Valet Key

So I was looking at my spare keys today and the valet key which has the grey top instead of black, has some different teeth and notches than my regular keys. On a vehicle with lockable compartments and trunk, this would makes sense. But why would they go the extra step to grind different teeth on a key that doesn't lock anything different. I tried it in both my door and ignition and it worked. I'm confuzzed. Is the computer tied into the lock to know 2 different tumbler combinations so it knows what key is being used?

 

Nope. It's the exact same principle as a valet key on a car that has a locking glove box/trunk. It's useless for our trucks.

When I get servicing done, I use the valet key anyways, just in case it gets misplaced somehow, then I don't lose a whole truck key with fob.

 

But why would the valet key have different teeth? That's what I don't understand.

 

Maybe it's like the valet key on Z06 'Vettes. It limits the horsepower output to 200 or so.

 

The gray key can't be used to program new keys to be recognized by the car's ecu/immobilizer. It's now pointless because the code in gray and black keys can be copied by locksmiths now. Newer Tacos don't come with valet keys any more.

 

A locking glove box has a different tumbler pattern than the doors. The master key will open both, but the valet key will only open the doors, and start the ignition.

 

Right. Except the tacoma doesn't have a locking glove box.

 

Correct which is why it's technically "useless" for our trucks.

 

So the valet key increases my 5-lug's power?

 

you canot drive on the road just for parking it shut down the motor

 

LOLWUT?

Toyota systems aren't that smart.

 

Not true, I've used the valet key on the road just fine.

 

Not true, total liability issue here...

Just pulled onto the freeway, but because I used my grey key it stalled because I was not in the parking lot, crashed and now im dead...

 

You wouldn't get that far.

It senses the yellow line just like shopping carts and stops in the driveway

 

Ok so does anyone see any issues with giving the shipping company my valet key? It's headed to Washington and I will pick it up in a few weeks. I'm thinking it should be good.

 

I could have sworn that my truck had a locking glove box, but now it doesn't?

 

on my '12, the dealer only gave me 2 keys; I griped as even w/o a locking glove box, the valet feature is to keep another key from be programmed.

the valet key cannot serve as a key to allow a new key to be programmed in. the master key can.

So if the valet has a master, he can get a blank, use your master and techstream to program a new key, cut it and later on at his convenience, your ride is history.
So there should always be a valet key even w/o a locking glove box.

 

I was surprised to find that I didn't get a valet key with my brand new 2014...then I realized nothing inside the truck locks. More surprise.

 

My salesman mentioned a valet key for my 14 also. But I only got 2 keys and nothing else.

 

Yeah is a valet key supposed to come with the 2 main keys?