Bad Range on remote

I recently bought an audiovox aps996a for my 1999 eddie bauer expedition, I had it installed at my local shop (I know its sort of selling out but Ive never done remote start and its my daily driver).  The installer does really good work, I know the guys at the shop really well and this guy has been doing installations since before I was born.  I was going to ask them to hide my antenna but forgot to when I was dropping off my keys  Ive noticed my range is really pretty crappy, especially when turning the car off with the remote, the only thing about the installation the I could see possibly screwing up my range, and this would be a far stretch, is that the antenna is facing down (I think its rf so this shouldnt matter).  I havent checked the range on signal going into the remote, I might stand sorta far away and have a friend set it off to see where I can recieve from.  anyway Im getting really bad range and want to know if theres any way to make it better, if anybody has had this problem or knows and tips for me please let me know

Be sure the Audiovox Unit is NOT close to the Factory RKE or Computer.  I have had problems with Factory Ford stuff interferingMO

Don't Learn from Others Mistakes

You Might Be the One That Knows.

1. Measure the battery in the remote control with a DMM. If its less than 11.4 volts replace it. Do not simply buy a battery from some dollar store without measuring the voltage, as you will be in the same spot you are now. 2. If you look inside of the remote control, ensure that the two contact springs are indeed flush and are free of any debris or dirt build-up. 3. Locate the antennna and ensure it is mounted as high in the vehicle as possible keeping clear of any metal obstructions. The antenna should idealy be 1-2" inches away from any metal. 4. If you have metalized tint, you have just cut your range by 25-35% 5. Ensure the entire antenna cable is run, and not simply coiled in place. 6. As it was suggested above, ensure the antenna is mounted away from any sources of power, or RFI. 7. Varify that all ground(s) points in your vehicle are sound and free of corrosion. 8. Measure the vehicles battery, if it is less than 12.6 to 12.8 volts (temperature / battery type dependant). Have the electrical system tested via an AVR test, along with a load test. 9. If you place the remote under your chin and raise one arm, and the alarm performs more consistently. It is a sign the battery is too low. Regards EVIL Teken . . .