Experiencing problems with your 2016 Dodge Challenger Key Fob? If you’re finding that your key fob is becoming increasingly unreliable, or has a reduced range, the issue might be closer to home than you think – specifically, within your vehicle’s antenna system.
It may sound unusual, but similar to how radio reception can degrade over time due to antenna connection problems, your key fob’s performance could be suffering from a related issue. Think of the antenna as the crucial communication point for your key fob. It’s responsible for both sending and receiving signals that activate functions like unlocking your doors or starting your engine remotely. If this antenna isn’t functioning optimally, it can lead to a weakened signal and frustrating key fob malfunctions.
One common culprit in antenna issues is corrosion, particularly in connection points. Many automotive components, including antenna wiring elements, incorporate aluminum. While aluminum is lightweight and effective, it is also susceptible to oxidation. Over time, aluminum can develop a layer of aluminum oxide. While this oxide layer is hard and protective against further corrosion, it’s unfortunately not very conductive electrically. This means that corrosion at the antenna connection points can impede the signal strength and reliability.
Imagine a scenario where, like in older vehicles with external radio antennas, the connection within your Dodge Challenger’s antenna system has become compromised by this oxidation. Just as cleaning and applying dielectric grease to a corroded radio antenna connection can restore radio reception, a similar approach might be beneficial for your key fob.
While locating the key fob antenna in a modern, keyless system like the 2016 Dodge Challenger can be more complex than in older cars where the antenna was often integrated with the ignition system, investigating its connections could be a worthwhile step. Checking and carefully cleaning the antenna connections might be a solution to restore your 2016 Dodge Challenger key fob to its optimal working condition, potentially saving you from unnecessary key fob replacements or more complex repairs.
