Method for extending communication range of remote control system during walkaway locking control function

A method for extending a communication range of a portable controller and base station pair, preferably a vehicle remote control locking system such as a PEPS system. The method comprises increasing a reception gain level of a portable controller to a high gain level. The high gain level provides an extended communication range in which the controller receives polling signals from a base station. The controller is unable to receive the polling signals while the controller is outside of the extended communication range. Upon the controller not receiving the polling signals, the controller transmits a command signal for receipt by the base station and decreases the reception gain level back to a normal gain level. The switching of the controller receiver to the high gain level may be triggered in response to polling signals not being received from the base station or in response to a command signal from the base station. The command signal transmitted by the portable controller can be a lock command signal for a vehicle associated with the base station. The base station can detect the portable controller being moved away and initiate transmission of polling signals. The method can implement a walkaway locking function.