Key fob button won't unlock doors unless it's very close to the car

how's yor 12 volt? mine works to 30-40'.

 

smartkey antenna in the trunk, right behind the "orange plug" on the Hybrid battery. another one in the rear of the center console. Have you added any aftermarket stuff to the car? Enginer Plug in kits used to mess with smartkey reception.

 

I don't use the buttons on the fob much but noticed it's never had much range anyway. Don't care much.

 

I have the exact same issue. I also replaced my keyfob battery with no change The range is about 1 1/2 car lengths. I know this because I park behind another car, and there is about another half a car length of walk way to my front door. Sucks when I have to stand just OUTSIDE that door to make it work,,,rain or shine if... "I can't remember if I locked the car.." at 1am. I'd love to be able to just reach over onto my nightstand and hit the button!

 

Maybe something is up with your fob or car. I can lock the car from at least 10 m (30 ft) away if in a good line of sight. I also have no problem locking/unlocking the car from inside upstairs probably 3 - 4 m (9 - 12 ft) through glass or walls. Yes, the distance does get less and less as the battery gets weaker.

It is a good idea to check the button cell with a voltmeter when changing the fob battery to make sure it is good. A good battery will read 3.3 - 3.4 V; a battery that will start giving problems will be 2.9 V - 2.8V or less.

 

I'll double check the battery. The "new" one was one left from a pack of two I bought..who knows when? So it's worth trying. Mine won't work from upstairs even with a clean line of sight either. Thanks for the tip!