Ignition Key Question

[aeguy010]

I have a 1997 Camry that I just acquired. I have a key for the unit that appears to be a Valet Key. It does not work to open the door locks or the trunk. It works in the ignition and starts the car fine. Is this normal? could someone educate me on this please

John

[BamZipPow]

I'm gonna guess someone replaced the ignition lock and not any of the door locks with the same key. You could go to a parts yard and source out some locks and keys and have a locksmith rebuild them out so they have the same key set...or go to the dealer and buy them new (cha-ching!).

[islandboy57]

The valet key should open the doors and work in the ignition. It will not work for the glove box or trunk. The shape of the key is more of a rounded triangular shape (or gray if it is 'chipped') as opposed to the more rectangular shape of the master key. You can get an original master key made at Toyota by providing the VIN if I'm not mistaken. This will be easier and cheaper if your Camry does not have a transponder/chipped key. I think in '97 only the XLE or XLE V6 had a chipped key.

Good luck!

[ASG14]

A Valet key will still open the door locks, just not the trunk and glove box, so I'd have to agree with Bam above about a changed Ignition.

You can get the original key your car had if you take your registration (with VIN on it) to your local dealer, and it will cost aorund $15. Then you can have a locksmith rebuilt the ignition cylinder to that key. It will cost a decent bit though.

[aeguy010]

Thank you for the quick responses and information!

John

[Hajoca]

The difference is in the tip of the key. The tip of valet key is wider (not cut) so it will get stuck inside the lock cylinder of the trunk and glove box.