OK heres the deal i have a 98 F-150 4X4 now when i purchased the truck it had only a key, i checks and it had key-less entry purchased 2 fobs had them programmed for truck there signal strength were both at 100 percent.

now the problem:

the fobs only work inside the truck ad sometimes from outside but have to play around drivers door to get them to work, but the odd time on a cold day they'll work from a distance.....is there an antenna? Ive tried searching for any threads like this couldn't find any.

could i remove the key-less module with another one without having to reprogram pats?

thanks for the help look forward to the response

 

How did you check "signal strength" ?

Do your electric locks work correctly, every time without fail ( the button is pushed all the way up, not you are using the door handle to unlock the door ).
- The reason I ask, is if there is an issue with the power lock actuator, this might be what you think you are seeing as an issue with the RKE.

You can add an aftermarket RKE, but make sure it is not an issue with the power door locks 1st.

if you have a 1998, you do not have PATS.

 

The place I had FOBs programmed at said the strength was 100. Locks work always without fail. The RKE have an antenna? Also can rke be replaced without any issues?

 

you did not mention how long its been since you've had these FOBs just that you had to get them when you purchased truck. did you try new batt. in the FOB yet ? also, clean any dirt and dust out of FOB (button contacts) this is a problem that i had all the time when working construction.

 

The fobs were programmed 2 weeks ago, I doubt the battery or butttons stuck because if I sit in the truck can push the lock/unlock on the fob as many times as I want and it will lock/ unlock

 

Did you see a spectrum analyzer at the place that programmed them for you and told you the "signal strength was 100" ?
- Think he was BS'ing you with that statement.

You can change out the RAP ( Remote Antitheft Personality ) module, but you will need the same version from either a 1997 or 1998. There were 2 versions of this.
Before you go changing out parts on a guess, you might want to try reprogramming the RKE fobs again, this time, have someone help you, and once you enter programming mode, have them programmed from standing outside the truck in an open area.
- Your owners manual says to take them to the dealer, but this is no the case, download an owners manual from a 2000 MY or later from Ford :
https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenan...ls/default.asp

The directions for programming the RKE fobs yourself are in there.

what are you doing when you post :

 

if i move it around outside the driver door and keep pressing button it will adventually unlock/lock.

the guys could be BSing me i wil pickup a new battery tonight try to rule out the easy things

 

tried new batterys didnt work....is there a signal wire to the RAP? or is it internal?

 

I would just get a new remote before buying a new unit. New remotes can be bought cheaply. I just paid 7.50 for 2 for my 04. If you don't know how to program them, most come with instructions or you can PM me.

 

the 1 remote cam with truck the other was from my focus which is still in the family i tried it in the focus and works flawlessly

 

Did you try reprogramming it from outside the truck at your own house ?

There could have been RF 'noise' at the place that programmed them the 1st time, and a clean program did not happen.

once you enter programming mode, all the RKE fobs are erased, so make sure you have them both.

 

is there an antenna wire that i can patch into on the RAP? if i hold key fob up to it will lock unlock no problem, take a 6" away will not work, i got wiring diagrams they show an antenna but took out RAP and there is no antenna wire that i can find.... any help