Remote start range is now poor!!

[edwx]

About 2 years ago I had an entry level aftermarket 'AutoStart' remote car starter installed in my '06 X. The unit claimed to have a range of 1200'. The first year that I had it, it worked great, and I was regularly starting the vehicle from at least 1000' away. Last year I didn't use it much, and this year the range is poor, and the vehicle won't start outside of a couple hundred feet. Is this a common problem? It's not the batteries.....I've got fresh ones in the transmitter. I spoke to the original installer, and have an appointment for next week to bring it in. They said it might be a bad antenna. Is that possible? They said that a new antenna is $50. I'm debating whether or not to bring it in or attempt to replace the antenna myself. I don't think I can get an Autostart antenna, but was wondering if another make of antenna will work? Any suggestions?? Thanks in advance. I wasn't sure if this was the best forum to post this. If not, please let me know.

 

[edwx]

Well.......I found all of my original paperwork on it, and the brain is basically warranteed for life (less $25.) So I'll bring it in and see what they have to say. I'd really like to upgrade to a longer range 2-way system like a Viper or something.