Valet Key - What's the point?

[Gundo]

My valet key does not unlock the doors, it only works in the ignition. What is the point of this key? Valet's 'round these parts normally lock the car when they park it.

If you are to give the valet the valet key, then he locks the car manually, you're stuck. Unless there is some obvious point I'm missing...

[Art]

Hmmm...that's strange Gundo. My valet/service key operates all of the doors. :confused:
One turn of the key unlocks the driver side door, a second turn unlocks the remaining doors.
The purpose of the key is to keep unwanted person(s) from accessing the glove compartment.

I would definitely have the dealer issue you another working service key.

[Gundo]

I'll be sure to bring it up - I was locked out the other day, and pretty p.o.ed about it.

Thanks Art.

[barrysharp]

My valet key operates as does Art's.

[iroll]

Can anyone tell me if it will unlock the trunk?

[Art]

Yes iroll,

A second clockwise turn of the service key will also unlock the tailgate. One reverse turn will lock all doors including the tailgate. :)

[edwa]

Mine unlocks the doors as well, but this brings up another question. I always wear it around my neck when I surf or kayak. I had asked the dealer if this was alright or if it would short out any electronics and leave me stranded ... and dripping wet ;-)

Any advice or past experiences on a wet key?

P.S. My marine radio is supposed to be submersible but I've already fried 2 of those.

[Gundo]

It was the lock cylinder that had jammed up.

I literally had never used the key to manually unlock or lock the doors. So after about 2 years of non use, the cylinder had frozen, thereby preventing my use of the valet key.

Pretty funny actually!

[dlr97]

I like the valet key for occasional use; I find the remote key rather bulky to carry around sometimes. I always leave the glove box unlocked. If someone breaks in the car they will most likely force open the glove box regardless of whether it is locked.

Probably it is a good idea for people to use the key to lock/unlock at least once a month, and put some lock lubricant in the door lock cylinder every service interval. When I take the car in for services I leave the valet key with them.

Cheers,
Dave

[gary]

It was the lock cylinder that had jammed up.

I literally had never used the key to manually unlock or lock the doors. So after about 2 years of non use, the cylinder had frozen, thereby preventing my use of the valet key.

Pretty funny actually!

HHmmm... I never use the valet key, or other key for that matter, in the lock. I always use the remote to unlock/lock the doors. We've had the car almost two years now...I guess I'd better try using the keys.