rrs1619

Howdy everyone

I just secured a 1995 s300 with 90K miles on it. Its a big upgrade from a 1987 camry(size and engine wise). I am also not used to having airbags, heat, A/C, and good acceleration either. This thing is in 9/10 condition and I will keep it until this thing probably falls apart.

I found out earlier this week when I got the car that the keyless entry only works on the drivers side at a max distance of our three or four feet. Is this normal? If it isn't what can I do to fix the problem?

Thanks in advance.

LeX2K

First thing to do is replace the battery in the remote.

dlamb89

I have replaced the batt and I have the same problem as you. I looked it before, and it could be that the last user had it programmed to only work at close distances. Makes it more secure, but can be annoying from a distance.

PFB

Touch the remote to the bottom of your chin. See if it makes a difference. This makes your body act like an antenna.

Mine locks it from a farther distance than unlock it. This makes sense from the point of security. Does yours do the same?

In terms of the remote only opening the door on the drivers side only, try pressing it twice in a row.

Phil

rrs1619

The remote is new from a local lexus dealer. So I will rule out the battery problem.... for now.
PFB: I liked the idea of using my body as a antenna, but that's just silly. I'll try it, but I'm going to try my best to not do that, hope you understand. Once I get close enough and press the unlock button once, it unlocks all of them.

I'll look and see if it's even possible for someone to program the car so the remote only works at close range,

Any other ides would be greatly appreciated.

kornpeef

1995 keyless entry systems tend to have weak signals. i dont believe stock 1995 systems have a proximity sensor needed for distance measurements. The "using your body as an antenna" is actually a proven technique for the older systems. Especially since yor using the new key fob from the dealership. that might just be its range. 1995 may or may not have a configuration for all door locks open when pressing the key fob once.

PFB

Did you try the range in different locations?

rrs1619

I tried using my body as an antenna and it didn't work.

Walking back to the car today, I did an experiment to see the farthest I could be from the car for the keyless entry to work. It turns out, I need to be about 5 or 6 feet from the driver side door for the car to unlock.

Also, I just wanted to point out that when one door unlocks, all the doors unlock. There is no problem there, I am just wondering if other users had the same problem and found a remedy to the issue, assuming there is a remedy.

PFB

See if locking the car has a longer range than unlocking the car.

Also, I think most Lexus parts departments are equipped to verify your remote free of charge. Maybe you should consider that option.

rrs1619

After rereading through the manual, it says
"The operational range of the wireless remote control is approximately 1 meter (3 feet) from the outside handle of the driver’s door. The effective range may vary with different conditions."
Guess I should be happy it works about 5 feet from the door.

Thanks for all the suggestions PFB and kornpeef...