My owners manual mentions nothing of how to program the remotes or what they do.

I've had it the furthest away about 6 car parking spaces wide(not empty spots so the remote wasnt pointing directly at the car, but towards it). I dont have to point the remote at the car for it to lock/unlock or windows down. With the original remote I can be inside the house & put the windows down. The one I use on a daily basis is the same, but like stated I cannot put the windows down with it.

I always wondered what the little squares on the handles were for.