Central Locking Fob Range

[MFK]

Car: E200K 2001 W210
The range on the key fob is very poor. I have to hold it right up to door and even at that it can be slow to open or close. Batteries have been replaced but no difference. I only have one fob so cant try another to see if it is any different

Is it possible to increase range?

Any ideas why it is so poor?

Thanks

MFK

 

[Diesel Benz]

The first thing I would do is purchase another key from MB, independently if the current one works perfectly or not.

I'm not sure if this is an issue with a W210 but newish cars operate both with IR and RF and the RF antenna tends to stop working (don't remember if it was the antenna or the antenna amp). The RF signal gives the better range. On a car where it works one can try opening doors versus closing/opening windows with the remote key, windows should only use the IR port and lower range.

If it was an imported Japanese car, it might intentionally have a shorter remote range but then it would never have worked "well".

 

[74merc]

Try holding the remote key fob to your chin or any other bony part of your body. This increases the range but does look a bit funny!!

 

[MFK]

The car is an import from Singapore. It has been like this since I got it.

Thanks

MFK

 

[crockers]

Do what 74Merc said...it uses the body as an aerial...extends the range....a good party trick

 

[robert.saunders]

Any part of the body?

 

[television]

Any part of the body?

That depends on how well the good lord blessed you, I am OK as my mum only had one arm

 

[television]

On a sensible note, the amps do go down for the RF locking and this is a common fault, but as said it could be the key fob