Abstract: A remote convenience receiver unit (12), which is associated with a vehicle (16), receives a remote convenience signal (20) that conveys a remote convenience function request and causes performance of the requested function at the vehicle. The receiver unit (12) consumes a first amount of energy while awaiting reception of the remote convenience signal (20) at an ability to readily receive the remote convenience signal. A signal monitor and duty-cycle control (82) monitors duration of inactivity caused by a lack of receipt of a remote convenience signal (20), causes reduction of functional operation of the receiver unit (12) to consume a second, lesser amount of energy after a first duration of inactivity, and causes reduction of functional operation of the receiver unit to consume a third, lesser and different amount of energy after a second, different duration of inactivity.