculous. I work at best buy and my manage has a viper system and she can turn her car on from inside the building. So that is at least a couple hundred yards. And since I work at best buy I get a pretty nice discount on install and i get an ok discount on the product. So that may be what I do, I just wasn't sure if there was any way to improve the range on the OEM one. I have even tried holding the remote under my chin which doesn't help all that much lol

 

there was a tsb on the remote start. i also had an issue with the range being very low. i practically had to be in the car. they replaced mine and it works from about a 100ft. if you look up the tsb it went into a description as to what the culprit was. its something dumb and not overly hard to fix, but should be fixed by the dealer since they know its an issue. i also worked at best buy and wouldnt let them touch my car just me though. heres a link from tech with the original tsb and it talks about the repair. this is page 2 which has the pertinent information.

SS remote srart.. grumbles.. - Page 2 - LS1TECH

 

My parents were quoted almost $300 for the TSB repair. It's not a warranty issue, they have to replace the module and give you new FOBs.

 

I may go talk to a chevy dealer about it. Because regardless $300 is cheaper then having a viper system intalled. Even though having the ability to start my car from an ungodly long range would be pretty cool haha

 

In my 07 Impala I can start it from over 50 feet away.

My fiancee just opens the door to our apt, sticks her arm out the door and starts the car every morning. We live on the top floor lol.

When we took her car and visited my parents, I made my Dad jealous because I started the car while we were sitting in the living room, and he has to walk outside because his Monte is having these same issues haha