The transmitter in the fob operates at a fixed power level, just because the signal has to travel a shorter distance won't help it in this case.

It does not. The transmission is inversely proportional to received power level.

I've taken one of the fobs apart and actually played with the circuitry. Where do you gather that the transmission level is fixed?

i don't understand why you didn't get 2 sets of fobs........ your car is to new to get only one.. go back to the dealer and ask them where the second fob is at.

When I took mine apart I didn't identify anything that could control the transmitter power. Are you saying you actually measured the output? I didn't go as far as actually probing the circuit so if that's the case it is interesting. But I'll still keep the key in my pocket and replace the $1 battery when the time comes. :)

I keep mine in my pocket as well. I was just answering OP's question.

More accurately, TX power stays roughly the same, but the more power is received, the less that needs to be supplied by the battery. With a high enough RX power, the unit functions almost as a passive RFID.

Please excuse me while my head explodes

What prompted you guys to dissect your fobs?

My FOB is bigger than your FOB

being an engineer:happydance:

I bought it used at a Chevy dealer (trade in). They only had the one key and no key for the wheels. They weren't even sure if there was an owner's manual but I did find that in the flip out behind the passenger seat.

Ah, gotcha. And in the case of a dead battery it basically is a passive RFID. +rep for doing the extra digging.