peteyx

I noticed a few weeks ago that I had to turn my body so the fob in my pocket was closer to the car for the lock button on the handle to work. I just replaced the battery in my key fob but no improvement. Is there anything else anyone can suggest to get the range back to where it used to be?

Tom57

Hold the key fob next to your head and push button. It works no kidding! For greater range when opening locks.

peteyx

Tom57, I've done that, to my chin. I'm just concerned that it doesn't work as it did previously.

Tom57

Is this the SmartAccess feature where it detects key in pocket? Or are you pressing fob button with key in your pocket?

peteyx

I have the Smartkey in my pocket and I press the door handle button to lock the car. Often the rear door buttons won't lock the car but the fronts will, unless I have the fob near the front of the car. Leading me to an antenna conclusion.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Also the smart keys will eat though the battery more quickly then the standard. I replace mine every 6 months before the car tells me the battery is low. I don't put it to my head () but I will hold my arm up high for a long distance shot.

Tom57

The SmartAccess key eats through batteries on both the fob AND the 12 v. car battery, while the SmartAccess is activated ("on") with the button under the driver's side dash. I'd replace the fob battery again with a fresh-dated battery before you spend time chasing anything else. The SmartAccess antenna is to the front of the vehicle ... I bet it's your fob battery.

JffGRY706

interesting that LS460 maintenance replaces smart key battery every other oil change.

Tom57

SmartAccess LS430 owners/users should do as well, if they have SmartAccess activated.

aypues

it's just a first generation system. I've replaced the batteries to no avail, but when I have a new loaner car the range is incredible...I can put my hand in the door to unlock it from what seems like a long distance and it recognizes the key immediately. usually with my car I have to be right up against the car almost.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

With my smart key in my pocket the puddle lights light up when I am about 3 - 5 feet away from the car. As a remote I would say about 150 ft is the longest it has even worked for me. Do you have a spare to test?

KING

iTrader: (1)

I noticed keeping the remote in the pocket opposite of my iPhone helps in increasing the range.

Sometime if the key was next to my iPhone in one pocket and I'm 5 inches away it doesn't open.


While if it were in the other pocket the puddle lights will light up from a good distance.

deadguy

I noticed the manual states that the fob should not be kept near mobile devices.

ancdmd

Hold the fob up against your body or head; the water content of your body amplifies the radio wave and extends the range of the transmitter.

peteyx

I've gotten a little more scientific about this issue. With the fob in my left front pocket (and my iPhone in my right front pocket) I can push the driver's outside door lock button and the car will lock. If I stand in front of the left rear door and push the button, nothing. If I position my body near the driver's door and push the rear button, it will lock.
Confusingly, I can unlock by touching any door handle. So it is an issue of range to lock but not to unlock. What gives?