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Chevrolet Malibu key fob

13 messages,  Last post on Oct 07, 2007 at 9:30 AM

You are in the Chevrolet Malibu Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Malibu, Security System, Sedan

Messages Page 1 of 2

#1 of 13 Working distance for key fob by pomfret

Apr 14, 2007 (2:48 pm)

I have just bought a 2005 Malibu and am finding that when using the key fob to locate the car in a parking lot it will beep sometimes as far away as 150 feet but often I have to be within 20 feet for it to work. This car does not have the remote start feature and I've changed batteries in the fob. Any ideas? Thanks.

#2 of 13 Re: Working distance for key fob [pomfret] by e2helper

Apr 15, 2007 (4:16 am)

Replying to: pomfret (Apr 14, 2007 2:48 pm)
I think for that model year without remote start the range of fobs is supposed to average around 40 feet.
 
Variation might have to do with obstructions between you and vehicle, angle from which you are approaching vehicle and ambient electrical "noise". I am not sure if how/where you hold fob has anything to do with it or not.
 
I think there is a delay on the Locate feature so you have to make sure you hold button long enough - but too long and you get Panic feature.

#3 of 13 Re: Working distance for key fob [e2helper] by csandste

Apr 21, 2007 (9:36 am)

Replying to: e2helper (Apr 15, 2007 4:16 am)
Read several years back that putting the fob near your open mouth increases range. For some stupid reason (your body acts as an antenna?) it seems to work. I've tried it with at least three cars including the Maxx. Of course you DO look stupid.

#4 of 13 Re: Working distance for key fob [csandste] by e2helper

Apr 21, 2007 (6:16 pm)

Replying to: csandste (Apr 21, 2007 9:36 am)
I agree - I just didn't want to say I did this too

#5 of 13 Re: Working distance for key fob [e2helper] by gonogo

Apr 22, 2007 (8:13 am)

Replying to: e2helper (Apr 21, 2007 6:16 pm)
All you need is remote start, it is better than the 200 feet they advertise.

#6 of 13 Re: Working distance for key fob [csandste] by pomfret

Apr 22, 2007 (10:05 am)

Replying to: csandste (Apr 21, 2007 9:36 am)
I really do appreciate your suggestion but I'll have my wife use the open-mouth tactic first - and if that doesn't work she says she will try sticking it in her ear.

#7 of 13 Human Satellite Dish by friendinthebiz

Aug 14, 2007 (5:44 pm)

It seems to be any reflection from the body, under the chin is also effective. I have psuedo-scientifically tested my remote range over time, we have assigned parking and as the battery ages I must get closer to engage the remote start and/or the locks. By tucking it in front of my throat it returns the lost range. No matter, I've had all the children I intend to have.
     By the way, the Chevrolet owner's manual(s) describe the range as being 200 feet to remote start but because the running engine disrupts the signal "you may need to be closer" to remote stop.

#8 of 13 Additional/Replacement Key by replacementkey

Oct 04, 2007 (12:30 pm)

Whew!!!
 
Here's a copy of some recent difficulties I've been having with GM/Chevrolet ... ANY suggestions on another approach?
 
----------------------------------------------
Thank you for contacting the Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center. We appreciate you taking the time to write us in regards to the concern you have with the parts pricing to have keys duplicated.
 
Based on what I read in your recent e-mail it is clear that you have not had a satisfactory experience and are frustrated.
 
Under our franchisee agreement, General Motors provides parts to its dealerships. The dealer then establishes the final retail price based on market conditions and operating costs. General Motors does not intervene in the price structure set by the dealer, and you will find that part prices may vary from dealer to dealer. We apologize for any inconvenience regarding this issue.
 
We have documented your comments in service file ....
 
