distance from vehicle when using the lock/unlock button on key

[Silver_TT]

My 2002 996 C4S has the the standard key with 2 buttons: hood release and luck/unlock vehicle. I was wondering what the threshold is in terms of physical distance from the vehicle when using these 2 remote buttons? The reason I ask is because in order for my vehicle lock/unlock button to work, for example, I need to be standing literally right next to the vehicle. It doesn't work if I'm even 10 ft away from the vehicle. In contrast, my BMW has the same buttons on its key and it works from 50+ ft away from the car...much farther distance it's able to operate at.

So that being said, what distance is considered normal operating range? The only thing I could think of is that I thought I might need to replace the battery (a CR2032, I believe) if it's weak or something....but I read that the red light on the key will stay solid when the battery needs to be replaced, and mine is not on. I guess it wouldn't hurt to replace the battery anyway but I was wondering if the operating range I'm describing is normal.

A simplistic question, I know. Thanks in advance.

[Loren]

Have looked at this DIY Tutorial?

[Silver_TT]

Thanks Loren, you're awesome. This is exaclty what I need. I had done a number of searches looking for this information but apparently I wasn't clever enough with my search terms as i was only turning up information on key swaps, battery replacement, etc. Thanks again.