Smart Key range decreasing
#1
Rookie
Thread Starter
Smart Key range decreasing
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?
#5
Rookie
Thread Starter
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.
#7
Pole Position
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.
Last edited by Tom57; 02-12-15 at 11:26 AM.
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#8
interesting that LS460 maintenance replaces smart key battery every other oil change.
#9
Pole Position
#10
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.
#12
Lexus Test Driver
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.
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.
#15
Rookie
Thread Starter
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?
Confusingly, I can unlock by touching any door handle. So it is an issue of range to lock but not to unlock. What gives?