Chevrolet supports Buckle Up America. We encourage you, your family and your friends to always Buckle Up. If you should need to contact us in the future, simply reply to this message or call our Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-1020. Customer Relationship Specialists are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Eastern Time. My hours are Monday through Friday 8am-4pm(EST) 1-866-790-5700 (21671)
 
For more information regarding the maintenance and care of your vehicle, please visit www.mygmlink.com. This free online service offers vehicle and ownership-related information and tools tailored to your specific Chevrolet.
 
Again, thank you for contacting Chevrolet.
 
Sincerely,
 
The Chevrolet Consumer Support Team
----------------------------------------
RESPONSE:
A simple key ... priced based on market conditions and operating costs: $47.86 for ONE key to a quality Chevrolet Product that, in and of itself, costs in excess of $15000 ... $47.86 for ONE key ...
 
What part of "Do YOU or GM feel that the cost is HIGH?" don't you understand?
 
Perhaps I'll be going to Ralph Nader and some other consumer groups next
 
God bless
 
        -= Edited
---------------------------------------------------
 
Service Request# EDITED
 
[EDITED]
 
[THREAD ID:EDITED]
 
-----Original Message-----
 
From: cacchevrolet.com
Sent: 10/4/2007 12:24:50 PM
To: gmcustomerassistancegmexpert.com
Subject: FW: Chevrolet Other Comment
 
[THREAD ID:EDITED]
 
-----Original Message-----
 
From: cacchevrolet.com
Sent: 10/4/2007 11:39:35 AM
To: cacchevrolet.com
Subject: Chevrolet Other Comment
 
???------------------------------------------------
 
Name : EDITED
Address : EDITED
                        
                     : EDITED
 
Phone contact : phone
When to contact : afternoon
 
Daytime Phone Number : Edited
                       ex.
Evening Phone Number : () -
                       ex.
 
Comments : From:
EDITED
 
I'm nearly incensed! I have a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. Thinking the cost(s) to not be expensive, I went into my local Chevrolet Dealership. I needed duplicate keys for my car. I asked how much three (3) keys would be.
$143.58 I was told. I reduced my order from 3 to 2. The keys, I was told, cost $47.86 each (Part number 89024363 ... replaces 1582447) "WHY so expensive?" I asked. "Because the key has a computer chip inside that has to be programmed for your car. I can't do anything about the price," I was told.
 
$47.86 for ONE key? Oh My God! Is this for real?
 
I paid the bill - not happily - but I paid the bill. I also ordered a license bracket (15274497) ... ONLY came to $31.48 -- just for a bracket for the front of my car.
 
WHAT is happening to Chevrolet? I was comfortable with my Chevrolet Camarro and others I've purchased over the years. But $47.86 for ONE key; $31.48 for a plastic front license plate bracket? WHAT is happening??
 
Whew!!! Please respond soon - My impression(s) of Chevrolet/General Motors is being held in abeyance
 
God bless
 
        Edited
 
--------------------------------------------------
All started with my purchase of a GM product ... PLEASE don't talk to me about ONSTAR 'cause GM will then always know where I am... arghhh!

#9 of 13 Re: Additional/Replacement Key [replacementkey] by gonogo

Oct 06, 2007 (9:09 am)

Replying to: replacementkey (Oct 04, 2007 12:30 pm)
You can purchase the key on the web and program it yourself.
 
http://streetkeys.com/order/choosekey.asp

#10 of 13 Thank You for the suggestions about the key by replacementkey

Oct 06, 2007 (6:18 pm)

I wish I would have known about them prior to my so happily saying "I'll buy three" and then found out the price.
 
Honestly think that the "problem" if there IS one is in the seemingly outrageous markup on the actual key itself ("I" programmed it by sitting in my car, starting it with the key that came with the car - shutting it off, and then starting it with one of the REPLACEMENT keys). $47.86 for one key is somehow just too high to be acceptable to me...
  
I've reported it also to some state PIRG groups ... was looking at Ralph Nader's site...
  
Hope you have a terrific weekend ...
  
God bless ... and thank you again!
 
       -=replacementkey

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