just wondering if I loose my real key, is there anything I cant do with my valet key other than getting into the trunk and glove box. I can drive on the highway etc fine right? or does it cut off at a certain mph or rpm?

I will make a replacement this is just in case scenerio

i think it only doesnt let you in the trunk/glovebox iirc

There should be no issues, except those of access which you've already listed. The only differences are the grooves cut down the length of the key. It will either fit in the lock, or it won't. There is no set-up which differentiates the valet key from others when it comes to the electronic security features of the car.

Edit:

The last line refers to general starting/operation. With the Valet key, there are limitations placed on having the car learn new keys. You require a master (black top) key for this function.

IIRC the valet key is more expensive than a regular key. ?$79?

IIRC a regular key (with the electronic head) can be programmed by yourself if you have a regular key that is already programmed to the car. A new keyfob cannot be programmed without a Tech II.

It is possible to add additional keys without going to the dealer, provided that you have a black (master) key. You cannot add additional keys to the vehicle if all you have is a gray (valet) key. Both types of keys have electronic heads (Pass-Key III), but to prevent a valet key holder from "making" their own key, the car won't permit this process. Also, the car can only have a maximum of 10 learned keys. Not sure about the cost, but you definitely don't want to lose your only black (master) key or you'll be heading to the dealer in order to get another.

[quote="ddalder"][quote="imidazol"]It is possible to add additional keys without going to the dealer, provided that you have a black (master) key. quote]

That'* what I said. My dealer charged like $20 to program for an additional key FOB so I would expect the same for the key if you don't have a regular key and have to buy one. It seemed to me that would be about the cost of a valet key if you buy a black regular key and add on the dealer charge.

[quote="imidazol"][quote="ddalder"]The difference is that the process for adding new keys, when you don't have a master, is much more involved that simply programming the remotes. Remotes take approximately 5 minutes with the Tech 2 (start to finish), but the other process can take from 30 - 60 minutes. The charge is going to be quite a bit more because they have to reprogram the entire theft deterrent module. The process isn't extremely complicated, but is more time consuming and the shop will need access to the GM SPS. A Tech 2 alone won't do the trick. My advice therefore, was simply take care not to lose the only master key because it WILL be a much more expensive fix. You also can't add a black (master) key if all you have to start with is the gray (valet) key. This requires reprogramming of the TDS.

With a master key, it is possible to add additional keys with a process taking no more than a few minutes. This doesn't need to be done by a dealer.

[quote="ddalder"][quote="imidazol"]The procedure when there'* no master sounds longer than when I replaced a master my wife had lost along with a FOB.

Because that'* so potentially expensive if you lose your last master, it sounds like it woud be worth buying another master and using the procedure for training the theft system to recognize the new key as a master which you can do yourself as long as you have a master key. Then put your master away so you don't lose your last master.

My wife occasionally loses her keys... I carry two sets; one valet and one master. She has one master.

This goes along with this thread...When I bought my car, I got a key and the keyfob. The keyfob has the #2 on the back, and the key I have does not lock the glove box.

I have no complaints with the keyfob, but I am about to get another key made, is there any way to get a master from the key I have?

And also does this mean I am driving around with my valet key?

What colour is the head on the key you have (gray or black)? The gray key (if OEM) will also have the word 'Valet' embossed in the plastic. If the key actually fits in the glove box (whether it turns or not), then it won't be a valet key. If your key has a black head, my suspicion is that it'* a replacement lock that wasn't keyed to match the rest of the locks. Sometimes people won't spend the money to have the glove box rekeyed (since many don't lock it anyway), but just want to replace the mechanism due to a failure.

You'll notice the lack of grooves in the side of the valet key. This prevents it from being inserted into the glove box or trunk locks.