How to: Increase OEM keyless entry range

Basically all it involves is the locating of the TVIP module, finding the antenna wire (see link to TVIP manual further down), and soldering more wire to it. After that, you can stow the wire where you like. The more coiled and higher it is placed, the better. Just depends on how much time you want to spend routing the wire to the location of your choosing.

I used 18 gauge wire that I got at AutoZone. You want it to be reasonably thick, but similar in gauge to the TVIP wire.

For my particular truck, the TVIP antenna wire was grey with a black stripe. The TVIP module for my 2004 was located behind the driver side foot/kick panel, a black box wrapped in black/dark grey foam.

Also there is a pin on the TVIP module that controls the headlights flashing. Cut the wire to it if you have HIDs, so your ballasts won't get fried if your alarm goes off. The corners/tails/horn will still function normally. See PDF below for more info.

Useful literature to double check correct wire locations. The one I have in my 2004 Tacoma is the RS3200 starting on page 5, even though it is not listed as a model equipped with it:
http://www.cgl.ucsf.edu/home/tef/RS3000/RS3000_Troubleshooting.pdf

I'll report back with my own experiences after I have it completely finished.
So far I have the wires soldered and taped, but the coiled wire is just sitting on the dash at the moment.

UPDATE:

I ended up stuffing a coiled portion of wire in the A pillar and using electrical tape the secure the line running up to the coil. Range is not as good as it was when I was using 10 feet of coiled wire loosely placed on the dash, but still reaches 75-150 feet away in most conditions.

 

tag, that's bro-rific! taco-rific! ?

would it really affect the reception if you added a couple feet to run it along the top of the window?

 

That's what I'm thinking of doing. Higher is obviously better. I just stowed the coiled wire on my dash for the time being.

I also went to big parking lot and it didn't quite have as massive of an improvement. I parked my truck at the top of an empty sloped parking lot and it only works about 30 feet away (vs OEM remote which was 115 feet... See bottom paragraph). However, it works if I do it inside my apartment building and up the stairwell (through glass and walls), where it would never work before. So YMMV.

FWIW I (WAS) using an aftermarket 2-in-1 remote that one the members was making on here for a while. It doesn't quite have the range that my OEM remote does.
I just tested my OEM remote and wow. Same place in the parking lot, I can walk about 115 feet away and it will work.

So most of you guys will really get an improvement. Even with a remote that has never had the batteries changed.

I tested it along the street too and I was giggling at how far both of the remotes work now. I went back to using the OEM remote because the aftermarket remote just didn't perform nearly as well.

 

You can expand your keyless entry range by holding your key fob under your chin/jaw and hit the button. I have no idea how it works, but it does - using your cranium as an antenna. And it won't turn your brain into scrambled eggs. At least ... my brain is no worse than when I started doing that.

I think ...

 

that was in his previous post asking how to increase it

this is the "I found the antenna wire so now I can increase it from the truck" post

 

I know I know, this was more of a tinkering project for me.

 

This is interesting. It would seem to me by adding the length of wire you added would essentially change the frequency of the antenna. Although it operates at the 300MHz-400MHz range I believe.

Adding to long of a wire could hurt the receiver although, this is pry fairly low power so that shouldn't be a problem.

 

Nice work! I have to do this mod.

p.s., the video where you're a block or two away was funny AF

 

Hmm... Maybe I should add even more wire to the antenna. I've already done this once and gained very little distance.

Edit** Just watched the first video. Guess I'll go buy a whole bundle of wire and try that haha

 

Where did you mount the extra wire? I'm thinking if the wire is coiled a bunch of times, it works a lot better. I've just had that giant coil resting up on the dash for now.

 

I just ran a single piece of wire from the module up the driver side A-pillar and behind the headliner almost to the rear-view mirror.

Think I'll add some and coil it up.

 

Awesome mod! Id just like to add something from the other thread, its that i absolutely hate cutting into factory wiring harnesses. If youre like me, check these pin out tools:

$19 Astro 78445 5-Piece Asian Terminal Kit

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KH3MZ9O

I have bought these a while back and they have proven invaluable.

These come in a nice blue case. Its for popping out the pins on the tiny electrical connectors without damaging them. You can then buy the pin terminals with the proper mini crimper tool, and make your own pins on wires to replace them.

Im a big fan of Astro Pneumatic tools, i have two of their nutsert riveters.



This one breaks easily, but is what you use for the REALLY small needle type pins.



There are larger kits for virtually every terminal of other makes.

 

Yep, if I had this tool, I would have done this rather than snipping the wire for the headlights flashing. Except I don't plan on going back to halogens anytime soon so I should be okay. I just taped the exposed end up.

Yeah, if you stick with that configuration, but at the end, coil it a lot of times, it should work better.

 

Bump. Edited first post now that I have officially stowed the wire out of sight.

 

This is bad ass. I'm definitely doing this. I hate running back and rapidly clicking the button until I'm close enough

 

so glad I did this, I wasn't sure I locked my truck so I was able to point my remote out my office building's window to my truck about 200 feet away and the lights flashed haha.

 

Hmmm we must have dorked this up, our range went from 1ft to maybe 15-20ft (with a fresh remote battery too).

 

did you solder the additional wire to the main antenna wire? Or did you crimp? Having 1ft range to start with is not good...

 

Soldered to the main, to be fair, my soldering skills suck.

 

haha me too. I just ordered a 100w soldering gun and flux paste. I'm hoping that improves my soldering skills.