Cheap solution for additional keys when you only have one valet key

Why don't you just copy the valet key and keep the original at home, using the copy for daily driving? If you lose the copy, you still have the original you can copy. I also wouldn't use duct tape in a car. Cars experience high levels of humidity, drying, moisture accumulation, condensation, extreme heat, extreme cold, and vibration which will eventually deteriorate the adhesive on many adhesive tapes. If you must attach something inside your car using an adhesive, use a permanent one which is resistant to the elements I listed. Household adhesive tapes fall apart very quickly inside a car.

I guess you save about $60-70 not having to copy the valet key.

 

Great idea. Thanks.

Any similar suggestion for the 2006 Prius? Those keys are even more expansive. My 2006 Prius takes a box key you slide in the keyhole.
For the 2001 Prius. I have a keyring with both transponder and no-transponder keys in it. One day I inserted non-transponder key and car started because the transponder key was near by. I then removed transponder key from the ring and car would not start. So my question is
Do you have to remove the Key detection ring as you stated or just tape a good transponder key near it?

 

It is a fact that the transponder in the key of a classic Prius just needs to be close to whatever part of the car receives the signal. The actual transponder ECU is on the left side of the steering wheel, while the key goes into the hole on the right side. Keeping the transponder key on the same keyring with a basic metal $2 key that you use to turn the ignition cylinder should start the car 99% of the time if not 100% of the time. In fact, if you open up an ILCO (below is a link to an image) clone key, you'll see that the metal blade that goes into the cylinder lock (mechanical key) and the transponder (electrical circuit board with 3V battery) are completely separate as far as electricity/radio are concerned. The circuit board is kept in the black plastic casing that is on one side of the blade and is not connected to anything. It's not even secured particularly tightly in there.

Ford Lincoln Cloneable Blank by ILCO EK3LB H84 2002 2010 | eBay

If you're going with the permanent/semi-permanent attachment idea regarding the valet key transponder, I would use something like silicone to glue it behind a portion of the dashboard where it reliably allows the car to start (experiment first). It bonds very nicely with the dashboard plastic in my experience and should have no trouble holding the key. Just make sure it's a transponder key without a replaceable battery. Otherwise you could be in trouble if the battery dies.

 

I have been working on a failed attempt by a mechanic and Toyota to fix a short in the 12 volt circuit. Solution was a corroded connector to the battery ecu. Also had to fix the fuse box that the guy got into by separating the fuse box plugs ( under the fuse box) to the block for the fuses. A big pain. 2. tie wrap the valet key to the immobilizer ring and tuck under ign. 3. Remove the luggage key lock and Jumper the switch that is behind the lock assembly. This sets device to a master key. take apart lock and easily remove last tumblers so valet key now opens trunk. With the jumper in place car starts much easier.

Hope this helps because many of the chats helped me.

Bob

 

I have a steering column from a wrecked 2003 that I would like to put in my son's 2001 that came with only a "valet" key. Can I just plug the transponder ring from '03 column into the harness of the '01, or do I have to use the '03 "ecm immobilizer" also?

 

I pulled the immobilizer out after removing the new collumn. Even with the column out it was a chore to unbolt then unplug the immobilizer from the harness. Is there an easier way? If you know of a previous post let me know, also one for removing/replacing the ignition lock cylinder? Thanks for your insight.

 

I pulled the immobilizer out after removing the new collumn. Even with the column out it was a chore to unbolt then unplug the immobilizer from the harness. Is there an easier way? If you know of a previous post let me know, also one for removing/replacing the ignition lock cylinder? Thanks for your insight.

 

Can you tell me where this ring is located?

 

Paul,
I have a 2002 Prius I purchased aver a year ago. The key that it came with does not open the trunk. Is that because it is a valet key?

 

Thanks Paul. When I insert the key into the ignition, the security light stops immediately. The plastic section of the key head is black with the Toyota symbol. The key works for everything except the trunk lock. Perhaps the trunk lock was replaced. I will get a copy made or perform the option you described. I appreciate all of your posts. They are extremely helpful.

 

Could you just put another ring there since it's not wired?