FOB on a lexus, problems??? IS THIS NORMAl

[Kasprzak]

Our lx450 has just one Fob when we purchased it. It did not work due to a dead battery. I went to walmart, purchased a $1.8 battery and walah like magic it works again. The problem with it is it has a range of like 5-10 feet, it just does not engage at all. I could not get it to unlock this morning with a few inches of snow on it. I had to open it with the key and do the whole ignition on off twice to shut the alarm off. Good thing I read manuals first. Question is what range do other lx owners get with there fobs and do I just have a worn out remote. Second quesion which really isnt answered in the owners manual would be other than programming for chirps does the lower button do anything at all? Thanks in advance,,



Dennis

 

[firetruck41]

I believe the range is normal, don't know about the snow. My range is basically at the rear hatch or about 5-10 feet from the front doors.

 

[Mars]

New fob from cDan and my truck's honkin' from 30-40 feet away.

Don't know about the snow...its gotta make transmitting to the alarm box more difficult though.

M

 

[rolliges]

Sounds normal to me.
Mars's 30-40 ft result is NOT on an LX.

What sort of range are you looking for?

 

[Mars]

Ahh, pardon my miss-read. Didn't realize there was a difference in the FOB's effectiveness on LX's. Why is there a difference between the two??

M

 

[TX_TLC]

My '94 with the dealer installed TDS fob will work from over 150' away

But have read about many LX owners whose range is less than 10'.

Should have bought a Land Crusier!

 

[RWD]

LX here, same thing, about 15-20' max

 

[alaskacruiser]

Hold the fob up to your chin, it will increase the range (yes, I'm serious.)

 

[Elijah]

Hold the fob up to your chin, it will increase the range (yes, I'm serious.)

X2, make sure it is actually touching your chin.

 

[Beowulf]

Hold the fob up to your chin, it will increase the range

This does work but you'll look a little goofy walking to your parking spot every evening.

There is an antenna wire under the dash. You can reroute it to improve the range. Experiment. You should find it in the driver footwell, just to the right of the steering column. I believe it is a gray wire but to be sure, you can check the RS3000 installation manual on my web site. I also have the manuals cross-posted up on the Slee web site but Christo has a typo in the model number. Same manuals though.

-B-

 

[Rookie2]

I've always thought there was some kind of mathematical relationship to the goofiness of what you're doing, and the range of the FOB. I haven't tested and plotted it, but I'm thinking it's some kind of exponential curve, assymtodic to the limit of goofiness.

For example:

FOB only ~ 8 feet
FOB under chin ~ 15 feet
FOB under chin w/mouth open ~ 20 feet
FOB under chin w/mouth open, one arm up in the air ~ 23 feet
FOB under chin w/mouth open, free arm flailing around, jumping, and making an "arrreyyarreyyarrrr.." sound ~ 25 feet.

Numbers will also very slightly, depending on the individuals appearance and dress... i.e. with or without the pink panties on .

 

[rolliges]

...or just click it a step and a half from the door...

 

[97 FZJ80]

I think the antenna wire is attached to the alarm brain under the driver's seat. Attached an extension to the wire and run it up the A-pillar.

 

[parabola]

X2, make sure it is actually touching your chin.

the top of my dome is most effective for me.

 

[blu 60]

replaced alarm

When I got my LX it also only came with one FOB. I read the owners manual the night of the purchase only to find out that if one were to set the alarm, ruin the FOB, loose it, etc. there is NO way to start the car. So I disconnected it and went for a Viper. With the Viper if you loose the FOB, ruin it, etc. all you have to do is use the key to get in, turn the key to the run position in the ignition, push the hidden valet switch then turn the key off, then to start and away you go home to get the replacement FOB.

Just one man's observation . . .

P.S. it came with remote starting!

 

[firetruck41]

When I got my LX it also only came with one FOB. I read the owners manual the night of the purchase only to find out that if one were to set the alarm, ruin the FOB, loose it, etc. there is NO way to start the car. So I disconnected it and went for a Viper. With the Viper if you loose the FOB, ruin it, etc. all you have to do is use the key to get in, turn the key to the run position in the ignition, push the hidden valet switch then turn the key off, then to start and away you go home to get the replacement FOB.

Just one man's observation . . .

P.S. it came with remote starting!

I don't believe that is correct, you can just use the key if you don't have the fob. there is a transponder in the head of the key (no battery or anything), if it is damaged or not a programmed transponder, you can not start the vehicle, maybe that is what you are thinking of (the transponder may be lexus only).

 

[jerseyfzj80]

keep in mind it is a "remote" keyless enrty meaning does not have to touch the door So as far as that is concerned yours is working to manufacturer's specs you can open your locks with out touching the key lock with your key! (read as two inches still fits the bill) I have had many customers ask me the same question about there german cars "how come i can't open it while I am still in the grocery store My wise ass asnswer "so the criminal cruising the parking lot can't get into you car before you do. this is also why most manufacturers went to a priority unlock (drivers side first click remaining doors second click) overall I would not worry about it to much it does its job it opens the locks before you get there correct?

 

[blu 60]

Ben;

I still THINK, I'm no professional, but in my LX450 if you set the alarm with the FOB, and come back and use your key to get in the car you cannot start the car unless you disarm the factory alarm with the alarm remote. I don't have my FOB anymore, so if you have yours please let me know!

 

[firetruck41]

I just tried it to make sure, and it is as I remember reading in the owners manual. If you lock with OEM keyless entry, you can unlock the vehilce with the key, which will set off the alarm, then you simply insert your key and turn to "start" twice (first time does nothing) and it will start the engine and turn off the alarm.

 

[alaskacruiser]

blu60- firetruck's experience is not unique. That's how they all work.