Remote Keyless Entry Range

[Agent WD-40]

I have a 2007 Camry and the range of the remote keyless entry is pretty weak. It seems to be 50 feet or so. Is this normal? Is there a way to boost the range easily? It removes some of the connivence from remote start and is just annoying to me.

[jthops]

That's about right. I ended up going with an aftermarket product, which allows for up to 1 mile range and 2-way communication.

[njerald]

Mine is good for at least 100 feet away.........

Originally Posted by jthops

That's about right. I ended up going with an aftermarket product, which allows for up to 1 mile range and 2-way communication.

Honestly, do you really need to unlock your car a MILE away?

[CamrySExxx]

yea what if you were in teh mall or something and accidently unlocked the car... and your still walking around the mall browsing while the whole time your car could be unlocked!

[atirevold]

Originally Posted by CamrySExxx

yea what if you were in teh mall or something and accidently unlocked the car... and your still walking around the mall browsing while the whole time your car could be unlocked!

Exactly, I wouldn't want it opening up much more than 100 ft or so away.

[Rapid Roy]

That range is used for the 2 way communication and probably auto start. That way, you can tell instantly if there is alarm activation. You can also have a nice cool car on a hot day.

[naptownguy]

Mine is also good for a 100 Ft away. That's basically all you need, I mean really who needs to unlock their car from a mile a waist of money I think

[Gorky_Park]

If you hold the button in for a second, it will work from far away, but yea I agree range is short, at least compared to my old 07 Dodge Ram. Don't know if it mattered, but it had remote start too.

[Rapid Roy]

Try using the other key. The battery in the one you are using could be run down a bit. You can also extend the range by holding the key up to your chin while you press the button. Lastly there is always the cell phone trick for unlimited range.

(the last one is a joke, but you can search for a really funny thread)

[Yazovets]

Let me teach you young grasshoppers a trick about range extension.

To extend range of your key, press the metal key part to the bottom of your chin against your throat.

Now press the buttons. You will see that it will work from much further away.

I've tried this with Toyota and BMW keys. Does not work with Benz keys.

This will only work if the buttons are on the key itself. If the buttons are on a separate key fob, then it won't work.

[wireless]

Originally Posted by Yazovets

Let me teach you young grasshoppers a trick about range extension.

To extend range of your key, press the metal key part to the bottom of your chin against your throat.

Now press the buttons. You will see that it will work from much further away.

I've tried this with Toyota and BMW keys. Does not work with Benz keys.

This will only work if the buttons are on the key itself. If the buttons are on a separate key fob, then it won't work.

WRONG!!!! Sort of

It doesn't need to be the metal key, you can hold the plastic fob housing to your chin as the patch antenna used inside will still radiate the same and use your skeletion to increase the gain of RF propagation from the transmitter.

Also, so long as the Benz is using a FCC approved RF transmitter for their FOB it will work the same and your experience is an anomoly.

<---------------- RF Engineer by trade for longer than many of you have been walking.

[clarkgrizwald]

yep. i was wondering if someone was going to mention this. an engineer called into car talk once talking about it basically bouncing off your skull and out your eyeballs! kick ass!

[sky03]

mines work from FAR away

but i dont need it to lol

[niko3257]

i went aftermarket also. it extends your range ten fold and some.