Does anyone know where the antenna for the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) module is located? The reception range for my '99 4-Door is exceptionally short, even with new batteries in both of the key fobs. Sometimes I can be standing right next to the truck and it still fails to unlock the doors.

Anyway, I need to look into whether or not something is broken/failing or would work better if relocated. I know the RKE module is behind the kick panel near the parking brake, and I have examined it for bad connections. I didn't find anything unusual, other than I could not identify anything that looked like it was designed to deal with receiving an RF signal. In addition, I can't imagine that any RF engineer would, in their right mind, put an antenna in this location. One might as well put it inside a metal box. What am I missing?

 

i dont think there is an actual external antenna for it. The module is mounted to back side of the plastic panel above the drivers foot well. Its the same panel the Data link connector(OBD2 port) is mounted in

 

Actually there is a way to improve the recep of that module...i found a how to last year...i think it was on
S10crewcab.net
anyways...you can solder a wire onto the board and run it up the A pillar and it worked great.

I will see if i can find the link...it may help

http://www.s-10crewcab.net/wp/?page_id=30

Thats the page...look under keyless link...hope that helps ya out

 

Thanks for the link warthogdriver. I will give the mod a try. I hope the receiver isn't too picky about antenna length/impedance....

The link also clears up another question I had. Apparently GM did use what's called a "stripline" antenna for this circuit. A real cost-effective (cheap-***) method. Of course it did not help us drivers a bit, when they installed the whole thing inside a metal box (the truck). Makes me want to shoot a few design engineers....

 

I went cheap on what i used...left over small gauge speaker wire...i am cheap

 

warthogdriver can you show a vid of this? and will i have to reset my keyless remote after? i just want to make sure it works before i go and do this and it ruins the whole thing.

 

pass side of truck in dash speaker grille is the receiver, small red globe that gets lots of sun exposure, the mounting clip breaks and if you cant see the globe fill the hole in cover the range will be short. You will need an angle #2 Philips to gently lift speaker grill off and when I say gentle its as fragile as the dash bezel crunch/pop fragile. Refasten globe in correct position and height. Test if good reinstall speaker grill and done.