Remote on Key has bad range?
09-26-05, 07:21 PM
#1
Remote on Key has bad range?
Hey, you guys that are still using the stock key/remote and not an aftermarket alarm. Is the range of these horrible on our cars or what? I also have a LX470 '02 and that thing can get a signal from around 75ft or more. Even my camry '99 that I used to have would be able to get a signal from about 50ft or so. The GS has difficulty around 20ft?? At 10-15ft it will always work.
When I'm around 20-25ft I have to press the button 2-3 times and hold a bit longer for it to unlock. Any further than that I get no signal.
The car is brand new 2005 model. Maybe they decreased the sensitivity? The '02 LX has a similar looking key and gets a signal 75ft+. I'm pretty sure the batteries are good since the car is still new and both of the keys do about the same range. I asked the dealer about this on my last service and he said it was normal...
When I'm around 20-25ft I have to press the button 2-3 times and hold a bit longer for it to unlock. Any further than that I get no signal.
The car is brand new 2005 model. Maybe they decreased the sensitivity? The '02 LX has a similar looking key and gets a signal 75ft+. I'm pretty sure the batteries are good since the car is still new and both of the keys do about the same range. I asked the dealer about this on my last service and he said it was normal...
09-26-05, 07:53 PM
#2
I just asked a Lexus service advisor the same question last week...
First, the battery in our keys should last a "few years" before needing replacement.
Second, the effective range on the factory set-up is about 10 yards. Yes, that's horrible indeed! However, my father's Tahoe and friend's Cherokee are significantly worse ... they may as well use an old fashioned key to unlock their cars!
* * To increase the range of your factory clicker, put an index finger on the tip of the key or place the clicker under your jaw. Seriously. Try it. My preference is for the finger trick since I don't like the idea of shooting "rays" into my brain!
First, the battery in our keys should last a "few years" before needing replacement.
Second, the effective range on the factory set-up is about 10 yards. Yes, that's horrible indeed! However, my father's Tahoe and friend's Cherokee are significantly worse ... they may as well use an old fashioned key to unlock their cars!
* * To increase the range of your factory clicker, put an index finger on the tip of the key or place the clicker under your jaw. Seriously. Try it. My preference is for the finger trick since I don't like the idea of shooting "rays" into my brain!
09-26-05, 09:28 PM
#3
Originally Posted by Johnny Rad
I just asked a Lexus service advisor the same question last week...
First, the battery in our keys should last a "few years" before needing replacement.
Second, the effective range on the factory set-up is about 10 yards. Yes, that's horrible indeed! However, my father's Tahoe and friend's Cherokee are significantly worse ... they may as well use an old fashioned key to unlock their cars!
* * To increase the range of your factory clicker, put an index finger on the tip of the key or place the clicker under your jaw. Seriously. Try it. My preference is for the finger trick since I don't like the idea of shooting "rays" into my brain!
First, the battery in our keys should last a "few years" before needing replacement.
Second, the effective range on the factory set-up is about 10 yards. Yes, that's horrible indeed! However, my father's Tahoe and friend's Cherokee are significantly worse ... they may as well use an old fashioned key to unlock their cars!
* * To increase the range of your factory clicker, put an index finger on the tip of the key or place the clicker under your jaw. Seriously. Try it. My preference is for the finger trick since I don't like the idea of shooting "rays" into my brain!
I am gonna try this out.
09-26-05, 09:50 PM
#4
Heh, i'm thinking about popping the key open. I might be able to solder a larger antenna and hide it within the casing. 
10yd range thats just horrible. Its kind of embarrasing when I'm walking up to my car(20-30ft) and holding the key way up in the air pushing the unlock like crazy and nothing happening. Then my friend next to me with a honda is getting the signal on the other side of the parking lot....lol
10yd range thats just horrible. Its kind of embarrasing when I'm walking up to my car(20-30ft) and holding the key way up in the air pushing the unlock like crazy and nothing happening. Then my friend next to me with a honda is getting the signal on the other side of the parking lot....lol
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09-27-05, 09:58 AM
#8
The range on my car used to be amazing. I remember hanging out on the back porch of a 4th floor apartment and being able to easily turn on or off my alarm when the car was down the street and across the way. I was amazed. Now I'm usually having a hard time RIGHT NEXT to the car or in front. I routinely now have to walk back to the car and try again. I've missed a train because of that...and I don't know what's going on. Both my batteries are new and I don't know what's going on. 
Last edited by chicagoblknazn; 09-27-05 at 01:32 PM.
09-27-05, 06:07 PM
#10
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hehe, the IS range is REALLY far. My GS seems to have a range of around 40ft if I place the key under my chin or in my mouth (yes). I'm assuming the GS range sucks because of the battery, haven't replaced it yet.
What size and type is it?
What size and type is it?
Originally Posted by rominl
i tried the atenna on the car already, doesn't work
my 98 gs has bad range
but my 03 is300 and 05 sc430 range is awesome, go figure. the gs430 i have played with so far has awesome range too
my 98 gs has bad range
but my 03 is300 and 05 sc430 range is awesome, go figure. the gs430 i have played with so far has awesome range too
09-28-05, 10:17 AM
#12
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back in the day.. 15 years ago... when I was a rep for a large consumer electronics company.. I used to visit car audio dealers.. similar to the DIY mentioned above, instead of grounding it to the car, you add a speaker wire that could be 2' to 10' to extend range. I was told that you were better off keeping the antenna seperate... but never did get furthe explaination.. Also, back then, you can adjust the remote and tune it in. I had a car that I could arm and disarm 3 blocks away. When I have time.. i'll try the DIY.
Also.. new batteries do wonders in the remote.
Also.. new batteries do wonders in the remote.
09-28-05, 06:23 PM
#15
Sounds like a new battery is the ticket. I'm away from my keys, but I recall a small screw on the backside of the key ... simply open it up and replace the battery?! Is it really that easy?!