'99 silverado key FOB

how far away from my truck should the remote unlock/lock work? Mine seems to only work at around 15 feet. I'm curious if it should work from farther away. Maybe I need new battery?

Welcome to OEM remotes. Lock/unlock is about right distance- remote starter should be more--that's why I do aftermarket remotes- can get up to 1200 ft or more- some 1/2 mile. Very disappointing to have a remote starter if you have to stand by car to make it work. New battery might help some, but don't count on it, surroundings, metal, other cars, chain link, aluminum siding, are all factors. Try it in absolute open field, nothing around to truly test.

Welcome to OEM remotes. Lock/unlock is about right distance- remote starter should be more--that's why I do aftermarket remotes- can get up to 1200 ft or more- some 1/2 mile. Very disappointing to have a remote starter if you have to stand by car to make it work. New battery might help some, but don't count on it, surroundings, metal, other cars, chain link, aluminum siding, are all factors. Try it in absolute open field, nothing around to truly test.

thanks! I've been thinking about having a remote start installed anyway. Anything to look for in those or anything to avoid?

I would definitely try a new battery. Cheap and easy. My original remote worked from about 30 feet, (bought the truck used, assumed that was about the limit). Eventually it got to be like yours. Changed the battery, (I put an Energizer in it, they had them at the counter in AutoZone), and it immediately got it to where it works from almost 100 feet, (direct line of sight). It also will work through my aluminum garage door with truck 30-40 feet away. Does not have the remote start feature.