Did you try picking up a remote from ebay for about 15bucks or so and programming it?

Could be cheaper/easier then ripping the car apart diagnosing different parts of it.

 

Maybe the non SmartAccess are different, but the 3' range is only for the SmartAccess to pick up the key. As for the fob range to lock and unlock the doors, my SmartAccess range is easily over 50', so can't imagine the non SmartAccess key being only 3'. My RX300 range is also over 50' and no SmartAccess there.

 

My 2000 ES300 key had a much further range to lock/unlock the car, than my 2005 LS430 Smartkey. The latter is about 20 feet: can't effectively use it to locate the car in a crowded parking lot. But the sensor/Smartkey is nice in that very close proximity to the car turns on the lights and unlocks the doors automatically.

Sent from an Android device using IB Automotive Group forum reader.

 

Okay you are all, going to think I'm nuts but this works....want extended range on your regular fob...hold it up,to,your chin...open your mouth and push the button...Google it

 

Here's a trick an electronics nut showed me to increase the effective distance: hold the key fob touching under your chin while pressing the button. Believe me, it works!