ultra starter 1270 poor range, operation

I have a 2000 Toyota Tundra that came with an Ultra Start 1270 installed by the previous owner.

First, it usually only works when within 5-6 feet of the vehicle, and usually only from the front or sides. However, it will often work from the second story of my house, which requires it to to through the garage.

When it's raining, it rarely works. Same for when it's very hot out, or very cold out.

Overall, it doesn't work reliably and has very poor range. I did do a search on this topic, but didn't find any posts that answered my question. I've tried contacting the company with no luck, so I appreciate any assistance with this issue!

The U1270 is a decent unit.  With the standard remotes, I typically get well over 600 feet of range.  A few things to check.  For best reception, the antenna should be mounted at the top center of the windshield, behind the rear view mirror, pointing down.  The two red ( or possibly blue ) LEDs should blink when the unit is locked which provides the illusion of an alarm system.  Make sure the antenna wire isn't kinked , has no damage and the blue plug is well seated into the brain..  Last, but not least, check / replace the remote transmitters battery. 

-------------
Soldering is fun!

kreg357 wrote:

---

The U1270 is a decent unit.  With the standard remotes, I typically get well over 600 feet of range.  A few things to check.  For best reception, the antenna should be mounted at the top center of the windshield, behind the rear view mirror, pointing down.  The two red ( or possibly blue ) LEDs should blink when the unit is locked which provides the illusion of an alarm system.  Make sure the antenna wire isn't kinked , has no damage and the blue plug is well seated into the brain..  Last, but not least, check / replace the remote transmitters battery. 

---

The antenna is mounted in the correct location. I don't know about the leds, I usually don't use the fob to lock up because it doesn't usually work, so maybe that's why I've never noticed them on? I checked as much of the antenna wire as I could without removing the headliner and a pillar. I couldn't find any kinks, the extra is just coiled up near the unit. The first thing I tried was changing the battery, and sadly that had no effect.

Find a local shop that sells the replacement remote...Have them program a new one to the unit...See if the range increases...programming is done through the antenna and is super easy to do...I would start there...! If you can't find anyone local...Send me a P.M. and i can help get you a replacement...!

-------------
M.E.C.P & First-Class
Go slow and drink lots of water...Procrastinators' Unite...Tomorrow!

I may try buying a new remote. My current remote is black with blue buttons, but all the remotes I see on ebay have black buttons. Will these work?

Yes, any 4 button AM one way remote should work.  ( I have successfully programmed the G11-XR style, U1270 style, U1272-PRO style and the U1280-Pro style to various G11, U1270, U1272 and U1280 brains. )Up to 4 remotes can be programmed to the 1270 but all must be done during the same session.  On the back of the remote should be the  ID = MKYTXPT4G.

-------------
Soldering is fun!