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This probably isn't news to some of you guys, but it was to me. There are a couple different remote control receiver units (the small module inside the back of the console). In my '02 9-3, the module was part # 5265442. I found out there was a later unit, part # 5039128. The obvious difference being that 5039128 has an external antenna wire, as opposed to the tiny internal antenna loop on the circuit board on 5265442.
Anyways, I picked one up on eBay for $10. It significantly improved my remote range to about 25 yards. I routed the antenna wire up under the right side of the console behind the window controls to keep it away from the parking brake.
I know some people have modded their receiver by soldering a wire to the circuit board. To me, it makes more sense to just get one of the newer style units from a junk yard or eBay. Apparently 2001-2009 9-5's have the same receiver, and the later models are more likely to have the improved receiver, which may explain why some have decent range while others only work a few feet away.
Anyways, I picked one up on eBay for $10. It significantly improved my remote range to about 25 yards. I routed the antenna wire up under the right side of the console behind the window controls to keep it away from the parking brake.
I know some people have modded their receiver by soldering a wire to the circuit board. To me, it makes more sense to just get one of the newer style units from a junk yard or eBay. Apparently 2001-2009 9-5's have the same receiver, and the later models are more likely to have the improved receiver, which may explain why some have decent range while others only work a few feet away.