Broken Key Remotes?
 

I don't know about you guys but on both of my remotes, the loops on both of them that attach to the key chain have broken off. Anybody else have this problem?

I'm not really interested in buying another plastic one that will break. I found these on the Steeda page.

http://www.steeda.com/products/bille...hain_cover.php

Does anybody have that billet remote cover? Does it replace the plastic parts or is it like a skin that just goes over the old one? I figure the metal tabs on that thing will handle abuse better

Those remotes have been in use over well over a decade and the tabs do have a tendancy to break off.

I checked out those Steeda remote covers you linked to and they look like two pieces that fit over the existing remote which attach with four small screws. That would be a good replacement.

This one looks like it is well built.

http://www.uprproducts.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=896

I have had this one for a couple of years now. It replaces the plastic part. I wasn't crazy about it advertising for UPR, but that really doesn't bother me..

Thanks Donna. I ordered the steeda one because I like their logo better.

Hmmm, haven't had a problem yet and I only ever use the one. The other is locked up for safe keeping. The key on the other hand looks like it has been used for over 20 years :(

yeah my key looks like my cat uses it as a chew toy

I got the steeda clicker today. The thing is very robust. One side is made of solid and thick CNC'd aluminum and the other is Delrin. My only gripe is that the two halves are not perfectly aligned so there are sharp edges when you run your finger along the sides of it. You could drive a truck over it and it wouldn't break.

After 3 1/2 years, my remotes are still perfectly function and about 90% aesthetically pleasing compared to new. No problems.

This should work for a quick fix.....

https://www.dormanproducts.com/cgi-b...tegory_list=:0

Great find.

Oh Dustin, you just wanted a bigger bulge in your pocket.

+1

I have a 5+ year old Ford fob from another car and it is still in pristine shape.

So the remote works fine, except that the increased mass definately affects the range of the remote. You pretty much have to be within 10 feet of the car to get it to work. That not might be a bad thing though, at least if somebody steals your keys they are going to have a hard time finding your car in a parking lot.

Mass has nothing to do with the range of your remote. The metal covers are attenuating the RF signal that is used to communicate with the module in the car.

I wonder what would happen if I solderered a wire to the "antenna" and attached it to the aluminum cover?

It may not help much because antennae are tuned for the optimal transmission frequency in RF devices.