Hey all,

All of a sudden, the range for the keyless entry for my 2006 Civic is very low. I'm talking 10 feet or less. I tried switching keys and replacing the battery in the keyfob, so I can rule those out. Any ideas what might be causing the issue? Thanks!

 

Mine has been like that since I bought it 3 years ago. I always just assumed it was normal

 

It's never been an issue before. I used to be able to unlock it from 40-50 ft. away. I'm wondering if the antenna cable has come loose or something like that. Does anyone know where it's located?

 

There is no antenna, your immobilizer/keyless control unit recieves signals from your key fob and then sends signals to the micu to distribute commands to the door latch actuators, ect. to unlock the doors and other functions. The immobi/keyless unit isnt serviceable or adjustable. Try replacing the battery in your key fob before condeming the key fob internals-which would be the final and only solution other than a fresh battery.

 

I had the same issue replaced the battery its back to normal now

 

Where is the immobilizer/keyless control unit located? Is it behind the dashboard? The reason I ask is I installed an iPod adapter behind the radio recently, and I can't be certain that's the same time the keyless range dropped, but I thought it might have some effect.

As I stated in my original post, I replaced the battery in the keyfob, which did nothing for me.

 

The control unit is right at/on your ignition switch. Your ipod adapter is not likely to have an interfernece issue, than your key fob having a problem. I know you stated you replaced the battery, but check the battery with a dmm. If its voltage is exceptionaly lower than its rating, replace it (again). If not, the issue remains in the fobs internal circuitry. Replace the 'guts'. Your immobi reciever is very unlikely to have an issue picking up your fob's frequency in terms of range, when that unit goes sour, you will know about it. Which isnt the case. So begin @ the fob.

 

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it. It just seems highly unlikely that BOTH keyfobs would suddenly experience the same issue. Is there any special procedure to follow when replacing the battery? I would think if they needed to be reprogrammed, they wouldn't open the doors at all.

 

Replacing the battery in itself will not require reprogramming. The battery is a cheap test, if a new battery (again) doesn't solve the issue, then you may have to step up to the transmitter replacement (guts). That will require reprogramming.
It does call into question that both units are giving you problems...good luck.

 

Correct^ no special procedure however sometimes the little screw strips out because honda likes locktite. A lot. And yes your dealer must program the new guts. It seems coincidental, but your immobilizer transciever unit is OK. And so is your micu. If you question this unit and/or its circuit operation, I can provide etm information regarding the circuit and operation to help you better understand the system. And/ or take it to your local honda, as they must program the new guts anyways. Then inquire about it and Im sure a fellow technician will be happy to show you and explain the system. PM me if you have further advanced ?'s.