fung0001

20. Validate remote control range. If range sucks even after replacing battery the fix is to re-route antenna lead.

what is mean by re-route antenna lead?
My remote sucks and need to place close to the window to work even after changing battery.

k9turbo

did you get that from a porsche diagnostic tool, or durametric? i've never seen that one before. ( sorry )

manimal

There's a thread somewhere on the regular 996 forum. I think it involves removing some insulation that surrounds the antenna in the driver's side A-pillar.

Here it is: https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...ttle-time.html

Guess it was actually a TSB. There's a link to a DIY on Renntech.

pfbz

Range pretty much sucks no matter what, but I guess the mod (if not already done in the last 19 years or so) doesn't hurt...

It basically is just taking off your visor and a-pillar cover on the drivers side and separating the white antenna antenna wire from the sleeve/bundle.

Dock

After over 18 years with my 996 Turbo I'm used to just unlocking it a few steps away from the car. It works great from that range.

k9turbo

sometimes threads like these remind me of how fortunate this high mileage car has been to mechanically. i've never had to mess with the remote or an antenna. now i know what it is though. fingers crossed. gl w it OP!

pfbz

I think it was fairly common for dealers to do this mod for their customers in the early days.... Might have been done decades ago.

Messyboy

Manimal, thanks for the link to Renntech!! I just completed the mod on my 2003 X50 in about an hour or so. The remote is functional from at least 50 feet from the antenna. I was standing at about the 7 o'clock position from car. I was using the strongest remote of the two that I own. The car is parked in my garage, so next time I drive I will be able to try from different angles.

Mike

Messyboy

Here is the final modified antenna/cable assembly.

Dock

I'm probably missing something here, but what advantage is there (other than finding your car if you forgot where you parked), in having the remote work at or greater then 50 feet?

T Kono

Performance enhancements don't stop at the drive train.

Dock

What useful performance enhancement is there with a remote that works at or greater than 50 feet?

I was thinking about the possibilities and I came up with two (I included my answers):

1. Forgot where I parked my Turbo (My answer: I remember where I parked.)

2. Someone I'm with runs ahead to where the car is parked. It's raining so they don't want to stand there waiting for me (My answer: Carry an umbrella, give them your key, run with them, or leave them sheltered and go get the Turbo and pick them up.)

manimal

My answer would be simply to have it work a higher % of the time when I am within a reasonable distance (say, 10 feet).

Often, I'll press it when I'm ~6-10 feet away, continue walking to the car, and find that I have not unlocked the car.

Dock

I can understand wanting the remote to work as designed. I just can't understand wanting a longer functional range.

Messyboy

That's exactly how I look at it...

Mike