ZL1 Key FOB Distance - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Rizzo · 04-23-2012, 09:08 AM

I noticed this weekend that the distance on my key fob for the ZL1 is MUCH shorter than my 2010 Camaro.

With the new fob, I am unable to (un)lock the doors at distances greater than 15 feet.

I do have tint, but it is the same non-metallic film I had on my 2010 Camaro.

I tried both key fobs with the same results.

Has anybody else seen this as well?

-Rizzo

c_LoW29 · 04-23-2012, 09:10 AM

try changing the battery on one of them see if that solves the problem. If not just go to the dealer and pray that they will issue you 2 new keys.

Rizzo · 04-23-2012, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c_LoW29

try changing the battery on one of them see if that solves the problem. If not just go to the dealer and pray that they will issue you 2 new keys.

I was thinking the battery too, but because I have only had the car two weeks, I discounted that. I did try the other FOB and it operated the same.

Drake Heminger · 04-23-2012, 10:33 AM

Mine works just as far as my 11 SS did... And that's far!

Fenderaddict2 · 04-23-2012, 10:53 AM

Put the fob to the side of your temple when using it, as that will double the range. And, no I'm not joking. Scary huh?

Rizzo · 04-23-2012, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drake Heminger

Mine works just as far as my 11 SS did... And that's far!

Drake,

Do you have tint on your windows?

Drake Heminger · 04-23-2012, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rizzo

Drake,

Do you have tint on your windows?

Yes 5%

SlingShot · 04-23-2012, 11:48 AM

Use your phone, you can be as far away as you want then.

c_LoW29 · 04-23-2012, 01:30 PM

dude just buy 1 new battery guaranteed it will work.

1st Gen Forever · 04-23-2012, 01:38 PM

I've noticed the same thing. My 2010 SS is an auto with remote start and my 12 ZL1 is a manual so I figured the remote start option gave it a longer range. I can start my 2010 from in the house when it's parked on the street but to lock my ZL1, I need to step out side.

My 2010 is tinted. Not my ZL1 (yet)

Rizzo · 04-23-2012, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c_LoW29

dude just buy 1 new battery guaranteed it will work.

Yea. I will give that a try tonight. It just seems weird to have both FOBs with weak batteries with the car that is so new.

I will do it just to cross it off of the "troubleshooting-list".

Rizzo · 04-25-2012, 07:10 PM

I replaced the battery yesterday and it made no difference.

Today, I was standing right next to the car and could not get the door to unlock with the FOB.

The dealership said they can reprogram the FOB to se if that helps. I am unsure why that would fix this, but hey, I am open to try anything.

I am also seeing a distance issue with the Universal Remote (for my garage door) so maybe the two are related?

brucedd · 04-25-2012, 07:16 PM

Turn off the signal jammer. The guys in the black Suburbans may have left it on.

*Mr. Wyndham* · 04-25-2012, 08:53 PM

Mine don't seem to work unless I'm within about 20-30 feet.

The OnStar app is really cool, though....I was doing just like the commercial today and lock/unlocking it for fun...I'm such a child...

the rich dude · 04-26-2012, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenderaddict2

Put the fob to the side of your temple when using it, as that will double the range. And, no I'm not joking. Scary huh?

Its true, it works!!!

I've been going "under the chin" for years

Rizzo · 04-26-2012, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the rich dude

Its true, it works!!!

I've been going "under the chin" for years

I tried this as well. (I got some pretty funny looks from the folks around me in the parking lot)

Yesterday, I was standing right next to the car, about a foot away) and had to hit the controller a few times.

Time to bring it in to the dealership I guess.

Chevrolet Customer Svc · 04-26-2012, 03:58 PM

Sorry to hear about this Rizzo. Hopefully your dealer is able to get this taken care of for you. I hope this isn't detracting from you being able to enjoy your new ZL1!

Jeff Morris, Chevrolet Customer Service

Rice Killer · 04-26-2012, 04:09 PM

It sounds like maybe it's not a problem with the fobs, but possibly with whatever receives the signal.

CAM....ZL1 · 04-26-2012, 04:28 PM

Al O. and the manual says it's suppose to work 65 ft. away...

Canopieman · 04-26-2012, 07:56 PM

Mine works to about 80 feet

*Mr. Wyndham* · 04-26-2012, 08:51 PM

Today it randomly worked at over 100 feet.....then it didn't.

Rizzo · 05-02-2012, 06:25 PM

So I had the dealership look at this issue today.

Their finding: "Possible RF interferance from radar detector"

I call

The detector I have is the Passport 9500ci. It was installed on my 2010 Camaro and I didn't have these issues.

