Ls430 2005 Key fob distance / range issue

[katana92_uk]

Hi All

Recently I noticed I have to be very close to car for remote key fob to lock / unlock. If i am 3-5 feet away it doesnt work and even within 1-2 feet i have to press button multiple times.

I never had this problem before but suddenly i experience range issues with key fob.

I have replaced Battery

I have tried second spare key, same issue

I have tried head trick lol works some times, when you touch fob to your head

Dont know what else to try or whats reason for this ?

Thanks

 

[NemesisUK]

If a new fob Battery doesn't help and a second fob is the same I'd say you may have an issue with the car side of things. Possibly the antenna amp is down? 

[katana92_uk]

2 hours ago, NemesisUK said:

If a new fob battery doesn't help and a second fob is the same I'd say you may have an issue with the car side of things. Possibly the antenna amp is down? 

any way to fix this ? 

[NemesisUK]

Firstly check any relevant fuses?

Then determine exactly what's wrong. Get the car on a diagnostic reader, Techstream? perhaps?

 

[aido]

Is it location dependant?

If so it could be radio interference on the 433Mhz frequency the key works on - things like energy monitors, remote garage door openers, weather stations and wireless doorbells also use a similar frequency to the key fob so could be interfering if you've recently installed a new one (or the neighbours)

[lexus707]

I Hate to be a doom monger but whatever you do don't take it to Lexus. A pal of mine with a GS300 did take his car to Lexus with a remote issue like yours, 12 weeks later and £2,500 lighter he got his car back. Lexus stripped it down and then could not get it to start, new CPU's etc etc had to come from Japan.

if you can put up with it then do so, otherwise it could cost a Bomb

[katana92_uk]

5 hours ago, lexus707 said:

I Hate to be a doom monger but whatever you do don't take it to Lexus. A pal of mine with a GS300 did take his car to Lexus with a remote issue like yours, 12 weeks later and £2,500 lighter he got his car back. Lexus stripped it down and then could not get it to start, new CPU's etc etc had to come from Japan.

if you can put up with it then do so, otherwise it could cost a Bomb

Thanks. I am never going to do that, worst case scenario I will go with after market one. Thatcam 1/2 etc 

cheaper than fixing it and good for insurance etc as well.

[MLW]

My old SAAB 'played up'. Annoying, so we just 'used the key'. in the central looking doors. Pretty easy really.

[Malc]

12 hours ago, MLW said:

My old SAAB 'played up'.

long time ago I had a brilliant Saab too and the alarm kept going off for no reason other than where I sometimes parked it close to a telecoms tower 

Malc

[katana92_uk]

Just quick update.

few days ago I replaced Battery on my car, which was getting bit weaker and not holding enough charge.

fitted new Battery and no more key fob issues.

So I guess due to weak Battery it was affecting computers and hence key fob issues.

New main Battery and no more issues.

[MLW]

That is very interesting. In so many cars now, e.g.. Prius all the dashboard 'goes funny', FIAT Panda, steering is odd, are often all related to an iffy Battery. Todays cars seem to need a big powerful Battery.