WTB 1991-1995 Valet Power Key

[Torchred96]

I managed to remove the broken plastic universal key from my switch without damaging it and I'd like to find the right key, or at least a working key.

I'd prefer an original, but as long as it works, that'd be good for me.

Are there any other solutions to buying an original key btW? My car would doubtfully ever be collector worthy at 132k and climbing (cept to me) so I am willing to do something less than original if it is more cost effective. uh, cheaper that is.


Seems like someone could have some cheaper alternatives made up and put that special original in a jewelry case or something.. Just wondering if anyone else would buy them if nothing else for a spare or just to keep in the car or house
tia,

[Kevin]

i think it maybe a blank door key, but i'll let someone else with more experience chime in

[Torchred96]

Remember, I just bought this car so I didn't know what the original teeth on the valet key looked like nor what caused this key to break off in the switch, aside from it's plastic.

Kevin, I have the piece that came out and it is a blank of some kind made of plastic...I'll check it now..

okay, just went and checked the broken piece against my door key and it does indeed look like a door key blank.

So, then all I have to do is go get a door key blank and cheap alternative to valet key?

If so, I really don't need an original at this point. Thanks anyway.

[Kevin]

i think the only difference is the key surround. the fact the guy used a the plastic door key in there leads me to believe that it's just a blank door key.

[Z51JEFF]

I dont think the door key will work,tried it once and it didnt work for me.Marc Haibeck can sell you a new chip that will eliminate the Valet feature as well as other options for performance.Tha plastic key most likely was the emergency key from the owners manual.

[WVZR-1]

I dont think the door key will work,tried it once and it didnt work for me.Marc Haibeck can sell you a new chip that will eliminate the Valet feature as well as other options for performance.Tha plastic key most likely was the emergency key from the owners manual.

If the PO tried the plastic "courtesy key" he likely broke it off attempting to twist it. The correct code for a '91 MY + "valet/power key" is 73L0 on an H keyway key. That is actually a door blank keyway but not necessarily for your car. Just go to a dealer or any key shop and get the code cut on an H keyway. You should be all set there.

If there are '91 MY + owners out there I believe they can confirm the code from their "knock-outs". You'll have an "oval head" key but it should function.

For '90 MY owners the key code is 91C9 on a D keyway, again that's an "oval-head" door blank but works.

[Torchred96]

Thank you all for the information. I can deal with a round key for the valet switch...not as cool, but at least it will work.

On a related note:

Jeff I am in the process of sending my Haibeck chip back for the secondary delete programming. When the chip was in, I got a ses light, but at least it had some power to get out of its way after about 3500rpm. Now, without the chip, I have no ses light, but also have barely enough power to get the car moving thorough the gears. valet switch is in the off position and I'm sure primary injectors are shot. Still haven't had a chance to get down there and pull those codes (nursing a bad back).

It's hard for me to believe that the chip would have made that much difference (but it did) since, as I understand it, the secondary valves wouldn't be opening with the ses light on.

Anyway, I won't be driving it much until I get the injectors changed out because of the post I read about a 135k miler timing chain breaking and blamed on an engine miss over a prolonged period of time. That is my biggest fear.

thanks again.

[secondchance]

Based on my experience;

1. Blank key for the door is where you start.
2. As far as I know all valet key are cut the same - borrow one from another Z and use this to cut the door blank.

[Torchred96]

Well, don't I feel stupid.

I didn't think that the knock outs sitting in my glove box could help simply because I thought it had to be cut on a standard power key.

However, the code on one of the rectangular knock outs that is close to the one WVZR-1 posted is actually: 73L0

WVZR-1, were you going from memory or are the keys to these power keys possibly different?

73L0

I will have this key cut and let you know what happens.

Thanks for all your help

[ZR-1Mikko]

I have an extra original valet key, that I could sell if you end up needing it...

[Torchred96]

Thanks Mikko.. I'm gonna try this first...even though I'd like to have the correct key.

I will LUK.

[Torchred96]

Okay, WVZR..did you edit that number on the key? lol I could swear it read differenly than the key knockout that I have. Anyway, HERE's the story:

First, thought I'd take a chance and ask the dealer parts counter guy for a valet or power key for a 1991 corvette zr-1. He said you mean the one with the chip right? ARGH... After some explanation and computer work, he told me the key was no longer made.. I told him that "I knew that" but I was hoping he had a NOS key.

Second, Okay, "here is the knock out code for the key. can you duplicate this on an H key?" "What is a knock out?" he replies. I said "for a thousand years, GM sold cars with a knock out in the key so that etc.etc. blah blah..... , and I have the knock out numbers." Still he didn't know WTF I was talking about. I said is there anyone in the parts dept that knows what a knock out is for a key? Another guy's head pops up, yeah...its a blah blah blah...I said "great, can YOU help me?" Long story not as long, he made me the key on an H door key and.............

IT WORKS!!!!! H stamped key (round door key) with 73L0 cut onto it.

I didn't think it worked at first because I didn't understand that the lock is spring loaded to go to either normal or full and then RETURN to the neutral, straight up position. I almost broke the key again, turning it too hard to the right! Then I realized how it was suppose to function and that I am simply an idiot. Then I started the car, put the valet key in and turned it to full power and the small light illuminated...HURRAH!

Total cost was about $4.50 from the chevy dealership..not bad at all.

Thank you all for your help!

[WVZR-1]

Okay, WVZR..did you edit that number on the key? lol I could swear it read differenly than the key knockout that I have. Anyway, HERE's the story:

First, thought I'd take a chance and ask the dealer parts counter guy for a valet or power key for a 1991 corvette zr-1. He said you mean the one with the chip right? ARGH... After some explanation and computer work, he told me the key was no longer made.. I told him that "I knew that" but I was hoping he had a NOS key.

Second, Okay, "here is the knock out code for the key. can you duplicate this on an H key?" "What is a knock out?" he replies. I said "for a thousand years, GM sold cars with a knock out in the key so that etc.etc. blah blah..... , and I have the knock out numbers." Still he didn't know WTF I was talking about. I said is there anyone in the parts dept that knows what a knock out is for a key? Another guy's head pops up, yeah...its a blah blah blah...I said "great, can YOU help me?" Long story not as long, he made me the key on an H door key and.............

IT WORKS!!!!! H stamped key (round door key) with 73L0 cut onto it.

I didn't think it worked at first because I didn't understand that the lock is spring loaded to go to either normal or full and then RETURN to the neutral, straight up position. I almost broke the key again, turning it too hard to the right! Then I realized how it was suppose to function and that I am simply an idiot. Then I started the car, put the valet key in and turned it to full power and the small light illuminated...HURRAH!

Total cost was about $4.50 from the chevy dealership..not bad at all.

Thank you all for your help!

Sam,

It's good that you're squared away with the key! I don't often carry the "valet key" and mine usually has an "oval" in it. I always thought the "valet key" maybe to tempting for the "grabbers"