Used Prius only came with Valet key. Big deal?

Any locksmith should be able to cut the key. The programming directions for the immobilizer are generally available, so you can do that yourself. The resulting key will work the same as your original (master or valet), regardless of the color of the blank. Didn't instructions come with the eBay blank?

EDIT: Actually, I'm not sure if you can duplicate a valet key without a master key available. But you could get a cloned copy from a locksmith with the proper equipment.

 

hello guys,
could you please clarify, what you call Valet key and what Master. How they look like and the difference externally.
I have only one key with 2 buttons to lock/unlock doors and chip inside to unlock immo.

 

Hi Shubin,

The Classic Prius came with three keys:

- two master keys, with a black head
- one valet key, with a grey head

The valet key will not unlock the trunk. It is possible to lock the trunk using the master key, so that the trunk release lever in the passenger compartment will not function.

 

I believe the difference between the master and valet keys is cosmetic only. They use the same shape and transponder coding. The different function occurs as a result of the procedure used in programming the car immobilizer, and the different cut of the keys.

 

if the master is black, i have the only one master key. and there is no trunk locking function on it - confused.

my car is "right wheel" like a japan model, but there is only english letters is the menu and on the panel switches. there is also "spoiler" at the trunk, the brake discs at the rear the same as the front (in japan models is different), owner manual in english, kilometers not miles, C not F, can listen local radio stations on FM with no converter.

so, how to find the country (Australia, United Kingdom). i want to get second key with immo functions, and i think the chip freq is different for countries. VIN code is JT153FU1100040842.

thank you.

 

Ditto what RobH said.

I know it's an old thread, but someone here can save money knowing that you can go have locksmith with the proper cloning equipment copy a valet key.

We lost our master key and only have the valet key and the key to the trunk.

Been able to drive w/just the valey key. Needed a back-up key to start the 01 Prius in case we loose the only valet key.

Went to my local Toyota dealership; was told they can't clone the valet key only the master; however, they can order a whole new computer and key in the tune of $500. I have 01 Prius and not worth getting a new computer/immobiler key for that amount of money!

Found a local locksmith (by calling around) who was able to:
- Cut a key to match the valet key (locksmith tested it by being able to open the doors, turn the ignition but not start yet w/o the cloning right then and there)
- Then cloned the valet RFID chip. Now I have a copy of the valet.
- Then he took the trunk key and made a cut on the copy. Now I have a copy that not only can open doors, turn and start the ignition but also open the trunk.
- All took 15 mins while I waited.
- Been driving on the copy for 2 weeks now - no problem.
- Cost $125 including the blank key, cutting and cloning/programming.

Now I have copy plus the orginal valet and truck key will be our spare.

With the savings, my wife and I picked up a 2 bottles of cab on sale from our favorite winery Bernardus; life is good.

 

I'm in the same boat. I only got 1 key with the car, but fortunately my key is the master key. Toyota dealer wanted $150 to make me another key. Somebody told me Wal-Mart could do it so I went there today. They told me that they have discontinued this service, but essentially they would be cloning the key (and not programming the car at all) and the price would have been $36. They still have the equipment there, but can no longer get the keys ordered.