kjv1611

I thought for sure I had used the valet key before to start our 2007 Lexus RX 350, but maybe I'm remembering wrong.

A few years ago, we purchased the 2007 Lexux RX 350. It only had one keyfob key which over time got broken (I guess too many drops). Thankfully I managed to get the dealer to have a "dumb" key made for the car, so we could use that. We've been using that ever since the fob got broken, but then the problem is today (not first time), I took key with me on accident to work and left my wife at home without a working key.

So after a couple texts and a call, I thought about the valet key. Told my wife to use the buttons on key fob to let her in the car, and then use the valet key to start engine. She told me it didn't work, but I thought for sure I had done that in the past.

So, even though our car uses a key you plug into the ignition still (I think 2008 was when they went keyless), does the valet key still not work to crank the car? Is it only used for locking the glove compartment?

I've really got to get a new keyfob key and maybe another spare "dumb" key made so we're less likely to run into this.

FYI, the reason that I took the key is when we're together, I'm usually driving, and have a habit of laying down the keys I use in one place, and quickly grabbing (this morning half asleep) as I go out the door.

Thanks for any thoughts. I know this question has been asked by others, but it seems most people are talking about "keyless entry" keyfobs where you do not even need a key to crank the car. The 2007 model - or at least mine - does not have that option.

takeshi74

A valet key would be of no use if the valet couldn't start the vehicle with it. It sounds like your valet key isn't programmed for whatever reason.

The valet key is actually not able to unlock the glove box to prevent the valet from rifling through it.

kjv1611

OK, thanks. So my initial guess that she somehow just didn't push the key in far enough may be the answer. I tried to get her to try again, but since I'm not there, it's tough for me to see. I was 98% certain I had tried it out when we first got the car. The newer models spoke about the valet key as something that was stuck in the keyfob itself and didn't really talk about starting the car with it, maybe it won't start those only because they use a push button anyway. Will try tonight to be sure, and if it works, make sure she knows how to use it in an emergency situation at least.

Lexuswiz

iTrader: (1)

Valet should start the car it just cannot be used to open the glove box (and trunk on sedans) or to program new keys. Sounds like yours was never programmed to the immobilizer but the keyless entry was programmed, these are separate units within the key.

RedGemini

When you say "valet" key, are you talking about the actual "VALET" key, or the emergency key card that most people keep in the glove box?

If you're referring to the credit card sized key, yes, it can start it. The trick is the card has to be held close to the ignition for it to start, as it has an RF chip in it.



This is the emergency key card, which is meant to be kept in a wallet or purse... that's not fitting in my wallet... LOL

kjv1611

Thanks for all the thoughts. Yes, as RedGemini guessed at it, the key she was trying to use was the Emergency key. However, I also could not get it to start following instructions. It said use the arrow as a guide, and have it close to the ignition within 10 seconds of inserting the key. I did that. I got the steering column to move, lights to come up, but it would never get past the security piece. So either the chip in the key card is bad or not programmed right or something. I don't know. But I'm taking it all to Lexus this Friday anyway to get our keyfob key fixed and get a new one. I'll get them to check this out at the same time.

The "valet key" as it were is what we've been using for a while now. I just forgot what each key is called.

The local Lexus dealership quoted prices that sounded WAY less than I expected. Since I had a working key, they said it should be about $120 to get the guts of my current key put in a new key setup, and about $250 to get a new key altogether. So I'm excited about that. Never thought I'd be excited about spending a couple hundred dollars on a car key.

05RX330AWD

Perhaps if you take out all those $100. Bills out of your wallet it might fit.

RedGemini

HA! HA! HA! I wish that was the problem.