TAILWAG

Yes, yes, I know, probably 99.9% of the people here already got this addressed, but, I though this was an issue I would have to live with FOREVER since I got my 996. Doing some reading, I found out a diy on renntech and decided to try it out. Well, it only took about 10 minutes from the moment I got off the chair and headed to the garage....bingo!

Problem solved. Now, if I could only do the same to my M3 and my gf's Z4si, then the world would be a better place...

Riad

Um, you want to share with the class?

TAILWAG

Cool...so I am not the only one...apparently P had a TSB on the issue. They basically "cut 130mm" off the antenna wiring OR remove 100mm from the insulated foam piece in the A Pillar on the driver's side where the antenna is located....bingo, problem solved. It took about 10 minutes...so that means the "normal person" can have this done in about 5...

http://boxster.wikia.com/wiki/Procedure

The pillar on our 996 is a LOT easier to remove...just wiggle and slightly/genlty pull and the tabs will come off. There are three taps and a clip on the bottom towards the dash...this you will pull towards you gently...

Doug Donsbach

Did this just now. I just punched a hole in the foam/tape sheath and threaded the white antenna wire outside the sheath, leaving ~130mm of the antenna wire exposed. Secured the antenna wire to the sheath with a few well-placed wraps of electrical tape. This greatly enhances remote range and only took only a few minutes. You don't need to remove the visor to do this (on a '99 coupe). Be sure to lap the weatherstripping on the outside of the A-pillar trim when you're finished.

Edit: Original instructions at http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=4958 make it seem more complicated than it is.

TAILWAG

how long did you go with the oem range? I have had the car for 2 years.... OH well...at least it is fixed now!

Doug Donsbach

Only 6 months.

Thanks, Tailwag, for starting the thread!

bk12

I finally did this after knowing about it for a few months....this thread inspired me to go out and do it! 15 minutes for me...had some issues getting the trim piece back in correctly, but the actual wire mod took 2 minutes...just pulled it out of the sheath 130mm and velocroed/taped it back up and my wireless range has improved by at least 3x!

gota911

OK, my antenna (the white part) was already at 130mm, maybe because I have a 2004 996. However, my range was 3 to 6 feet. I moved the antenna to the outside of the foam lined sleeve. Now the range is 60+ feet. FYI.

TAILWAG

Isn't it awesome? I have an office with a window to the parking lot. Before, I woud NEVER dream of unlocking/locking my car from my office...for sh7ts and giggles and tried it and it works!!

AndyK

Ah, the thread title should be Remote antenna range, I thought this was about my sometimes lame stereo reception!

gota911

Yeah, you're right.

BTW - why did you change you sig to read Arctic, when it's really Artic???




Just kidding!

Riad

Put the key under your chin when pressing the remote. Your head will act like a giant antenna.

NNH

Only if you're wearing a foil hat

AndyK

Polar and Arctic Silver. I guess the Germans are fascinated by cold, frozen climates? Who says they are not friendly and warm people!?

alpha1

I've been thinking of doing this mod, but I can't visualize taking off the A-pillar trim piece -- looks like it goes all the way over the door to the B-pillar. Do I take the whole thing off? What can I break if I do this incorrectly?