Key Fob Radio Interference

[Bodgit-fixit-run]

Since moving into our new address just over a year ago we get an intermittent problem where we can't unlock our cars due to radio interference on the key fobs. With the Rave this can be overcome by manually opening the door, setting off the alarm. starting the car and driving 50 yards down the road and then resetting everything. befor continuing the journey. Sadly with our other car a Picanto this isn't an option cos the engine imbilisor is activated.

We are currently waiting for OFCOM to investigate but as it's intermittent this could take a long time and be very expensive if the fault is in our property which we are sure it isn't as we have tried turning off the electricity at the meter so nothing is running. But still have the same problem.

Any ideas or similare experiences would be helpful.

Thanks in anticipation.

[FROSTYBALLS]

You haven't said what type of environment you reside in - rural, urban, etc.

Common causes of such interference can include:

* The National Grid's data transmissions over pylon cables, which is on the increase with smart metering.

* Emergency band transmissions from Fire, Police, etc.

* Military communications.

* Vehicle mounted radar detectors of the type used to warn of Police speed traps.

Do you have a Police station or similar near to you with communications masts on the roof?

[Bodgit-fixit-run]

Hi I live in a semi rural area litturally on the edge of a villiage not masts etc. Howver we do have a smart meter. The problem started in August last year so if it was the meter it would have been ocuring as soon as we moved in. Having said that BT did some work on a telegraph post just before the problem started. Next door only expereienced the problem at the same time as we did and have lived there for several years. The smart meter has been installed for several years as well so I think that can be ruled out.

No police or military instalations no obvious transmitters in the area.

[Raistlin]

Then I would give BT a call and ask their advice...

[FROSTYBALLS]

BT do install telegraph pole-like masts, used for their mobile network.

[Guest]

Biggest culprit is wireless alarms, so anyone fitted an alarm that fits in date wise?

[Bodgit-fixit-run]

Nope no new alarms locally.

Concerned cos if ofcom investigate and it does turn out to be something to do with our property then they can charge £91.20 per hour or part. We've turned the power off and tested but no different. Now need to confirm the smart meter isn't the culprit although it's always been there so am 90+ % certain it isn't.

[Raistlin]

Smart meters do broadcast

[Bodgit-fixit-run]

They do but if it's all the time then the locks would never work and it's intermittent. Do they broadcast constantly?

[Raistlin]

No, only when billing data is required.

[Raistlin]

No, only when billing data is required.

[FROSTYBALLS]

Wouldn't this be over-charging?

[Raistlin]

Not at current rates...

[Bodgit-fixit-run]

No, only when billing data is required.

So this then almost certainly rules it out as we have changed supplier to one who doesn't use smart mode which means the meter runs in dumb mode therefore no transmitting?

[FROSTYBALLS]

But isn't necessarily your smart meter that could potentially be causing the issue - could be a neighbour's.