Do I only have a valet key? (how screwed am I?)

[46runner]

I just purchased a 2008 4runner and was given only 1 gray rubber key - does have the dimple. It works on everything (including the tailgate) except the glovebox - so I assumed it was a valet key and thought I was screwed.

Called a local locksmith who said he could make me another valet key for $50.00 in a couple of minutes or another master for $75.00 but it would take 30 minutes to re-set the immobilizer and re-program the keys. He said he does not need a master key to do those things.

When I got there, he said he thought the gray key was a master based on how it was cut and that the glovebox lock had something jammed in it because the key would not go all the way in. He suggested I just get another valet key made which I did. Took 2 mins and $50.00 - also got him to cut another flat metal key to put in my wallet for when I lock my keys in the car. - $3.00

I now wonder if the gray key was actually a master as he said or if he was able to make a valet key from a valet key.

Is the valet key supposed to work in the tailgate?

The dark grey key is not a master key; the original master key would be black

 

[Breaze]

The dark grey key is not a master key; the master key would be black

Not necessarily if it isn't original - I'm guessing it is though and the locksmith doesn't need a master to make another key.

 

[lightfreak]

Not necessarily if it isn't original - I'm guessing it is though and the locksmith doesn't need a master to make another key.

My original valet key doesn't work in the tail gate or the glove box. They can be inserted in both, they just won't work.


If your grey key works in the tailgate then it was copied from a master (which would make it a master) and it's not really the valet key, and the glove box lock damage is the only reason it won't work there.

Regarding the locksmith's ability to cut a new master key without an existing master: they can use the Key Code tag (which is issued to the owner when the vehicle is first sold), or disassemble the ignition and cut it to match the tumblers. They can't cut a master from a valet key.


I programmed a couple keys recently and can confirm that any new key cut and programmed from a master will also become a master key, and can be used to cut/program additional keys. I have 4 masters and 1 valet in memory right now.
What you can do is follow these programing steps here
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/99215-how-make-spare-chipped-keys.html
If you can complete step 4 using your grey key then you have a master. Because the transponder programming won't initialize using a valet key.
(open the driver's door to exit the programming)

 

[Breaze]

My original valet key doesn't work in the tail gate or the glove box. They can be inserted in both, they just won't work.


If your grey key works in the tailgate then it was copied from a master (which would make it a master) and it's not really the valet key, and the glove box lock damage is the only reason it won't work there.

Regarding the locksmith's ability to cut a new master key without an existing master: they can use the Key Code tag (which is issued to the owner when the vehicle is first sold), or disassemble the ignition and cut it to match the tumblers. They can't cut a master from a valet key.


I programmed a couple keys recently and can confirm that any new key cut and programmed from a master will also become a master key, and can be used to cut/program additional keys. I have 4 masters and 1 valet in memory right now.
What you can do is follow these programing steps here
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/99215-how-make-spare-chipped-keys.html
If you can complete step 4 using your grey key then you have a master. Because the transponder programming won't initialize using a valet key.
(open the driver's door to exit the programming)

I believe what I have now is 2 valet keys and that the glove box lock is fine - just won't open without a master.

First, when I place either key in the ignition, the security light flashing on the dash stays on for 2 seconds and then goes out - this is supposed to indicate that the key is a valet. For the master, the light is supposed to go out immediately.

Second, both keys work fine to lock/unlock the tailgate, neither key works in glovebox.

Third, my 2008 owners manual says that the difference between the valet key and the master is that the valet key will not open the glovebox - doesn't mention tailgate.

So, if I am correct and I have 2 valet keys, then the mystery is how did the locksmith duplicate the valet key without a master. He went in the back with my key and cut another (1 minute), then walked to the car, spent another minute inside and came out with a working key. I do not have the code that came with the keys originally.

4 questions: Does anyone else have a 2008 4runner and:

1) Does your valet key work in the tailgate?
2) Does the valet key seem to go all the way in the glovebox lock?
3) When you stick the master in the ignition does the security light on dash (looks like a car flashing) go out or stay on for 2 seconds first? same question with valet key.

Sorry to keep beating this old horse...

 

[lightfreak]

The locksmith copied your grey key and traced it to make the new key,
and he likely used a third party transponder programmer to program the chip in the new key to start the car. You don't need a master key if you have a dedicated programmer.


Try those steps in the link I provided, it will tell you right away if that's the master or not. You definitely cannot initialize the immobilizer memory with the valet key. That would be a huge security flaw

 

[Breaze]

Much obliged for the info. At this point I don't want to try that procedure with my new, working key so I will have to order a new transponder blank and get it cut before trying.