Hello everybody. I am new to the list but I sure am glad to have discovered it.

I have a problem and I am looking for advice. I don't really know what to do about it.

My master key and the remote to the car are locked inside my trunk. I have my valet key, but I can't open the trunk from the inside because I accidently pressed in the button that locks the trunk so that the valet driver won't be able to get in there.

Does anyone know what I should do? Is there a way to pull down the backseat on a Lexus LS 400 1997? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. It's silly being locked out of your own car...

 

call a locksmith. theres no way to get into the trunk from inside the car. theres a gas tank in the way.

 

Agree with Puredrifter,, you are gonna have to call a locksmith to get in.

 

get a 2nd key too...you never know when it might come in handy.

 

does the 97 LS use a transponder key? it would probably be cheaper to go get a new basic (non-remote) key from your local dealership than to call a mobile locksmith. if it uses a transponder key, i guess you could always have a new one cut, go open your trunk, then return to the dealership to have the key programmed.

 

i dont think u can cut a master key with only a valet

 

Don't call a locksmith!

I had this happen to me with my first gen. I went to the Lexus dealer and they cut me a new master key by looking at my Vin #. I paid $65 for a non-remote key. This is definitely cheaper than what a locksmith will charge you for even an hour of his time.

 

I think you actually can. I was talking to a locksmith.. atleast on the first gens.. the master key and valet keys differ by only a groove or something.. but again best bet: call your closest Lexus dealer and see how much it'll cost to get a new key.


I remember reading in another forum when this happened to a member that the locksmith had no choice but to drill out the lock in the trunk... it'll cost a lot more to get a new lock!

 

This happened to my father new years 2001. what we did was pop the subwoofer panel and dig in the trunk that way with a broom. Our car had no subwoofer but if you are able to unscrew the sub you might be able to do the same thing we did and save yourself a few bucks. One last thing you will need is a flashlight.

 

that won't work too well if u have the interior trunk panels in place

 

Those panels can be somewhat folded back. Its not easy to get the keys but you can do it.

 

What about the flatkey that comes in the owner's manual?

i keep mine in my wallet all the time...

 

The flat key that you are referring to is the valet key. This is the key that he has and you cannot open the trunk with it, or unlock the glovebox or trunk lock switch with it.

 

Ok just to clarify here...
If the flatkey is the valet key,
What's the proper name for the third key with plastic base that we get with our cars...the one that is shaped differently from the other two (which in my 94 are transmitter keys)?

 

the flatkey is an emergency key, not really sure if it is a master key, in fact im pretty sure its a valet key.

the odd-shaped plastic based key is THE valet key.