Remote control button actuation system with proxy remote

An actuation system to actuate one or more buttons on a remote for a vehicle based on command signal generated by a mobile device, the actuation system comprising:

• a housing configured to securely receive the remote, wherein the housing is located outside of a communication range of the vehicle;
• a user interface included on the mobile device;
• a controller located within the housing and configured to receive the command signals from the mobile device and convert the command signal into position commands;
• a button actuator being configured to receive the position commands from the controller and actuate one of the buttons of the remote such that the remote generates an RF remote command signal, wherein the controller converts the RF remote command signal into a digital message;
• a transmitter operable to transmit the digital message;
• a proxy remote positionable within the communication range of the vehicle to receive the digital message and to convert the digital message into a RF vehicle command signal.

A method of initiating one or more functions of a vehicle that are each associated with one or more buttons on a remote for the vehicle utilizing a mobile device, the method comprising:

• positioning the remote in a housing that is located outside of a communication range of the vehicle;
• generating a command signal from the mobile device;
• receiving the command signal with a controller located within the housing;
• engaging one of the buttons on the remote associated with the command signal such that the remote generates an RF remote command signal;
• converting the RF remote command signal into a digital message;
• transmitting the digital message from the housing;
• receiving the digital message at a proxy remote positioned within the communication range of the vehicle;
• converting the digital message into a RF vehicle command signal at the proxy remote;
• and
• transmitting the RF vehicle command signal from the proxy remote.