Panic Button / Alarm has very limited range

[BocaDave]

I don't know if I have a unique problem, but here it is:

My car's panic button/horn alarm built into the key fob has a very limited range. With my previous car, I could easily use it at the local supermarket parking lot, or in a huge airport parking lot to locate my (previous) car.

The range of my Genesis' receiver/transmitter seems to be limited to a few car lengths, certainly much less than 50-100'. The dealer says this is "standard" and "normal."

That limited range renders the thing useless in many normal-use situations.

Its not just for finding your car... what about if you go into panic mode in a parking lot (you see something dangerous going on). The limited range means you better be right next to your car when you "panic", because if you are 100' away, the thing won't work at all.

So... this is both a convenience and a safety problem.

Any ideas how to make this better on my existing car, or is it just a design limitation? Is there a practical fix I can install or an after-market solution?

Thanks,

 

[flyboy2]

Why would you want an alarm to go off when you aren't anywhere near the car? People's attention would be drawn to the car and not you.

 

[ctrcbob]

See the thread titled "Alarm Horn", started yesterday, 1/09/10.

Your car is "normal" for the Genesis, and this alarm is USELESS. (they are all like that).

 

[lgbalch]

:The range of my Genesis' receiver/transmitter seems to be limited to a few car lengths, certainly much less than 50-100'. The dealer says this is "standard" and "normal."

That limited range renders the thing useless in many normal-use situations.

That was normal for my Acura RL.

 

[Sayantsi]

These alarms are supposed to be limited by range - their main purpose is to lock and unlock the car and make noise provided your near, and I can't think of any OEM keyless entry that works on an extended range. What if you go into a store and accidentally hit the trunk release button from 200 yards away? I certainly don't think setting off the panic button to find your car is a "normal" activity.

There are alarms with extended range up to 1/4 mi; they have antennas you place on the windshield for that range. If you want to extend the OEM range, maybe you can check into getting one of these extended antennas to get the range you desire, or relocate the OEM antenna up and out of the dash so it has better receiving range. You can also touch the fob against something metal or against your chin to create an ad hoc extended range antenna and get more range.

In the mean time, maybe its best if you pay attention to where you park, or if you have a smart phone, use an app that will gps pinpoint your car's location.

 

[dataguy]

I have pretty good luck with pressing the button with the fob next to my cheek. Works a few car aisles or halfway down the block.

 

[ctrcbob]

I have pretty good luck with pressing the button with the fob next to my cheek. Works a few car aisles or halfway down the block.

I also place the fob next to my chin or cheek. A car salesman showed me this trick many years ago. Don't know why it works, but it does extend the range of the fob.

I have a problem with the alarm horn not being loud enough. The alarm horn SHOULD be as loud as the regular car horns. Matter of fact, I see no reason why the alarm does not sound through the regular car horn.

When I'm in a large parking lot, and press the alarm button, I want to be able to hear the horn, so I can find the car. The present alarm horn just is not loud enough.

 

[BocaDave]

I have pretty good luck with pressing the button with the fob next to my cheek. Works a few car aisles or halfway down the block.

Thanks, guys! That trick really works! As several of you suggested , "...You can also touch the fob against something metal or against your chin to create an ad hoc extended range antenna and get more range."

Amazing! Thanks again.

 

[ctrcbob]

Was out with the 02 Continental a couple days ago and pressed the fob panic button, just to see if I could hear the horn from across the Walmart parking lot. Yes, it was loud enough that I could hear it easy. Would never be able to hear the Genesis panic horn doing this.

 

[itsjustmatt23]

Has anyone tried to replace the crappy alarm horn for a more louder one? I plan on replacing it soon. The alarm horn is located on the near the drivershide windshield under the ECM.

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!