CoolHL

I've read through ALL the other posts about master keys here, but I'm still a bit confused. I lost a key fob. Was it a "master key"? It looked like this:



I could use it to open the car door automatically, start the car without inserting it into the ignition, and open the trunk remotely. Is that considered a "master key"? It has a retractable metal key, and that key could unlock the door and the trunk, but NOT unlock the "trunk lock" button if it was pressed in (near my left knee). I'm pretty darn sure it couldn't open the glove box either. So what is this called, was it a master fob but a valet physical key? What is the difference between a master and a non-master?

So I lost that key, but I have an existing FOB, looks just like above, and lucky-for-me, the metal part CAN unlock the glove box and trunk lock. How do I make a copy (fob and metal) so it acts like the missing key (which I think is a "master fob, valet metal key"). 2005 LS430.

Jacksonville, FL

JffGRY706

something something very dark side

CoolHL

Thanks, I never noticed that before!

QUESTION #1 what does a valet keyfob do, as far as the remote controlled operation? Is it as follows:

• Master keyfob - Remotely opens trunk regardless of physical trunk lock button.
• Valet Keyfob - Remotely opens trunk only if trunk lock button is unlocked. Does not remotely open trunk if trunk lock button is pressed in (locked).

Is that the difference for remote operation?

QUESTION #2 I've confirmed that I do, in fact, have the master key. Now that I'm purchasing a copy, can I program it to be a valet key?

QUESTION #3: As long as I'm going through the process of replacing my valet keyfob, would it be useful for me to purchase and make a copy of another master fob? Or in other words, what happens if I lose my only existing master keyfob, but I still have the valet keyfob?

CA2WALS430

Short answer is YES, always try to have 2 master keys. The valet key fob is a nice feature but unless you are living the lifestyle of constantly handing your key off to an unknown user while keeping a $$grand is your glove box, and a Fendi handbag in the trunk, then focus on the master. If you only have 1 master, and then it gets lost or destroyed you will be out a reprogramming charge at the dealer ONLY, and then of course, 2 new masters.
I recently bought an 04 with only 1 master an a valet. After naively thinking the owner would find and send me the other master, I decided to have one made. $200, which was surprisingly low. IFFFF I had destroyed or lost that master?....$300 reprogramming, and then of course $200 x 2 for 2 new masters, so $200 or $700?
Always have 2 masters.

JffGRY706

it's a trap, giggity and shut up meg

CoolHL

> When I got my car it only had a valet key, and the only way I could open the trunk was from inside the car.

What model/year?

> I get along fine with 1 smart key and 1 valet key

This terminology confuses me a bit. What is a "smart key", as you're using it here? It seems to me both the master and the valet are "smart" in the sense they do the exact same thing, except the valet wireless fob does not open the trunk if the trunk lock is set, and the valet metal key doesn't open the glove box.

> warning, some how water got in the trunk and even though I never saw any water there it managed to ruin 2 things back there so watch out and keep your trunk dry.

That was random.

> I have seen similar issues with nav units and amplifiers

What similar issues are you talking about? Water suddenly appearing on them?

JffGRY706

read the owners manual

CoolHL

Wow fantastic response, now I FINALLY understands the difference between the Master-smart and the Vallet keyfobs!

I'm down to one master key. It sounds like it would be worth it to purchase an additional master key first so if I lose one I have a backup. And then, as budget allows, purchase a valet key if I want to travel and add a little security.