Before I left the dealership, I scheduled a follow-up appointment for the same issue. I will disconnect the hardwire for the detector and have them attempt to fix it again.

What really makes me mad is I feel like the service department is trying to skirt the issue. The first time I brought it up with a service rep, I was told "that is a normal distance". Again, I called

and brought it in and spoke with a different service manager. I was able to reproduce the issue with him watching.

The owner manual states a distance of around 65 feet. My 10 feet of range isn't acceptable.

I am also having a distance issue with the Universal Remote and my garage door. I have to be within 10 feet of the opener before the signal is detected.

Are the two items related?

SSeemego · 05-03-2012, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZL1_Alkindi

Chevy did that on purpose so that you can be seen closer to your vehicle... If you lock it from 50 feet away, the hot girl in the short skirt wont know who to ask for a ride... Then she mistakenly walks over to a GT500 owner and after 2 hours of persuading the girl that the GT500 has a better power-weight ratio, she sees that he's got a great sense of humor (comparing a ZL1 to a GT500) and he finally gets the girl... Is that what you want??? What was the question again? I forget :(

Too funny

Gary

Rizzo · 05-07-2012, 11:36 AM

This weekend, I removed the power source from the radar detector and confirmed that the distance issue still persists.

It is back at the dealership having the tech look at it.

*sigh*

f5journal · 05-07-2012, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rizzo

So I had the dealership look at this issue today.

Their finding: "Possible RF interferance from radar detector"

I call

The detector I have is the Passport 9500ci. It was installed on my 2010 Camaro and I didn't have these issues.

Before I left the dealership, I scheduled a follow-up appointment for the same issue. I will disconnect the hardwire for the detector and have them attempt to fix it again.

Key FOB works out to say 80-100ft

What really makes me mad is I feel like the service department is trying to skirt the issue. The first time I brought it up with a service rep, I was told "that is a normal distance". Again, I called

and brought it in and spoke with a different service manager. I was able to reproduce the issue with him watching.

The owner manual states a distance of around 65 feet. My 10 feet of range isn't acceptable.

I am also having a distance issue with the Universal Remote and my garage door. I have to be within 10 feet of the opener before the signal is detected.

Are the two items related?

My '11 SS has to be pointed generally at the garage door and be within say 3-4 car lengths of the door. It won't work from the road or the end of my not very long driveway. My CTS nor Traverse have to be anywhere near that close. Key fob work from a good 80-100ft out

04-23-2012, 09:08 AM	#1
Rizzo Drives: 2010 Camaro SIM 2SS/RS Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 371 View My Garage	ZL1 Key FOB Distance I noticed this weekend that the distance on my key fob for the ZL1 is MUCH shorter than my 2010 Camaro. With the new fob, I am unable to (un)lock the doors at distances greater than 15 feet. I do have tint, but it is the same non-metallic film I had on my 2010 Camaro. I tried both key fobs with the same results. Has anybody else seen this as well? -Rizzo __________________ ========================

04-23-2012, 09:10 AM	#2
c_LoW29 Drives: 2011 2SS/RS, 2010 Mustang GT Join Date: May 2010 Location: DMV Posts: 2,049 View My Garage	try changing the battery on one of them see if that solves the problem. If not just go to the dealer and pray that they will issue you 2 new keys. __________________ TEAM L99 RIP Betty 2010 Camaro LS PLEASE EXCUSE MY SPELLING ON THE FORUM I DO NOT USE SPELL CHECK AND MY IPHONE HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN.

04-23-2012, 10:33 AM	#4
Drake Heminger Drives: 2012 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Fredericksburg, VA Posts: 2,864	Mine works just as far as my 11 SS did... And that's far! __________________ "What a coincidence, Drake returns and brings brand new ZL1's with him...." - CAM....ZL1

04-23-2012, 10:53 AM	#5
Fenderaddict2 Drives: '12 Boss, '65 Mustang FB, '64 Strat Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Oakville Posts: 1,394 View My Garage	Put the fob to the side of your temple when using it, as that will double the range. And, no I'm not joking. Scary huh? __________________ Rated at 272 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, Cadillac's turbo mill is rated for more power than the engines found in its German competition. Of course, once you take this engine to a chassis dyno known for vaporizing GM fairy dust as we did, the output of the ATS engine looks identical to that of a BMW engine rated for 32 fewer ponies.

