engine not starting w/remote start

I have a 2009 Saturn Vue that came with factory installed remote start & keyless entry. I'm finding it very inconsistant in working. In order for the vehicle to start by using the remote I have to push the lock button down on the remote first (lights flash on vehicle) then push the start button and hold for 3 sec (parking lights come on when it has started). What is happening is that my lights will flash after I have pushed the lock button but it won't start after I push the start button until I get within 50ft of it. I have had it start at further distances before but it has been very inconsistant.   I have not had any problem starting it when I've been inside my house and the vehicle in the attached garage. I tried the other remote that came with the vehicle and had the same response. Any ideas or suggestions?arcticcatgyrl

From the Factory Quote: Using the remote start system is easy. First, the driver presses the “LOCK” button on their key fob, locking the doors. Then the driver presses and holds the remote start button on the fob for one and a half seconds. This two-step process helps prevent inadvertent activation and assures the vehicle is locked.   To signify the remote start system received the signal, the vehicle’s signal lamps flash once. When the engine begins running, the parking lamps illuminate. end Quote Site http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2009/Dec/1203_remote_start

thank you .. I realize all that. However the vehicle doesn't start .. The head lamps flash once after the lock button is pressed and then nothing else happens when I press the start button unless I am within 50 feet of the vehicle-then it will start- BUT sometimes it will start with me further away? Could the batteries be bad in the remote? And if so then why do the head lamps flash at all?arcticcatgyrl

unfortunately Factory remote starter from GM have a Notorious limited range some where between 150ft to standing on the bumper. if you want better range you need to get a range extender. costing about 200 to 250 installed make the factory start cost more than most after market remote starters for the same to better range.