Smart Key range decreasing
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 98
Likes: 3
From: OR
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?
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 98
Likes: 3
From: OR
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.
Also the smart keys will eat though the battery more quickly then the standard. I replace mine every 6 months before the car tells me the battery is low. I don't put it to my head (
) but I will hold my arm up high for a long distance shot.
) but I will hold my arm up high for a long distance shot.
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,146
Likes: 70
From: Illinois
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; Feb 12, 2015 at 11:26 AM.
Trending Topics
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???
Michael S. Palmer
5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)
Brett Foote
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,146
Likes: 70
From: Illinois
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 914
Likes: 70
From: CA
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.
With my smart key in my pocket the puddle lights light up when I am about 3 - 5 feet away from the car. As a remote I would say about 150 ft is the longest it has even worked for me. Do you have a spare to test?
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.
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 98
Likes: 3
From: OR
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?