Keyless vehicle entry system employing portable transceiver having low power consumption

A portable transceiver (A) is provided for use with a remote keyless entry system. The transceiver includes a signal receiver (30) for, when turned on, receiving an interrogation signal and having means for responding thereto by transmitting a coded reply signal requesting performance of a vehicle function. A power supply (12) is carried by the portable transceiver for purposes of supplying operating power for use by the signal receiver. A timer (202) receives the operating power from the power supply and periodically supplying power pulses for each turning on the signal receiver for a given period of time corresponding with that of a power pulse.