remote starter 2001 pontaic grand prix

I recently purchased a 2001 Grand Prix with a cs299i Command Start, I have replaced the antenna and remote control key fob and it still will not start unless I am standing directly in front or beside the car It will not start from behind. Occasionally it will start if I hold the stater fob beside the alluminum window frame in the house. Seems mot to be reciving the signal. The starter performs all the functions when close to the car. I have checked the wiring connections, resistance in the ground circuits, Unable to make it work. Need Help! Does any body know about these problems that can please help, my wife is going to drive me into putting in a completely new system at a great expense before xmas.Rollet

you say you replaced the antenna and the key fob right? it either the battery in the new remote is weak(been on the store shelf a long time??) or the antenna is not plugged to the starter correctly or the wire has been cut somewhere during your  installation of the antenna cord from the windscreen down to the R/s. the battery change would be easy enough but the antenna cord gonna be a little tricky to check, pull it out and check the entire length for damage.WesMan

you could just cut the antenna cord close to the R/S brain leaving about 5 inches there and just wire in some 18 or 16 wire to it and run that up the a pillar and see if this helps your range, if it does you confirmed that you antenna was fudged. and heck if you are happy with the range that regular wire gives than leave it in there and that new antenna costs you zilch!! i dont think you can get an UPGRADE antenna you have to stick with the normal and i dont think those are sold a replacements only since you should not ever need a new antenna because its not like it wears out or anything. i would believe you would almost have to buy a new unit to get that antenna replacement. go with the wire test and see how it works. heck just hook up the wire and just dangle it across the dashboard and see how your range imroves or not. it it does get better than install it properly if it dont improve well at least you did not waste all the time runnign it up the A puillar for nothing.WesMan

Welcome to the crappy world Command Start . Honestly I would replace the system for something that has warranty and get rid of that system. I've taken out more CS systems in my area than any other system out there. I probably have about 50 + CPU's, antenna's & wire harnesses in my pile that are just Command Starts. It's up to you but most likely the system will calve on you in the next couple of years if not earlier.Jeff

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