Hey guys. I would just like to state for the record, that my "VIP" Alarm system that came with my truck (2002 V8 SR5 A-Cab) has the crappiest range of any remote keyless entry system that I have ever seen. I can't be any more than 10 feet away for it to work! Is anyone elses like this? And is there a way to increase the range of the remote? Thanks in advance.
This is a common and consistent complaint. When solution is to extend the range of the antenna wire. You'll find it in the steering column. It is not particularly attached to anything and is not connected to anything on one end. Of course, you could always use this is as an excuse to get an aftermarket setup. It is one of my reasons.
S-Man.
I have the same problem with my 2002 Tundras remote entry range. Try holding the L.E.D. end of the transmitter against your chin while facing the vehicle; no, I'm not crazy it works, sometimes.
I questioned the dealer on this and they told me this was typical of Toyota remotes.
Yeah, mine has always sucked big ones. I got to be right by the driver door on hot days, I've even tried all different brand batteries. I might try to see if I can find that reception wire on the steering column and see if I can put an extension on it to the outside of the truck, maybe that will work.
Extending the antenna along the windsheild on the inside under the headliner gives you maybe five feet more distance and the ability to activate the unit from any angle relative to the truck. And yes, it is limited on the Tundra. I have a Sequoia and I can activate the alarm from inside my office over 100 yards away!!!
Well at least with the factory alarm I havent had any false alarms waking me up in the middle of the night (knocks on wood.) I imagine none of us would tolerate a touchy alarm system coupled with the extreamly weak range of the remote. Master Yota dodges the consumer complaint bullet once again.
Toyota must have corrected the keyless entry lack of range problem on the 2003 Tundras. After reading this post, I tested my 2003 and have a range of approximately 40 yards.
After bragging about the range, I am sure it will will decrease to 4 inches by next week.
I found with my 03, that if you stand to east side of the Tundra while lifting your left leg high into the air while depressing the fob button in contact with the drivers side window the doors will open....sometimes.
Originally posted by nwaring 10 feet....your lucky.
Put a new battery in. It will help. You should be getting 50 feet unless it's blocked by other vehicles. See now if Toyota put a remote start on there from the factory, you know the range would be at least a hundred yards. With the unlock you don't need to be far away anyway. Certainly if you are *anywhere* near the perimeter of the vehicle it will unlock unless your battery is low.
It's the forgetting to lock it fast enough as you walk away that gets you. But you should be getting 50 feet.
Yeah, a new battery might do it. My Toyota dealer gave me two fobs for the system. The one I hardly ever use (I have used it like twice or 3 times at the most) works flawlessly, though.
I may have stretched the truth a little in my last post. The fob I use the most works at 20 feet, as long as it's pointed directly at the vehicle to set it off (with the other fob I have it doesn't matter).
It must not be a Toyota-exclusive problem, because my friend's 2002 Honda Accord EX V6 sedan has the same symptoms.
This was about the only thing better about my former F-150. It was also the only thing that worked right without failing.
I have to be almost grounded to the truck for my keyless to work.
It is alos annoying to lock the doors with the door switch and having to push the remote through it's "cycle" to unlock the doors again. It should have a dedicated lock and unlock button and work from at least 25 feet to be more useful.
I forget about this annoyance pretty quick though when I hit the gas pedal.
Toyota keyless entry range (or lack thereof)
) to engage it.
Linear Mode
