What does that keyhole by the trunk release/gas cap release do? My car is a 1995 honda civic ex. I've tried putting my key in it, but it doesn't seem to want to go in. It also doesn't want to go in the trunk either but oh well....

 

Sounds like you dont have the right key. It is used to lock the to levers in place so that if someone does manage to get in your car for the intent to only steal something out of the trunk or steal gas they cant.

 

Close, but not quite.

It's a Valet Lock. When you turn it to the locked position, it allows someone you give your keys to (I.E. a valet) to drive your car without accessing your trunk. Just another cool little thing Honda gave us that most low- to mid-range cars never got back in the 90s.

 

Please create thread titles that summarize the tech issue - edited.

 

Close, but not quite.

It transforms your car into a Autobot so you can defend the world against the decepticons.

 

Both close, but not quite. Yes it's not the right key, and yes it's the valet lock, but if the key doesn't open the valet lock or trunk but does drive the car, then the OP is probably using the valet key and not the regular key. OP needs a replacement regular key.

 

I believe the valet key also doesn't unlock the glove box as well if yours has one.

 

it's a Valet key lock,

to make sure someone doesn't get into your trunk

 

I thought it was a place to store a spare key? =P

 

All four are close, but not quite. Regular key will lock the the valet lock so the shady valet cant get into your trunk and if he trys then the true autobot comes to life and ruins poor valets day.

 

^ this

have the dealership cut you a new key from the VIN number and see if thta solves your problem.

 

Its a trunk lock so the trunk latch cant be lifted unless you use your key, but if installed poorly and the release latch is pulled, the trunk can still be opened.

 

The dealership I bought it from is almost 180 miles away. I didn't realize it was a valet key until a couple days ago. Is there anything I can do? Could ACE Hardware, Lowes, or AutoZone help me out? I can still drive the car, and the Valet is unlocked so I can get into the trunk and gas still, but it's a pain having to open the driver's door every time I want to get in the trunk. HELP?

 

You don't have to go back to the dealership you bought the car from. Any Honda (and theoretically Acura) dealership should be able to help you.

 

Since I owned a 94 EX Coupe new from the dealer , i can say this the absolute truth.
There are no Valet keys.
This also comes from a family member who was a Master Honda Technician and has worked his way to Fixed operations director at Autowest Honda (bay area)
Your everyday run of the mill ignition key for that car is the key that will lock/unlock that apparatus.
Nothing more nothing less.
Now if the OP is having difficulty in getting in that contraption he probably should spray a little WD in there. Or his dated key is missing a tooth to make the lock work.
If he has the original key getting in it shouldnt be a problem at all.

I did hear the rumors of decepticons throwing monkey wrenches in there but i havent seen one yet.

 

There are valet keys. I had one. They have a round head and only operate the ignition and door locks. Also they're mentioned in the owners manual. Try again.

 

Valet keys are real my wrecked del sol has both the valet and the normal key

 

I had valet keys for every Honda that I owned except the current two.

 

I have a valet key for mine also.

 

How do you get valet keys ? Can they do that at the dealer ?

 

My 97 Civic DX keys and the Keys information from the Owner's Manual:

 

Hmm. What does the "key number plate" look like?

 

do i dare ask how many hondas youve owned?
ive had no valet keys for any honda ive owned.. haha

 

I placed the key number plate atop a blue ruler, back side up. The front side looks the same but has a five digit number code stamped into it. The plate is made of aluminum and its dimensions are about 2-cm X 1-cm. I use the square hole in the plate to store it on a key ring.

 

Do I have to have this plate to get a new key? All I have is the Valet key, but even though it isn't valet locked and i can still access all the functions of the vehicle, it's kinda stupid because i feel like somebody is censoring me? or trying to put parental controls on me? I don't know. But I would like a true key to my car. Do I need the plate?