Remote Start Distance

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JerryETX

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I have a 2016 2500 Ram with Lone Star package which includes factory remote start. My only complaint is the distance I have to be from the truck before it will remote start. I haven't measured the distance but I'd say more than about 100 feet and no chance it will start the truck regardless of which way the truck is facing. I've had Ram trucks before but never with remote start. My previous 2 trucks (not Ram) had factory remote start and would start around 300 feet away.

Is there a way I can increase the distance on how far the factory remote start will work?
 

Wild one

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I have a 2016 2500 Ram with Lone Star package which includes factory remote start. My only complaint is the distance I have to be from the truck before it will remote start. I haven't measured the distance but I'd say more than about 100 feet and no chance it will start the truck regardless of which way the truck is facing. I've had Ram trucks before but never with remote start. My previous 2 trucks (not Ram) had factory remote start and would start around 300 feet away.

Is there a way I can increase the distance on how far the factory remote start will work?
Hold the remote to your chin,supposedly it helps increase the distance. I can't confirm if it works or not,but it's worth a try.
 

mtnrider

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Surroundings will have a lot to do with the distance it will work. Also What angle to the truck you are etc. In a wide open parking lot I might get 300ft ....maybe. but that would have to be perfect conditions. Some days depending on where I am at it may be only 50ft.

Sounds like yours is working as it was designed, and no, there is nothing you can do to increase the distance.

.
 

G-Ride990

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Hold the remote to your chin,supposedly it helps increase the distance. I can't confirm if it works or not,but it's worth a try.
This 100%, seems like it triples the range. I can start my truck sitting in my office a few hundred feet away.

It also seems to work better if I click the button a few times then hold the button for a second.
 

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Just *hits & grins, when you step out of the store,
give the Panic button a quick tap

That will let you know if you have enough range with the FOB

I do that when my Ram is lost in the parking lot, like at Home depot
It is usually hidden behind a van, i always park in the construction parking area, longer & wider parking spots
 

KoboldTaco

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Is there a way I can increase the distance on how far the factory remote start will work?

Do you have tinted windows? I’ve experienced semi-metallic window tints drastically interfering with the key fob range. Basically, the metallic property of the tint acts as a blocker. Going with ceramic, while more expensive is a better window tint and your exact issue went away.

I’ve also heard the chin trick. I can’t figure out how that really helps except for line of sight alignment to the sensor. You are not turning your body into a remote antenna booster ha. The plastic of your fob is not going to act as a conductor, but rather an insulator. Good luck!
 

spacex

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This 100%, seems like it triples the range. I can start my truck sitting in my office a few hundred feet away.

It also seems to work better if I click the button a few times then hold the button for a second.
I’ve always used this method with my cars. Glad I’m in good company
 

Bigs

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Hold the remote to your chin,supposedly it helps increase the distance. I can't confirm if it works or not,but it's worth a try.

I can say that works with my other cars! Haven't tried with the RAM but yeah, I have done this many times where pressing the button alone would do sweet F-A and then I'd chin the remote and BAM.
 
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JerryETX

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Do you have tinted windows? I’ve experienced semi-metallic window tints drastically interfering with the key fob range. Basically, the metallic property of the tint acts as a blocker. Going with ceramic, while more expensive is a better window tint and your exact issue went away.

I’ve also heard the chin trick. I can’t figure out how that really helps except for line of sight alignment to the sensor. You are not turning your body into a remote antenna booster ha. The plastic of your fob is not going to act as a conductor, but rather an insulator. Good luck!
Yep I do have tinted windows (3M non ceramic) but so have my last couple of trucks. Never had any interference from the tinting before and never had ceramic tint.

I did try the chin thing. Lady in the grocery store parking lot looked at my like I just stepped off the short bus. Didn't seem to work but there were some trucks parked between me and my truck so I didn't expect it to work then.
 

G-Ride990

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Yep I do have tinted windows (3M non ceramic) but so have my last couple of trucks. Never had any interference from the tinting before and never had ceramic tint.

I did try the chin thing. Lady in the grocery store parking lot looked at my like I just stepped off the short bus. Didn't seem to work but there were some trucks parked between me and my truck so I didn't expect it to work then.
Just make sure you wear sunglasses and pretend you are adjusting them or something haha.
 

Ramagain

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Mine works well past 200 feet. Try replacing your battery. The chin works BTW, been using on many different vehicles for years.
 

KoboldTaco

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Yep I do have tinted windows (3M non ceramic) but so have my last couple of trucks. Never had any interference from the tinting before and never had ceramic tint.

I did try the chin thing. Lady in the grocery store parking lot looked at my like I just stepped off the short bus. Didn't seem to work but there were some trucks parked between me and my truck so I didn't expect it to work then.
So I will also share, that your response made me think about it more. I had a Lexus where semi-metallic was for sure a cause of key fob distance and my Prius was not impacted. It might also have something to do with where the sensor is and the tint. The Lexus was on the dash. I have no idea where the Prius sensor was.
 
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JerryETX

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So I will also share, that your response made me think about it more. I had a Lexus where semi-metallic was for sure a cause of key fob distance and my Prius was not impacted. It might also have something to do with where the sensor is and the tint. The Lexus was on the dash. I have no idea where the Prius sensor was.
You might be right. But I have the same issue when I'm approaching the truck and is facing me.
 

Ronich69

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I have a 2016 2500 Ram with Lone Star package which includes factory remote start. My only complaint is the distance I have to be from the truck before it will remote start. I haven't measured the distance but I'd say more than about 100 feet and no chance it will start the truck regardless of which way the truck is facing. I've had Ram trucks before but never with remote start. My previous 2 trucks (not Ram) had factory remote start and would start around 300 feet away.

Is there a way I can increase the distance on how far the factory remote start will work?
I've got an aftermarket alarm that uses the Drone app. I can remote-start as long as cell and truck have a signal. :)
 

bings

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Battery for sure but The fob to the chin 100% increases the distance, done it forever. Yes you are actually using your body as an antenna, just like touching or even standing close to an fm or tv antenna enhances the signal. All these waves are bad for you which is why you shouldnt hold your cell phone to your head but will the fob give you cancer. Meh, probly not anymore then your already getting
 

G-Ride990

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Battery for sure but The fob to the chin 100% increases the distance, done it forever. Yes you are actually using your body as an antenna, just like touching or even standing close to an fm or tv antenna enhances the signal. All these waves are bad for you which is why you shouldnt hold your cell phone to your head but will the fob give you cancer. Meh, probly not anymore then your already getting
We are all basically super low dose irradiating ourselves with phones, keyfobs and who knows what else all day long. Ah well. haha
 

tobd69

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I have the same problem. For years the remote start has work just fine on my 2014 Ram. Then in the last six months the remote start function has stopped working when the fob is more than 10 feet away from the truck. The issue is the same with both remotes with brand new batteries in each. I will keep looking for the answer. I was thinking that the battery on the Ram might be going bad as well so I will change that and see if it helps. If it does, I will post here.
 
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JerryETX

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Yeah I changed out the key fob battery and didn't change anything. Yesterday I was maybe 50 feet from the truck with the bed of the truck facing me and it wouldn't start it. Got to be the window tint. As far as how it worked in the past I can't speak to that aspect on my truck since I've only had it for about 9 months.
 
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