Keyless Opening / Startup Warning

[is200 Newbie]

I read at the weekend a post from two people who had their cars stolen. Seems they whittled it down to the key being kept in the house but too close to the car to allow the car to detect the key.

Certain conditions extend the range of the key fob to connect to the car.

Opening the doors and starting could then be possible.

Just a warning to the new owners of these cars to check where they leave their keys so it does not allow anyone to open and start the car without the key, Especially for those that keep their car on the street.

[ColinBarber]

were they Lexus cars? You normally have to be very close, and even if you can unlock it the system should detect the key is outside the vehicle and therefore won't allow the engine to be started. Maybe other manufacturers haven't been so careful with their systems.

Still good advise, worth leaving your keys inside and making sure you cannot open your car.

[is200 Newbie]

Just looked for the post - They were both Lexus Is250. One was in 2009 and the other recently (last week)

I have just tried this and cant get the car to detect the key while its in the house - the closest I can get before the key is detected (puddle light comes on) is approx. one foot away from the car. I have heard of certain conditions that can extend a signal such as radio interference etc ...

But its a good warning to keep your keys away from the car.

[ChumpusRex]

Some crooks have fob amplifiers, and I've even heard of a walkie talkie system for fobs (one part is placed near the fob, and a receiver is placed near the car) allowing the car to communicate with the fob at a distance.