04-23-2012, 11:48 AM	#8
SlingShot Drives: 2012 ZL1 - #670 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Seminole, Fl. Posts: 6,247	Use your phone, you can be as far away as you want then. __________________

04-23-2012, 01:30 PM	#9
c_LoW29 Drives: 2011 2SS/RS, 2010 Mustang GT Join Date: May 2010 Location: DMV Posts: 2,049 View My Garage	dude just buy 1 new battery guaranteed it will work. __________________ TEAM L99 RIP Betty 2010 Camaro LS PLEASE EXCUSE MY SPELLING ON THE FORUM I DO NOT USE SPELL CHECK AND MY IPHONE HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN.

04-23-2012, 01:38 PM	#10
1st Gen Forever ZL1 #140 Drives: Camaros: 68 SS, 10 2SS/RS, 12 ZL1 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Arizona Posts: 597	I've noticed the same thing. My 2010 SS is an auto with remote start and my 12 ZL1 is a manual so I figured the remote start option gave it a longer range. I can start my 2010 from in the house when it's parked on the street but to lock my ZL1, I need to step out side. My 2010 is tinted. Not my ZL1 (yet)

04-25-2012, 07:10 PM	#12
Rizzo Drives: 2010 Camaro SIM 2SS/RS Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 371 View My Garage	Update I replaced the battery yesterday and it made no difference. Today, I was standing right next to the car and could not get the door to unlock with the FOB. The dealership said they can reprogram the FOB to se if that helps. I am unsure why that would fix this, but hey, I am open to try anything. I am also seeing a distance issue with the Universal Remote (for my garage door) so maybe the two are related? __________________ ========================

04-25-2012, 07:16 PM	#13
brucedd Account Suspended Drives: xxx Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: xxx Posts: 389	Turn off the signal jammer. The guys in the black Suburbans may have left it on.

04-25-2012, 08:53 PM	#14
Mr. Wyndham I used to be Dragoneye... Drives: 2012 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 25,268 View My Garage	Mine don't seem to work unless I'm within about 20-30 feet. The OnStar app is really cool, though....I was doing just like the commercial today and lock/unlocking it for fun...I'm such a child... __________________ *"Keep the faith."* - - *Read Before You Post.*

04-26-2012, 03:58 PM	#17
Chevrolet Customer Svc Drives: GM Vehicles Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 4,867	Sorry to hear about this Rizzo. Hopefully your dealer is able to get this taken care of for you. I hope this isn't detracting from you being able to enjoy your new ZL1! Jeff Morris, Chevrolet Customer Service

04-26-2012, 04:09 PM	#18
Rice Killer Cooter Drives: my wife crazy Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: SW WI Posts: 572	It sounds like maybe it's not a problem with the fobs, but possibly with whatever receives the signal. __________________ #1451 - 2012 ZL1 - White, Black Wheels, Manual, Suede Package, and Exposed Hood Insert. Delivered on 6/20/12. Thanks to Jason from Symdon Motors in Evansville, WI.

04-26-2012, 04:28 PM	#19
CAM....ZL1 Drives: 2012 ZL1 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: BENTON, IL. Posts: 634	Al O. and the manual says it's suppose to work 65 ft. away...

04-26-2012, 07:56 PM	#20
Canopieman Drives: 2012 Z71 2012 ZL1 1997 Harley Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: North Carolina Posts: 49	Mine works to about 80 feet

04-26-2012, 08:51 PM	#21
Mr. Wyndham I used to be Dragoneye... Drives: 2012 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 25,268 View My Garage	Today it randomly worked at over 100 feet.....then it didn't. __________________ *"Keep the faith."* - - *Read Before You Post.*

05-02-2012, 06:25 PM	#22
Rizzo Drives: 2010 Camaro SIM 2SS/RS Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 371 View My Garage	So I had the dealership look at this issue today. Their finding: "Possible RF interferance from radar detector" I call The detector I have is the Passport 9500ci. It was installed on my 2010 Camaro and I didn't have these issues. Before I left the dealership, I scheduled a follow-up appointment for the same issue. I will disconnect the hardwire for the detector and have them attempt to fix it again. What really makes me mad is I feel like the service department is trying to skirt the issue. The first time I brought it up with a service rep, I was told "that is a normal distance". Again, I called and brought it in and spoke with a different service manager. I was able to reproduce the issue with him watching. The owner manual states a distance of around 65 feet. My 10 feet of range isn't acceptable. I am also having a distance issue with the Universal Remote and my garage door. I have to be within 10 feet of the opener before the signal is detected. Are the two items related? __________________ ========================

05-07-2012, 11:36 AM	#24
Rizzo Drives: 2010 Camaro SIM 2SS/RS Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 371 View My Garage	Follow-up This weekend, I removed the power source from the radar detector and confirmed that the distance issue still persists. It is back at the dealership having the tech look at it. sigh __________________ ========================