2021 Key fob issue
 

Leaving restaurant tonight I was walking out to my 4runner and it would not unlock until I got right up to the truck ,thought that it was odd so when I got home I went inside and got my spare key and tried it ,same thing. I had to walk right up to the 4runner to get doors to lock or unlock,usually I can hit the locks from inside the house and I can hear the beep ,not today. 4runner is new and I just turned 10k miles . Searched and did not see anyone else with this issue,figured I’d check around before going to the dealership.

Try a new battery in the key fob and see if that solves the problem.

This! I barely use the buttons on my 4Runner key fob and yet my batteries had to be replaced within about 6 months. Went with the Energizer lithium batteries and haven’t had a problem since. There were also times it wouldn’t detect the key in my left pocket when I went to start it before replacing the batteries. It’s sad since even my second fob was drained pretty bad and I never use it (yes, I’m aware of how keyless entry works and that the battery emits a constant signal).

I have a 21 and have the same issue.
I’ve replaced my fob battery 3 times in 1 yr.
I think this is because of it constantly sending out a signal to connect with the T4R.

I also have noticed at times I have to be right next to the T4R in order to lock unlock the doors.

I’m sure we are not the only people that are having this issue!

aside form a bad fob or bad battery there could be some other interference making your battery drain faster than it should. FOB batteries should last years.

do you keep your FOB on a wall hook or very close to the vehicle when not in use. ie. vehicle parked in garage, FOB hung on a hook near the garage door only a few feet away?

do you carry your keys along with your phone in the same pocket / bag. or near any magnets? in a world with so much tech I wouldn't be surprised if something else was causing the FOB to beacon when not near the car, perhaps something that transmits in the same frequency as a the vehicle maybe

a working FOB battery should last a few years under normal use. my FOB battery lasted 8 years. I also store my FOBs in a faraday box when not in use as well (get one of these if you dont have one)

I've been doing this ...
 

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Vid on how to turn off the FOB ...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Wmr1VPU8cw

Thanks for the link! I was unaware of this trick.

Here are some answers to our questions about smart key fobs…….

something seems to be wrong here. I have a 2014 LTD. I have 2 fobs, but have only changed the battery once - about 4 years after I bought it. It is still on the second battery and I can lock / unlock and remote start it from over 100 yards. From my 3rd floor condo in the city I can lock / unlock and remote start it from a 1/2 a city block away...........

Do you have push button start?
You have a 2014 and not a 2020 or 2021....
This info came directly from my manual.

My previous 2014 didn't have a push button start or all of the antennas to read/transmit the signal from fob to vehicle and from vehicle to fob.
My previous key fob could transmit a long distance and battery would last years as well.

All limited 4runners have had PTS

Ok, I thought so but wasn’t sure.
I guess the next question would be if limited key fobs for earlier years respond differently due to how many antennas the T4R has and just how they respond.

What does the manuals state?

All my Toyota fobs work from a good distance away.
My 2012 SR5 with no remote start , the fob will work to unlock from at least 200 to 300 feet away. no problem and fob battery never changed so 9 years old.
Never saw anything about it in the manual. Would be super annoying if I had to be within a few feet. Kind of defeats the whole purpose. Something wrong with the OP's fob perhaps or sensor system

New 4Runner with 10K miles.
Post 8 page 119 in manual.
2.3 ft

Now on a good day mine operates a lot farther, but not 100 ft!

I had a Miata that only worked when next to the car but it was keyless ignition also and had a smart key. Carried the fob in my wallet like a credit card, very convenient.
My 2012 is old school and the fob only unlocks or can activate the panic alarm. But the best part it works from a good distance away and that has come in handy numerous times. I like the distance feature.
Question: the panic alarm can be a lifesaver, does this short distance fob have that feature?