I have two black headed keys with transponders. One (older and worn) will unlock the luggage compartment (boot) whilst the other (newish looking) will turn about 45 degrees and no further so does not open the boot. Is that how the valet key is supposed to function? It should be added that the newish looking key looks like a fresh version of the old, it does have the "step" at the tip unlike some valet keys I have seen photos of. Is the lock extremely sensitive to the size of the step?

 

Per,

Yes, the trunk lock is very sensitive to the key. I converted my green valet key to a master black key by grinding to make the step at the end of the key. Took a few attempts so that it fitted the trunk lock.

In your case, it sounds like a previous owner had a second master key made, but the cut step at the end isn't quite right. It's a 2 min job to correct using a needle file or Dremel to adjust the step in the tip.

 

LOOK AT THE KEY TIP!!!!

The only difference is the tip of the key.

 

The BLUE sections are identical on both MASTER and VALET keys. The difference is the RED section is turned down on the MASTER:




That's why a VALET can be converted to a MASTER but a MASTER cannot be converted to a VALET key.

I often wonder who at JLR thought that was the secure way to do it instead of the other way round!

Graham

 

Thanks, a few minutes with a file did the trick.

 

First a clarification on my part

Valet keys are green. Are you referring to the plastic grip or the the background in the "cat" logo? All my keys are black but 2 have green background in the cat logo.
But I am beginning to think all my 3 keys are valet keys since none will open the lid but function correctly otherwise.

So my question is the step down cut on the valet key. GGG posted pictures but I can't see the difference. The length of all the keys is the same. I think you are referring to the height of the wedge at the tip. Correct? Assuming they are 1/8" tall now I assume you grind a valet key to a smaller dimension.

Randy