Remote feedback for vehicle key fob functions

A method for operating a portable control device that is configured to provide an operator with control of an operation of a vehicle, comprising:

• sensing an input provided to the portable control device by the operator that is indicative of the operation to be performed by the vehicle;
• transmitting a first signal to the vehicle via at least a partly wireless connection that at least partially embodies a command for the operation to be performed by the vehicle;
• receiving a second signal from the vehicle via the same or another at least partly wireless connection that at least partially embodies feedback from the vehicle indicative of the operation;
• and
• generating an output that presents information to the operator on the operation based at least in part on the feedback.

A system configured to provide an operator with control of an operation of a vehicle, comprising:

• a control device that is portable with respect to the vehicle, said control device comprising:
• an input configured to receive an action of the operator that is indicative of the operation to be performed by the vehicle;
• a first transmitter configured to send a first signal that at least partially embodies a command for the action of the operator received by the input;
• a first receiver configured to receive a second signal that at least partially embodies feedback indicative of the operation resulting from the command at least partially embodied by the first signal sent by the first transmitter;
• and
• an output configured to present information to the operator based at least in part on the feedback in the second signal received by the receiver;
• and
• an electronic control system substantially affixed to the vehicle and configured for connection to the control device via an at least partly wireless connection, said electronic control system comprising:
• a second receiver configured to receive the first signal from the first transmitter via the wireless connection;
• a controller configured to receive the command in the first signal sent by the first transmitter and further configured to generate a third signal that controls the operation of the vehicle;
• a sensor configured to generate the feedback indicative of the operation resulting from the third signal generated by the controller;
• and
• a second transmitter configured to send the second signal with the feedback to the first receiver via the at least partly wireless connection.