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Remote start and door lock feature only works at close range (less than 10')

Piranha-z

Full Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2010
Messages
83
Location
MN
So I just got my Avy about a month or so ago. I can't seem to get the remotes to activate the door locks or the remote start more than about 10 feet away. Once you get closer than that everything works like it should. I took it to the dealer and they just did a quick check on the key fobs and they said the problem was not the fobs but something else. They said they would have to get it in so they could try and track it down. These kind of issues scare me as they could spend a long time searching and might not find anything.

So I thought I would see if anyone else has had this issue and maybe I could replace whatever is bad on my own.

Anyone have any ideas?? It's a 2010 LTZ.

Thanks in advance!!
 
Have you changed the batteries?

If the 2010 is the same as first gen the key fob and TPMS are handled in the passenger side front door switch module. Assuming that is the case you could pull it out and inspect it for obvious signs of issues.

My truck (2003) only works within 20'...

GM did have an optional keyfob available that has longer range and possibly other options but was an add on option. Not sure what years it was available.

PS, If I hold my keyfob to my chin it gets close to double the range.

Rodney
 
redheadedrod said:
Have you changed the batteries?

If the 2010 is the same as first gen the key fob and TPMS are handled in the passenger side front door switch module. Assuming that is the case you could pull it out and inspect it for obvious signs of issues.

My truck (2003) only works within 20'...

GM did have an optional keyfob available that has longer range and possibly other options but was an add on option. Not sure what years it was available.

PS, If I hold my keyfob to my chin it gets close to double the range.

Rodney

Rodney

Thanks Rodney.

One fob is brand new and the other came with the truck. I put new batteries in both thinking that was the issue, but after having at the dealer they said the fobs were fine and that it was some other issue. I didn't have it in for an actual appointment so they couldn't check it that day.

Was just hoping someone else had seen the issue and had found the fix. (I had tried the chin thing before as it works great with my other vehicles, but it doesn't seem to make a difference)
 
MLM said:

Dang, I just had that panel off when I dyed all my panels............. Is this a common part that fails? I'll check pricing. If it's not too expensive I'll swap it out.
 
Piranha-z said:
Dang, I just had that panel off when I dyed all my panels............. Is this a common part that fails? I'll check pricing. If it's not too expensive I'll swap it out.

Oh, a clue! I was gonna ask if the truck had any mods. Were the fobs working better before you took the interior panels off? Maybe you displaced or broke the antenna while you were in there.
 
MLM said:
Oh, a clue! I was gonna ask if the truck had any mods. Were the fobs working better before you took the interior panels off? Maybe you displaced or broke the antenna while you were in there.

No they didn't work then either. And maybe I am misunderstanding the location. Is the module on the inside of the truck? I thought it meant it was underneath the rear panel that is right behind the roof in the back. I didn't do anything in the interior at all.


One interesting item though. My TPMS has been acting up also and I just read that the two features are actually tied together.

This was listed for 2007 though:

" The Service Tire Monitor System message is displayed.

" The remote keyless entry (RKE) and/or remote vehicle start (RVS) transmitter has poor range. Cause
Any of these concerns may be caused by an internal fault with the transmitters and/or the RCDLR software/hardware. DO NOT REPLACE THE BCM OR RADIO ANTENNA MODULE. Reprogram the RCDLR with the latest software update available through TIS2WEB. Replace both Remote Keyless Entry transmitters.
Program the transmitters using the procedure listed in SI.
Perform the following steps in the exact order: 4.1. Remove the key from the ignition.
 
Yup, sounds like at least a reprogram of your passenger side door switch module... Then reprogramming of keyfobs and wheels...

Sounds like the 2010 is the same setup as first gen

A good dealer should charge no more than an hour and hopefully just a half hour to do this.

Rodney
 
UPDATE:

So the dealer called and said the RCDLR receiver is bad and they need to replace it. They did say that it also controls the tire monitor system as well and that's why I was getting that error intermittently. Should have it back tomorrow at some point. Ugh.............  :E:
 
redheadedrod said:
Is it integrated into the passenger side door switch module?

Rodney

Doesn't sound like it. Sounded like it was in the back by the rear window like MLM said.
 
Dealer just put in a new RCDLR and he tested it at the dealer when I picked it up. It seemed to work OK but olnly at about 45'. Before it only worked about 10' away. I get the truck back to work and as I'm walking away I try to lock it and no go (I park way out where nobody else does, so no interference there). So I turned around and started walking back towards the truck. It wouldn't lock until I got about 15' away.  :E:

Just dropped $517 and the problem is still there............. So I have a call back into the dealer.

To be continued...........
 
Just wanted to throw an update out here. I'm dropping the truck off at the dealer tomorrow and they are going to replace the module with the correct one per the VIN (long story but apparently the wrong one was in there to start with and they did a direct swap) and also replace the antenna. I really hope this fixes the issue because it doesn't sound like there are any other avenues to try.

I'll update more tomorrow.
 
OK guys, hopefully final post.

Dealer ended up taking the RCDLR that they installed and put a new one in that matched what the VIN said it came with (that's not what was in there I guess). They also replaced the antenna with the correct one (the one that was in there was a GM add-on). It's a very weird story and why someone would have replaced the original with a different P/N is beyond me and we will never know.

What I do know is the remote start and key lock distance is simply amazing now! I don't know the exact distance, but I am guessing it's around 1000'.

Just wanted to update the thread  (y)

BTW, dealer didn't charge anything for the new antenna or labor for replacing it. Very cool IMO!
 
I had the same problem. To solve it, it worked backwards from the time when I first noticed it and found the culprit. I had bought a Bluetooth device that plugs into the 12v power socket, connects to my phone and transmits an FM signal to my radio. GM power outlets are constant live. I did not have the problem on my Nissan car because it's power outlet is live only when key is on so no interference when the key is off. I removed the device from my truck and all is back to normal. I hope this helps someone!
 
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