I got 2 keys with my 2001 TC van, one says Valet key. I have been told on a car this fits ignition but not glove box and trunk so you can leave valuables safe if you valet park. OK, that is fine except what does it do on a van? The key fits all doors and the back hatch and the glove box has no lock, so what is the difference? Also, is there a battery in these keys that are supposed to have a chip embedded? Will they fail as it gets older? I think my 2001 has it. Will I have a sudden failure from this chip and need a spare key in the van? How about can the key get wet like if I was to swim with it will it fail?

 

I use the valet key as a master key since it never got used all that much. I think it's a cheap second key for DC as it opens everything on my '99 too. I can't answer you about the new chip keys, as I have no experience with them. Can't imagine that water would harm it, but stranger things have been designed in.

 

The chip does not require any power source at all. It operates on the same principal as department stores theft devices inside boxes. Your steering column ignition switch has the coil to identify the correct key. The key will not fail, but the code reader on the vehicle can. I had it happen on my '99 Jeep. Had to have it towed to the dealer and have the Skim card replaces. $175.00.