My valet key does not work to open driver's door.
 

I bought a used 2009 ES350 3 months ago. I only received one fob, and recently discovered that the valet key doesn't work to open my driver's door. It only inserts 1/4" and won't turn whatsoever. I'm wondering if something is lodged inside the lock. I'll try using WD40 to loosen up anything inside there. Has anyone else had this situation? What was the fix?

Welcome to CL. :)

An 11-year-old lock will likely have some rust or corrosion inside. WD40, Liquid Wrench, or a similar product should free it up. Spray some on both sides of the key and, if possible, inside the lock-cylinder, insert it in and out several times as far as you can, and keep working it back and forth, giving it another coat of spray if needed, until it works freely.

Thank you for your reply. I have since discovered that the valet key also does not work on the glove box or the compartment lock leading into the trunk. For some reason my valet key is somewhat of a dummy key, at least it is not correctly keyed to fit the locks on my car. My next step will be checking with a locksmith to see if they can make a key to work. All I need is a couple valet keys made.

One possibility is that the key fob is a used replacement fob, maybe they programmed the electronics but never bothered to replace the metal cut portion? Is the metal portion cut at all? or is it just a smooth key blank?

Merged with above

Possibly a blank key?
 

I will head over to a locksmith tomorrow to inquire about the matter. It is possible that the key is blank and the fob is aftermarket. The backside of the fob does not have the Lexus symbol.

Also, to reply to the one that mentioned the valet key should not unlock the glovebox and trunk access, that makes perfect sense.

Thanks for the insights.

That was an older style of "valet" key, in which the whole key was separate. That valet key would not unlock the glovebox or trunk. With the new keyless fob, the valet key is now the opposite. You take the mechanical portion, which is the only thing that can lock the glove box and trunk pass through, and leave the fob with the valet. It hit me that the 09, despite being over a decade old, had the new smart key.

Success! Finally.
 

​​​​​​I now have a working emergency key! The locksmith needed the key code from the door in order to cut my key. I had to contact my nearest Lexus dealership which is 3 hours away. Emailed him my license and proof of insurance with Vin # and he gave me a 5 digit code the locksmith was able to use. I tested the key and it works with the glovebox and trunk pass through also.

Nice! Great to hear.