HomeLink(R) - Poor Transceiver Range
T-SB-0369-09October 22, 2009
HomeLink Performance
Service Category
Audio/Visual/Telematics
Section
Garage Door Opener
Market
USA
Applicability
Introduction
Some vehicles may exhibit a condition where the HomeLink� Universal Transceiver has a reduced transmission range (within 5 - 10 ft of the garage door opener receiver). A newly designed HomeLink(R) Universal Transceiver service part has been made available to address this condition.
Production Change Information
This TSB applies to:
^ All 2009 model year 4 cylinder Venza vehicles.
^ 2009 model year 6 cylinder Venza vehicles produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown.
Warranty Information
APPLICABLE WARRANTY
^ This repair is covered under the Toyota Comprehensive Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's in-service date.
^ Warranty application is limited to occurrence of the specified condition described in this bulletin.
Parts Information
Required Tools & Equipment
Repair Procedure
CAUTIONS BEFORE PROGRAMMING THE HOMELINK(R) UNIVERSAL TRANSCEIVER:
^ Do NOT use the HomeLink(R) Universal Transceiver with any garage door opener that lacks the safety stop and reverse feature as required by federal safety standards. (This includes any garage door opener model manufactured before April 1, 1982.) A garage door opener; which cannot detect an object, signaling the door to stop and reverse, does not meet current federal safety standards.
^ When programming the HomeLink� Universal Transceiver, you may be operating a garage door or other device. Make sure that people and objects are out of the way of the garage door or other device to prevent potential harm or damage.
1. Confirm HomeLink(R) transmission range.
The HomeLink(R) transmission range is usually equal to or greater than the hand-held transmitter.
NOTE
^ Poor range can be caused by interference around or near the vehicle or due to the use of older batteries in the original transmitter during programming.
^ You may advise customers that additional information and/or programming instructions for other devices can be obtained from HomeLink(R) at 1-800-355-3515 or at www.homelink.com.
Perform the following to see if the range can be improved.
A. Put a new battery in the hand-held transmitter. Training the HomeLink(R) takes more power from the battery than normal operation. Sometimes putting a new battery in the hand-held transmitter increases the range.
B. Retrain the HomeLink(R) at varying distances and angles. Start by holding the hand-held transmitter 3-4 inches away from the HomeLink(R) Universal Transceiver then at 5-6 inches and 6-8 inches from the buttons.
C. If the above operation is unsuccessful try a second transmitter with new batteries.
D. Straighten the antenna wire that hangs down from the garage door opener.
E. Verify if HomeLink(R) range is improved.
F. An alternative method is to use the HomeLink(R) Tester.
NOTE
Toyota offers an optional Integrated HomeLink(R) Tester as an available Special Service Tool: SST # TOY280087.
HomeLink(R) Tester Functions
The integrated HomeLink(R) Tester (available SST #) is a tool that can be used to test the operating functions and performance of the HomeLink(R) Universal Transceiver.
2. If the HomeLink(R) range is below 10 feet refer to the Technical Information System (TIS) 2009 model year Repair Manual.
^ 2009 Venza:
Audio/Visual/Telematics - Garage Door Opener - "Garage Door Opener Switch: Removal and Installation"
3. For programming the HomeLink� refer to TIS 2009 model year Repair Manual.
^ 2009 Venza:
Audio/Visual/Telematics - Garage Door Opener - "Garage Door Opener System: Registration"
4. Confirm HomeLink(R) operation.