actually, it`s not a problem, rather characteristic of this type of the remote control. The signal is transmitted by the infrared light, and the reciever of the RC is on the roof, near by the courtesy light and rear-view mirror (the cover of the RC is small black cone-pyramid). The transmitter in the key and the reciever must have direct view together so you have to be heading direct by the key for the receiver. That is the reason, why from the rear or side it works, but from the car front not. Probably the rear-view mirror is the obstacle for the infrared light beam.
but, it can be two causes, why the range of the transmitter is shorter, that can or should be.
first, the infra LED in the key is old and emit weaker beam of the light (you can try to change it by new one infrared LED, but i don`t know the spec)
second, the black cone-shaped cover of the reciever on the roof, is dirty inside, or the reciever inside is dirty by itself, so you can try to clean it both (there are 4 fotocouplers inside, with small windows, that should be clean of the dust, etc.), so try this first of all, rather then LED changing, but always bear in mind - direct heading with the key for reciever
BTW, you are from Miramas in France?
[upravil dne 1/8/12 11:17 od Ferry]