Key Fob- where is the receiver antenna located on a 2008 Explorer?

[CAGerringer]

I've just had a Key Fob locking device replaced by Ford. The old one stopped working unless I held it right next to the drivers door...within an inch. I changed batts, no difference. Today I picked up the new Fob and it worked exactly the same way. Where are the receiver antennas located on a 2008 Explorer? There's obviously a problem with the receiver or it's antenna. Can anyone tell me where it is?
Charlie

 

[CAGerringer]

I've just had a Key Fob locking device replaced by Ford. The old one stopped working unless I held it right next to the drivers door...within an inch. I changed batts, no difference. Today I picked up the new Fob and it worked exactly the same way. Where are the receiver antennas located on a 2008 Explorer? There's obviously a problem with the receiver or it's antenna. Can anyone tell me where it is?
Charlie

I found a previous thread concerning key fob receiver antennas on a 2011 Explorer. They said if you have phone chargers plugged into the charging point, it will affect the range of the receiver. Even though mine is a 2008, I thought I'd give it a go. I, in fact, did have a charger plugged into the USB point, and removed it. No change!!! Receiver range is still 1-2 inches!
Charlie

 

[CAGerringer]

I found a previous thread concerning key fob receiver antennas on a 2011 Explorer. They said if you have phone chargers plugged into the charging point, it will affect the range of the receiver. Even though mine is a 2008, I thought I'd give it a go. I, in fact, did have a charger plugged into the USB point, and removed it. No change!!! Receiver range is still 1-2 inches!
Charlie

SOLUTION FOUND!!!
Since it was apparent that no one has had the "poor Key Fob range" problem before. Or, if they did, they never found the root cause.
So, I bought a complete workshop manual for Gen 4 Explorers online. The site is called EMAUNUALONLINE, and when they say complete workshop manual, they mean it. It's 6423 pages of troubleshooting, specifications, guides to disassembly, location of parts, wiring circuits, Etc, Etc, Etc.
On page 5218 I found that the range function of the Fob is handled by the SJB. (Smart Junction Box) It then referred me to Section 419-10 on page 4525, where it told me more about the SJB than I ever wanted to know. The important part was that the antenna is inside the SJB, and the SBJ is located on the left side of the drivers feet, in the cowl wall, behind the panel.
Get the Manual!!! If you persevere, you will find the answer.
Cheers,
Charlie

 

[D Hook]

Thanks for following up with the solution. I'm sure it will help others.

Curious, did you have to pay for the manual? Can you post a link where you accessed it?

 

[CAGerringer]

Thanks for following up with the solution. I'm sure it will help others.

Curious, did you have to pay for the manual? Can you post a link where you accessed it?

Go to emanualonline.com. I got the 2006-2010 Explorer/Sport Trac Service and Repair manual.
It was $36...and there's a 22% discount being offered now. I found it was worth every cent.
I have nothing to do with this company, no association at all.
Cheers,
Charlie

 

[J_C]

Thanks for following up with the solution. I'm sure it will help others.

Curious, did you have to pay for the manual? Can you post a link where you accessed it?

Have you seen this?

Free Service Manual for the 2006 Ford Truck Explorer 4WD V8-4.6L VIN 8 | Operation CHARM

Detailed repair manual for the 2006 Ford Truck Explorer 4WD V8-4.6L VIN 8, including electrical diagrams, recommended bolt torques, and estimated labor times.

charm.li

 

[J_C]

SOLUTION FOUND!!!
Since it was apparent that no one has had the "poor Key Fob range" problem before. Or, if they did, they never found the root cause...

I found that the range function of the Fob is handled by the SJB. (Smart Junction Box) ... The important part was that the antenna is inside the SJB, and the SBJ is located on the left side of the drivers feet, in the cowl wall, behind the panel.

Okay... but important information seems missing. Now that you found the location of the antenna, was there something wrong with it, were you able to improve the fob range and if so, how?

Also that manual site you mentioned, what format was the manual in? I've read that some of theirs are something strange, an OVA virtual machine file instead of a PDF or the traditional Ford DVD app and database(s).

https://shorturl.at/sMfUF

 

[CAGerringer]

Okay... but important information seems missing. Now that you found the location of the antenna, was there something wrong with it, were you able to improve the fob range and if so, how?

Also that manual site you mentioned, what format was the manual in? I've read that some of theirs are something strange, an OVA virtual machine file instead of a PDF or the traditional Ford DVD app and database(s).

https://shorturl.at/sMfUF

JC,
I haven't had the time to dig the SJB out, yet. Can't decide if the trouble is worth the slight convenience that would be gained.
The manual was a PDF file that you can download. I'd contact the company if you are concerned.
Cheers,
Charlie

 

[Blackhawkxx]

Thanks for following up with the solution. I'm sure it will help others.

Curious, did you have to pay for the manual? Can you post a link where you accessed it?

He said it in his post without the .com. Repair Manuals Online, Buy Workshop Manuals, DIY Service Manuals

 

[CAGerringer]

He said it in his post without the .com. Repair Manuals Online, Buy Workshop Manuals, DIY Service Manuals

For those that somehow missed this,
Go to emanualonline.com. I got the 2006-2010 Explorer/Sport Trac Service and Repair manual.
It was $36...and there's a 22% discount being offered now. I found it was worth every cent.
I have nothing to do with this company, no association at all.
Cheers,
Charlie