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This is probably the same for all models that use the same type of fob. Mine for my 2015 IS350c will lock, unlock doors, and unlock trunk if you're near it. It doesn't have any remote start or anything. But in testing I have found the lock-unlock feature works from as far away as 40' and through 3 walls. In other words, it will act just as if you had it in your pocket standing next to the car. This is with a used battery testing at 3.0v (new ones test about 3.27v).

So if you're thinking of keeping your car secure by hanging the remote anywhere nearby, you are possibly still sending some signal unless you store it in a key fob faraday pouch. I suppose you wouldn't waste any battery power either if there was nothing to receive it. I use two of these:



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Pressing the button on your fob is not the same "signal" as when it's sitting in your pocket and you touch the handle. If the fob is 40' away, touching the handle will do nothing. Even 5' away it may not work. My 07 IS wouldn't start if the key fob was in the back seat, or if I put the fob on the roof and closed the sunroof shade.

 

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Good point. I wonder how that would work with someone hacking. Could they use your remote's signal to unlock, I wonder.

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Apparently, yes.

"Key hacking is also known as relay theft. Thieves use electronic car key relay boxes, putting one near your home to receive signals coming from your car key fob through the walls or windows.

This first box then boosts the signal to a second device near the car, to trick it into registering the key as nearby and unlocking the doors."

 

Any thief that is going to go to this length to steal my car is going to get my car one way or another. At that point, they can have it, and there's little I can do about it.

 

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I think it's a matter of progress. Used to be (and this has happened to me) thieves would smash the driver's window, then a screwdriver to jimmy the ignition. Now it's done electronically. Those with a disable button on their fob can use that, but all fobs are not set up that way.

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I have been surprised at the distance the fobs for my MDX (remote start) and S550 will work, particularly since it is thru a couple of fire walls, then brick external wall. My office is on the upper level of a small office condo development in an office park. I occasionally have the problem at my office of my S550 fob pressing against something else in my pocket and opening the trunk. Nothing has been taken and fortunately it never happened when it was raining. As a result, if I remember, I will take the fob out of my pocket when I arrive.

 

Thanks for the link.

It is really easy to steal a modern Toyota or Lexus with push button start. I was told by insurance that I might want to look into a secondary alarm for my new 4R...I installed a Clifford alarm with a secondary GPS and a battery disconnect feature that sets off the siren. So there are now two alarms....the factory and the aftermarket.

There are two methods to the theft, one is to easily park next to you at supermarket and the steal the key code by relay, this later permits entry to the vehicle which does not set off the alarm but will not start the car....then you plug in to the OBDII reader and just like that, a new key is programmed in the driveway of the owner and the vehicle starts...The other method is to relay the key in the driveway which does not work if you have a faraday bag...

Just so you know, it is actually possible to turn off your key fob from transmitting if you want...you have to just use the buttons on the fob to turn it off.. it is also possible to disconnect the keyless wireless entry part all together on a Toyota or Leuxs.

What we are trying to find a ODBII lock that makes it harder to plug into the computer.

If they was on thing I wish I didn't have is push button start.