[kxfour]

I placed this here because I wasn't sure if this would fall under L&E or AV&S.

Anyone know where the antenna wire for the factory keyless entry is? I want to significantly extend the range of the existing remote, and the only way I know to do this is to take that wire and run it to an antenna, whether mounted externally or internally on the glass.

Why? Because I want to add remote start, but I don't want to change to a crappy aftermarket remote. Almost all DEI kits out there allow you to use a pulse input (aka press lock 2-4 times, depending on config) to start, but it defeats the point if I have to be 10 feet away from the car to do it.

[PCH]

The red box is the receiver.

[kxfour]

Yep, I was able to locate that already - the problem is that I don't see any kind of antenna on the wiring diagram. Perhaps it's internal to the module?

There's a salvage yard that has an xB with one of these modules still in it - can grab it for about $10... maybe I should bring it home and crack it open.

[PCH]

Probably internal. Diagram only shows 4 wires: power, ground and 2 to the door lock relay.

---------- Post added 04-21-2012 at 09:39 PM ----------

Do you know anything about aftermarket remote range extenders?

[kxfour]

I'm not familiar with the aftermarket range extenders, but it looks like soldering on an antenna to the module is not uncommon with other vehicles. I'll be grabbing that spare wireless module from the junkyard tonight, so I'll update with what I find (I'll include pics)

---------- Post added 04-23-2012 at 06:31 PM ----------

Ok, got it! Spent $4.97. Here's a pic of the guts, but I can't directly link it yet (not enough posts):

i.imgur.com/svfiC.jpg

Looks pretty straightforward; the antenna is obvious and is one wire only. I think I could probably find a suitable aftermarket antenna and add it in. I'll probably add a connector or socket of some kind on the unit itself so I can disconnect the antenna if I decide not to use it later (or if the results are disappointing).

---------- Post added 04-23-2012 at 06:35 PM ----------

One more issue - I'm not sure where the remote control info is stored... If it's stored in here, I'll have to do the whole long remote programming thing all over... grrrrr...