2003 Keyless remote sensitivity?

[g.s]

Hey guys, got a question for some of you.

I have a problem with the OEM keyless remote. It's not the battery - switched it with a few lying around and have the same problem.

When I press the button, I'll have to press more than a few times, maybe up to 10-20 clicks before being able to get the car to unlock. The rear window switch rarely works.

At first I thought it was the battery, so I switched it and it still did the same thing. Now I'm wondering about where can I adjust the sensor for the remote but I don't know where it's located.

If I buy one of the used OEM ones on ebay, do I need dealer assistance or will it work straight off the bat? I read a site for programming, but I'm still skeptical on buying them.

 

[Corrosive]

Mine works really well. I am actually on the 5th floor of my office and as long as I can see my runner, it works. I have had friends go by my car to get something and I unlock it from the building... kinda cool. So as far as thats concerned, ya, yours is not working to its fullest.

I have programmed one in the past to work. I had a cadillac escalade 03 and programmed a clicker that I bought on ebay. It was easy and I was able to do it in about 3 minutes. I was really skeptical at first, but after just trusting... everything worked. I dont know if its possible for the 4runner, but if a site says so and gives instructions to do it yourself, I suggest doing that first.

Good luck, I hope I was able to help a little bit at least.

 

[TechWrench]

Hey guys, got a question for some of you.

I have a problem with the OEM keyless remote. It's not the battery - switched it with a few lying around and have the same problem.

When I press the button, I'll have to press more than a few times, maybe up to 10-20 clicks before being able to get the car to unlock. The rear window switch rarely works.

At first I thought it was the battery, so I switched it and it still did the same thing. Now I'm wondering about where can I adjust the sensor for the remote but I don't know where it's located.

If I buy one of the used OEM ones on ebay, do I need dealer assistance or will it work straight off the bat? I read a site for programming, but I'm still skeptical on buying them.

If you are the original owner, you should have gotten two key fobs. If so, have you tried the other one so see if it has the same problem?

If you only have the one, replacements are available online (Ebay), which you can program yourself so it will work with your vehicle. I purchased an additional key fob several years ago, and following the online instruction carefully, was able to get it work work on my '03, but it will not work right off the bat.

 

[g.s]

Nope, I only have one. I bought the vehicle from another party and they could not find the other remote, so I am left with one.


I think I'll give ebay a shot. I visited the dealer yesterday and they said they wanted $80 for the remote, and $60 for installation. Whoa!

How do you know which model to buy? The back of mine says the FCC is HYQ12BAN - do I buy this same exact model or are others ok?

Doing a search on HYQ12BAN shows the remote from other toyota vehicles, and for some of them they look kind of different.

If I search for 2003 4runner remote, then it looks alright, but some are different models like this ELVATDD.


Edit: Nevermind, I think I found the thread talking about this. Thanks guys.

 

[Iron Uvula]

Has the performance of the remote steadily decayed, or has it always been kinda bad?

Are the other batteries you tried brand new or could they have been used in other devices that possible drained them?

When you push the remote buttons, try rocking the button in several directions while depressed. You may also try removing the small circuit board from the remote and push the buttons directly. What I'm trying to establish here is if the buttons in the remote are broken. If so then obviously adjusting receiver sensitivity, if possible, won't help.

Does the remote perform poorly even up close? Does location matter? For example I find that in some locations I have to get up pretty close to make mine work. I suspect this is because of EMI (electro-magnetic interference) in the area like close high-tension lines, etc.

You may also want to look at the battery contacts in the remote and make sure that are not oxidized or corroded. If they look kind of dingy you can clean them up with a pencil eraser or a light sanding with a high grit paper. Make sure you don't get the dust in the remote. You can also try cleaning the contacts with isopropyl alcohol, nothing less than 91%, higher if you have it.

Let us know how you do.

 

[Uneek]

My 4Runner remote works perfectly, even at distance.

On the other hand, my Tacoma's suck. I could be standing right next to the truck and it won't even unlock. Tried using the second remote that's brand new, same deal.

 

[AKABlig]

I bought one here. No problem with programming, works like a charm.

2003 Toyota 4Runner Keyless Entry Remote 03 SR5 Sport Limited SUV

 

[MikesToy]

If it were me, i'd buy a new battery. Also, would buy a new remote (ebay). I have 3 fobs (one for each key).

 

[g.s]

Complete HYQ12BAN RSS-210 programming guide

Alright, just an update. I appreciate everyone's inputs and have taken them into account before doing the whole deal. I've fixed my own remote issue, think it was something's up with the old remote internals.

I purchased the remote on ebay, from user fcrcwholesale (no point putting the link if it expires in a few months for others reading this in the future).
It's the same model as my existing remote -

FCC ID: HYQ12BAN
CANADA: 15511021295
RSS-210,
Denso

I searched it up on ebay by using terms like 2003 4runner remote, HYQ12BAN, etc.

Cost was $20 about. Was skeptical, but I performed the enclosed instructions and remote works like a charm. Saved myself the cost of $80 a remote plus $60 for programming = +$120 net savings compared to using my local dealership.

Instructions are:


1. Get in the car with driver's door unlocked & open, all other doors closed and locked.

{Do the following within 05 seconds}
2. Insert key into ignition without turning and pull key out (Do this two times)

{Do the following within 40 seconds}
3a. Close the driver's door and open it (Do this two times)
3b. Insert key into ignition without turning and pull key out

{Do the following within 40 seconds}
4a. Close and open the driver's door (Do this two times)
4b. Insert the into ignition without turning it, leave it there
4c. Close the drivers door (it should be open)
4d. Turn ignition to on, wait for doors to lock after a few seconds. Don't start the car
4e. Remove key from ignition

At this point, the car will lock and unlock the doors and I heard the security alarm buzz, it did it a couple times - this is the cue to begin the programming below. If it doesn't do this, then you need to start over from 1.

5a. Press LOCK and UNLOCK together on the new remote for a couple of seconds.
5b. After letting go of both buttons, Hold LOCK by itself for a couple of seconds.

The door will lock and unlock again like earlier. If you have the alarm going off, press lock and unlock and it should be able to kill it. Otherwise somewhere the programming failed so stick the key in the ignition and turn it to ON to kill it.
At this point you can do steps 5 on another remote if you have one, without having to do steps 1-4 again.

Test it and it should be good to go. :cowboy: