Q: What could be wrong with the car remote fob if it only works at a certain distance? You have to be right up on the car for the car to get the signal...I've changed the batteries and the remote still doesn't give a signal distance away from the car. Its the 98 smart key with the little red light at the top! car remote don't give strong signal
A: if the remote use to work good and now it won't give a strong signal even when you changed the batteries then there is something wrong with the remote. When you press the button on the remote pay attention to the light is it slightly dimmed even when you installed new batteries in it. If so that means the electrical connections of the battery are corroded and needs to be cleaned and if this is the case just clean the connector and problem solved. If you get a very bright light when you press the remote then it might be a bigger issue such as complicated electronics that have gone bad in your remote or the alarm control receiver unit's antenna in your car needs to have it's antenna and strength adjusted. This unit is usually found on the left side of the driver's side in the door area below the steering wheel. It is a small eletrcial box with a a bunch of wires coming out of it. Find the black one that is short and slightly bigger than the rest and that is the antenna. Make sure it is fully extended to get a better reception. Also there are controls and switches on the unit itself that uses a flat screwdriver to adjust the strenth of the unit. If you can't find it ask the mercedes dealer or someon knowledgeable or online about where it is exactly. If could just the remote itself is bad. You always have a backup remote in case something should happen to your first remote or your lock yourself out. If the remote is bad look for it on ebay you can usually get one for under $30 or $40 much less than what the dealer wants which is a few hundred.