6 months.
finally fixed my antenna range issue
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 420
Likes: 2
From: OP/Olathe KS
finally fixed my antenna range issue
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...
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...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 420
Likes: 2
From: OP/Olathe KS
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...
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...
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From: Knoxville, TN
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.
Edit: Original instructions at http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=4958 make it seem more complicated than it is.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 420
Likes: 2
From: OP/Olathe KS
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.
Edit: Original instructions at http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=4958 make it seem more complicated than it is.
I have had the car for 2 years....
OH well...at least it is fixed now!
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 309
Likes: 6
From: So Cal
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!
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From: Winston-Salem, NC
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.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: OP/Olathe KS
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!!
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From: Winston-Salem, NC
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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?
