What is A Valet Key?
 

Hello Everyone ,

I Have a 1986 560SL that I have regular Master Keys for. I would like to get a key that would keep the trunk locked even if the master is used to open and start the car. Not Possible I think.

What does the Valet key actually do in the lock cylinder that keeps the vacuum system from opening the trunk?

Is it that you drive up hand the parker the valet key which somehow does not open the Glove box and the trunk? So what is missing on the valet key.

If you place the valet key next to a master key, what would you notice as being different?

Can a master key be made into a Valet Key??

After reading lots of threads it's still a bit of a puzzle.
Thanks, Jack M :confused:

The valet key will only unlock the doors and the ignition. I believe it is missing a tumbler cut which prevents it from enabling the vacuum locking system.

Take the master to a good locksmith and they should know how to make you a valet key.

The valet key is an identical cut but the blanc does not have the middle rib so the key can not be inserted into the lock. I doubt a locksmith will have it, your dealer can get it

Yeah so the valet dudes can see what you got in your trunk and steal it.

I thought it only allowed you to keep the glove box locked. Does it also prevent access to the trunk? I never use valet parking, so I wouldn't know . . .

Puzzle to Valet Key solved
 

Peter you are correct. The Round head key is the valet key and it DOES NOT HAVE THE GROOVE DOWN THE BLADE OF THE KEY. ND IT WILL NOT GO INTO THE LOCK.

THANK YOU ALL. JACK M.;);)

Ok Everyone here is what I need to do to make this work.

This is on my 560 Sl 1986

1. Using Valet key in the door I lock up the car with the vacuum system.

2. Using Master key I insert it into the trunk cylinder and turn it to the right and remove it without turning it back to vertical.

3. I now unlock the car using the valet key the alarm does not sound when the door is opened.

4. Valet key can now be used to lock and unlock the door and to start the car. (The original goal.)

5. To unlock the trunk and all doors use the master key turn it all the way to the left and then back to vertical.

6. This does not appear to be what my book says but it is the only procedure that works and does not activate the alarm.


Thanks for all of your assistance. Jack M.

As you know, unlocking the doors unlocks the fuel and trunk, turning the key and then removing it disables the trunk. The car can now be locked and unlocked and the trunk will remain locked. Only the master key will be able to turn the trunk key in the other direction.

Peter, right I am not sure I like the process but it does work and I can keep the trunk and glovebox locked I might even consider using the valet key as my usual key then the trunk will always be locked. If it works, it works and we must move on. Thanks, Jack M.

I showed my key to the local locksmith. They can't reproduce it. Dealer only.

OK, Do you really want a Valet Key for a 560SL?? If I get you one can your local locksmith cut it? (can he cut a duplicate of your master key?) There is no difference in the process except the blank. Let Me know. Jack M.

MB uses a steel key others are typical brass and can break

Hi Peter,

Well the one that I have is not steel. (99% of keys are brass). And I think that breaking it would not be easy The reason that the cost of these keys is high is because of the special machines need to cut a steel key. ( Hackensack New Jersey) these are called four track and the key is cut with a miniature milling machine about the size of a computer monitor. You cut on the left side to the tip and then back on the right side. Then flip the half cut key and do it over again. if you locks are clean and working well it should not be a problem. Go forward, Jack M.