Improving remote lock distance on Australian T1N sprinters

[Charliektm400exc]

This thread in the write up section details how to improve the distance the remote will work to over 60m.

Improved Key FOB Range (200 feet!)

The range of my key fobs for the keyless remote locking system has been poor to very poor since I purchased my van. Several threads have expressed disappointment with the range, and I have often been standing at the rear doors pressing the unlock button with. The problem: the SKREEM antenna...

sprinter-source.com

i had a look in both A pillars on my ex ambo T1N, but couldn’t find any wires that corresponded with the wire they talk about.

does anybody know if a similar hack will work on our vehicles, and if it can be done, which wire should I lock for?

charlie

 

[Eric Experience]

Charlie.
There is no other alternative, you have to find the locking module antenna. it is usually taped to the loom going up the right pillar. It is a thin black wire. It is easy to identify because it does not terminate but just ends about half way up the pillar. it may have dropped down but you will find it. Eric

 

[autostaretx]

The SKREEM itself is mounted on the back of the instrument panel ... that's where the antenna wire is connected.



At the very worst you could access it and try pulling the wire from the Sprinter's grasp where it disappears out-of-sight.
It's only a single wire with no connection on the far end (since it is an antenna)
In theory, the RKE antenna is a yellow wire connected to pin 1 on the SKREEM's connector.



*But* your RKE system may well operate on a different frequency than the US/Canada version, so the SKREEM have have a different assortment and pin allocation (although usually the radio section is a little "daughter board" inside something like the SKREEM housing to make it simple to create the different countries' versions)

--dick
p.s. be VERY GENTLE to the wires on pins 11 and 12 ... they go to the RFID sensing antenna that's hiding in the bezel surrounding the ignition key slot.

 

[Eric Experience]

Charlie.
The Skreem has nothing to do with the central locking. The locking module is a different unit. Eric.

 

[autostaretx]

In the US T1N models, the SKREEM handles the radio work and the code verification.

If you're using the "lock doors" button on the dashboard, that indeed has nothing to do with the SKREEM.

--dick

 

[Charliektm400exc]

Charlie.
There is no other alternative, you have to find the locking module antenna. it is usually taped to the loom going up the right pillar. It is a thin black wire. It is easy to identify because it does not terminate but just ends about half way up the pillar. it may have dropped down but you will find it. Eric

Eric, thanks I’ve been through both wiring looms on the A pillars and nothing like it. Will have to try and see if it’s dropped down.

charlie

 

[Charliektm400exc]

In the US T1N models, the SKREEM handles the radio work and the code verification.

If you're using the "lock doors" button on the dashboard, that indeed has nothing to do with the SKREEM.

--dick

No, I’m talking about using the remote key. Anyway, Eric has told me which side to go looking on,so I’ll do that. Thanks

Charlie

 

[Charliektm400exc]

Charlie.
There is no other alternative, you have to find the locking module antenna. it is usually taped to the loom going up the right pillar. It is a thin black wire. It is easy to identify because it does not terminate but just ends about half way up the pillar. it may have dropped down but you will find it. Eric

Hi Eric, I looked everywhere but couldn’t find it so gave the idea up. Now doing a few other mods to the van so thought I would have another go. On the drivers side A pillar there is just one wire black and white between the metal and the plastic covering. I’ve looked inside the metal pillar as well as I can but can’t see any wires. Could it be possible the wires are in there? If not any suggestions on my next place to look.

thanks Charlie

 

[Eric Experience]

Charlie

Best you find the door lock module and the antenna will be attached. The module is tucked into the space between the trim and steel just above the throttle pedal. Eric

 

[autostaretx]

In the US T1N, the remote key antenna is a single wire that runs up the driver's side A pillar ... and ends in there. (so it's just a "loose wire")

People get better range by pulling it out and laying across the dash (in the defroster vent)

--dick
p.s. since the "affixed" end of the wire goes to the SKREEM under the instrument cluster "hump", the antenna will probably be on the UK/Oz driver's side, too.

 

[WinnieView1]

Touch the fob to your forehead for greater coverage.

 

[autostaretx]

Touch the fob to your forehead for greater coverage.

I go for "under chin" to get a parabolic-shaped reflector in play...

 

[Charliektm400exc]

Charlie

Best you find the door lock module and the antenna will be attached. The module is tucked into the space between the trim and steel just above the throttle pedal. Eric

Eric, I spent quite some time looking for the module, but couldn’t find it. There appeared to be nothing in the are you describe as there was just sound deadened, and I couldn’t easily get behind that. I think the next step involved pulling the dash apart so I can get into the sound deadened, but that will have to wait a while as it needed to go back together for Easter.

thanks for your help.

Charlie

 

[Cheyenne]

Charlie,

I assume your 2002 has the 'hump' behind the instrument binnacle, if so the SKREEM module is located under the hump on the back of the speedo. Pry the edge of the trim nearest the windscreen up then pull the hump backwards to release it.


You should then be able identify the aerial wire and follow its route.

Keith.

 

[Charliektm400exc]

Charlie,

I assume your 2002 has the 'hump' behind the instrument binnacle, if so the SKREEM module is located under the hump on the back of the speedo. Pry the edge of the trim nearest the windscreen up then pull the hump backwards to release it.
View attachment 216336

You should then be able identify the aerial wire and follow its route.

Keith.

thanks,

in post 3 and 4 this was suggested, and Eric tells me the SKREEM has nothing to do with my issue, so I’m following that logic.

 

[Cheyenne]

in post 3 and 4 this was suggested, and Eric tells me the SKREEM has nothing to do with my issue, so I’m following that logic.

But in post #3 Dick posted the pinouts of the SKREEM and Pin #1 is RKE Antenna, this is the wire you are trying to find. RKE = Remote Keyless Entry.