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Physical cut of NHW11 valet key

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by ChapmanF, Apr 6, 2008.

  1. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    I've at last gone successfully through the steps in the repair manual to erase and reregister the immobilizer and remote settings on my recently acquired NHW11, just for the peace of mind of being sure the two keys and fobs they gave me with the car are the only ones that will open and start it. Now I also know how to register new ones if I decide to buy some from coastaletech.

    Which leads to the next question:

    Coastal sells one key that they say can be cut and programmed as either a master or a sub. As I understand it, there are really two distinct choices here:

    1. Register transponder as master or sub. (Master can register other transponders, sub can't).
    2. Cut metal key as master or sub/valet. (Master works in all the lock cylinders, valet doesn't work in the trunk).

    I know I could register the transponder on the Coastal key as either a master or a sub. But can it also be cut as either a master or a valet? (Is the difference something in the cut of the key edges, or something else like the keyway shape?)

    I didn't get a valet key with the car, so I can't easily compare to see how the cut differs. Has anybody looked closely to see what the difference is?

    Thanks,
    -Chap
     
    #1 ChapmanF, Apr 6, 2008
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Hi Chap,

    Although it is true that the Classic Prius came with one grey valet key and two black master keys, I have not been able to determine any useful purpose for the valet key. Once the driver's door is open, it is very easy to open the trunk by lifting the appropriate lever between the driver's seat and the door opening.

    I recall that the valet key is cut slightly different, but no longer own my 2001 so I don't have the keys to look at.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Apr 6, 2008
  3. statultra

    statultra uber-Senior Member

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    in order for the valet key to work as intended, you must lock the trunk with the master key, by turning it to the left i believe, this locks it completely even from the lever inside. then the valet key wouldn't work on the trunk.

    another thing , the valet key is cut differently in the front of the key.

    ill take a picture for you, when i get a chance
     
    #3 statultra, Apr 6, 2008
  4. tochatihu

    tochatihu Senior Member

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    An historic day - something Patrick Wong didn't know about the Prius!

    As statultra suggests, Turn the trunk lock cylinder CCW, and the driver's pull-up lever does not work.

    The phosphorescent emergency release handle inside works in all lock cylinder modes though. AFAIK I am the only one to have crawled into the NHW11 trunk to confirm this.
     
    #4 tochatihu, Apr 6, 2008
  5. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    That's dedication! I think I might have left the lid open and tripped the latch around a bolt or something, then pulled the handle. But maybe I've lost some of my endurance for curling up on hard surfaces with corners....

    -Chap
     
    #5 ChapmanF, Apr 7, 2008
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