1994 camry turck lock can't be unlocked with the key

I just replaced my exterior door handle at driver side recently. I don't th= ink it's related but my truck lock stopped working yesterday. The key does = not turn like it's stuck. There was no other incident before. I never had p= roblem using it before. It just suddenly stopped working. I can still relea= se the truck by using the handle by the driver's seat. What could be the pr= oblem? How can I fix it?

THANKS for help,

Reply to
cpliu
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You're not using the "valet key" are you? It will not open the trunk. Happened to me. My guess otherwise key may be badly worn.

JJ

Reply to
jerryj

Is valet key the one without the black plastic at the handle? I've used it to open my trunk for many years.

Reply to
cpliu

On my 2002 Camry the valet key is grey plastic and the regular is black plastic. They both have electronic key security chip inside. Don't know about the '94

Reply to
jerryj
94 probably does not have that. I will try it with another key when I get home.

Thanks!

Reply to
cpliu

open my trunk for many years.

If it opens the trunk, it's not a valet key. The valet key is meant to keep the valets out of your turnk. :)

I think all the keys that come with the car have plastic covering the handle, but I made a copy of the master key today that works for the turnk, the glove box, and the doors. Just in case I lose my chip-laden keys, or lock them in the car.

Like with a "wet paint" sign I have a trenemdous desire to try the key in the ignition, even though unless the car is broken, it won't work. The key guy at home depot insisted the car might refuse to release a non-chip key? Any truth to that?

What about cars made in 2000 specifically?

Reply to
micky

Never heard of such a thing as non-releasing the key....

Reply to
jerryj

As many cars have a trunk release just inside the drivers door, how is that going to keep the valet out of the trunk ? Shold not say it, but sounds like the governments reasons for things.

Reply to
Ralph Mowery

Both my '95 Lebaron and my 2000 Solara had that, but for both it could be disabled. I liked the LeBaron better, because one flick of the lever in the trunk disabled it until I flicked it back. For the Solara, I have to turn the key an extra 90 degrees clockwise and back every time.

OTOH, the LeBarron valet key had the same profile as the "master" key, but it was made on a different blank. If a valet, or auto-shop guy knew that, he could go to a place that mkaes keys and copy the valiet key to a master blank, and he'd have a master key.

But the real reaosn I disable my trunk lock is because with a convertible, they can just reach over the door and unlock the trunk otherwise.

In the last car I put in an electric trunk release that only works when the ignition is on. or ACC. That made it like the '88 Lebaron. I can't afford places that have valets anyhow. And I don't keep diamonds in the trunk but I don't want some passerby going trough my trunk.

Reply to
micky

Thanks, I guess he was wrong. He was very sure, but maybe he was thinking of all the other things one can't do anymore, like iirc take the key out if the car isn't in Park (or neutral?) , or shift out of Park without putting a foot on the brake.

Reply to
micky

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