Hello Fellow Chosen Ones,
Does the person choose the car, or the car choose the person?

I have a "key" question (terrible, terrible pun implied. sorry). I like the 2005 flip key. It's cool, it's hip, it's...kinda bulky. I've got my car in for its first oil change today (please, hold your applause), and I figured while it is there, maybe they can implement a plan I've had for some time.
I want them to make a key that is the shape of the valet key, but has the functionality of the master key. That is, I want it to start the car, open the trunk, and open the glovebox. I brought in all 3 keys and asked them to make me a valet-style key cut so that it can do the above. I figure that if they can cut a new master key, which seems a more complicated shape, they should be able to cut a new valet key too.

However, my RX-8 sense is telling me that I'm going to be receiving a phone call from the dealership saying it can't be done. Do you agree with that statement? Or if not, I'd like to get some replies preemptively ready that could convince them otherwise.

Before I get flamed, I would like to mention that I have done a search for "valet key" and came up with a thread on how to program your own keys. One guy mentioned going to ACE hardware to get a key cut. That doesn't quite make sense to me. I know there's a chip inside the keys - so you can't just pick out a thin flat metal key in the correct (insert quasi-technical terminology here) "keyprint" and cut it to the shape of the master key.

So, in summary:
* I want as thin a key as possible that will fit on my keychain
* I want it to be able to unlock the car's everything
* Can the dealership do it, OR can I do it / how.

Keep it revvin', and thanks,
El Loco

 

Why do you need a key to open the glovebox? :p

Oh i get it nm...I thought you were talking about like an automatic opening glove box or something.

 

They can cut any key, no problem. In fact, my dealer made a master key, in the shape of the regular master/valet keys, but without the thick plastic at the end, and it works fine. Makes a great wallet key.

But to answer your question, just ask them to make a master key, using a 2004 key. Simple as that. :D

 

That's really the ideal key for me, one without the thick plastic at the end. I didn't know that was possible. Doesn't the key need to have an embedded chip to be able to start the car? I figured the chip was inside all the bulky plastic.

 

Yes, it needs the embedded chip to start the car. As devoid suggested, a 2004 key is your best bet.

 

This is kind of funny. Us '04 owners want the '05 key and the '05 owners seem to want the '04 key...

~ Matt