sdanskin

I own a 94 es300 and it seems that i have to be on top of my car before the keyless entry remote works for either locking or unlocking. I have two keys and replaced both batteries with no change. Anyone have any ideas? Bad or weak receiver? Thanks!

dewso1

Mines the same, sometimes it takes a couple of tries, and it can pick up interference from a certain chain of supermarkets that make it not work if im within 50m of the store. I havent changed the battery yet, but it indeed doesn't seem to be the problem as both remotes do it.

LeX2K

When I first got my ES, neither remote worked worth a damn. Replaced both batteries and the problem was solved, so it is possible they both have weak batteries.

sdanskin

yeah if you re-read my post I stated I replaced both batteries in both keys and there was still no change. I can't be more than 5 feet away from my car for them to work.

dewso1

I do remember someone saying the antenna is in the front of the car, near the windscreen area, didnt get any more specific then that :/ but if you find it, you could probably boost it pretty easily.

Seems like a common problem by the sounds of it.

How far can you operate it from now Lexus2000?

PFB

As Lexus2000 said, weak and/or cheap replacement batteries, even new ones WILL cause your symptoms.

Buy at least 1 good battery from your Toyota/Lexus dealer, you'll than be sure if the cause is your batteries or not. It's only a few dollars and certainly worth a try, before you go on to other more complicated possibilities.

You'll also be sure that you got the right battery. You may have had the wrong batteries to start off with, and you may have tried to replace them with the same wrong batteries.

Power6

Might not solve the root issue, but if you touch the remote to your chin, you'll get more range out of it.
Not sure of the radiologics of using your head as an antenna but it works been doing it for years...

LeX2K

60-80 feet is probably the limit, less if there are more cars around.

mdbrown

If you have a decent Lexus or Toyota dealer close to you take a remote to the parts department. They have a sensor that will indicate how strong the signal is. That will tell you immediately whether the problem is with the fob or the receiver. If they are a good dealer they shouldn't charge you for doing that... takes all of 10 seconds...

sdanskin

Thanks! Had no idea they had that

Megafast13

I have the fourth gen but mine works about 50 yards + from the car. Take it to the dealer. Mine sucks with a bad battery though.