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The trunk doesn't have a key lock, but it would be very cool if the ignition switch detected the valet key and cut off power to the truck unlock. Never tried it, but I doubt it.
As long as the doors are unlocked, the trunk release button on the dash works. You don't even need the key in the ignition.
There's a valet switch in the glove box. It kills the option to open the top and to pop the trunk via the cabin switch. In addition, the valet key now limits the valets entry into the glove box and center console. The valet key will only allow him to manually open the doors and start the car.
Yeah Shawn I forgot about the switch in the glove box. I never worry about the valet. I don't leave anything in the car for them to go through. I have noticed the center console gone through before after leaving it with the valet. Not that there was anything they wanted. That has happened only once or twice over 30 years or so.
Yeah Shawn I forgot about the switch in the glove box. I never worry about the valet. I don't leave anything in the car for them to go through. I have noticed the center console gone through before after leaving it with the valet. Not that there was anything they wanted. That has happened only once or twice over 30 years or so.
I don't trust valets at all, in the car or even outside the car. I will self park if I can or else the place will not get my business. I once valeted my car at Tuscany Restaurant on Taylor in Chicago. They parked me on the street right outside their restaurant and in front of their valet stoop. My fiance, now wife, and I ate, walked out and the two valets are posted up on my rear passenger quarter panel chatting up some girls walking by, asking them if they want to go for a ride. They didn't see me walk up, and I said, "are you guys serious right now??" They said sorry sir, jumped up and opened the doors and still has the ***** to ask me for $6. Absolute scumbags. The next day I detailed my car and found a dent of what appears to be a wallet pressed into the rear passenger quarter panel. I nearly lost my mind.... Don't give valets a chance.
Reminds me of this post...https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc430-2nd-gen-2001-2010/710959-unwanted-attention.html
The kind that ruin things for other people. There are always those people. To bad the minority can ruin things for everyone. All my cars have gps tracking and dash cam. I also can see if they have been disconnected and reconnected. Helps give a little peace of mind.
Thanks for confirming what I read. I need to purchase a real valet key, one without the raised side area.
I would assume that Lexus or Toyota dealership should be able to get you the key blank and cut (if reasonably priced), if local locksmith don't have acceptable blanks.
Thanks Shawn, Toyota valet keys are usually not that much, the big money shows up when you want the key and transponder.
I found a really good deal on a used key with transponder on eBay. The guy had eight of them, I won a used key with transponder for $17 shipped, then I found a vender selling an uncut key, no transponder, with a Lexus logo on the back of the case for $8.
I programmed the new transponder and key immobilizer with no issues (tech stream).
It was a very lucky find and wish I would have purchased more keys with the shell.
It has the transponder inside, not just the case. I also bought 2 three button keys for just 7.95 and after 20 bucks each to cut, they worked good, here:
Thanks Gman, I was only showing the used master key I purchased for $17. It was used and I purchased it for the transponder. I also purchased a new uncut key blank.
I am looking for a new uncut valet key to replace the incorrect valet key I have...the one I have, does have the grove on the side, master, but does not have any buttons.
I spoke to the locksmith and he showed me the difference between the two: the master key has groove ( square cut) on both edges, the valet key does not. My question is, where do you buy the blank valet key. I've tried eBay and Amazon but got no luck. Bgw, didn't you buy one?