calling all keys

[kirk4]

Just wanted to check with other 914 owners about there keys.I just went to get my new key blanks (914 531 903 10)cut and the hardware store noticed a difference in the keys.First to let you know i have a 75 914 2.0.The only key i have is broken from the red plastic top.I need someone to look at there keys if they have both the red and black keys.My original red key has the area to be cut in the center of the key.The new black key have the area to be cut skewed to the left of center when holding the black plastic with the metal facing you.Is this what makes the valet and regular key different.Any help would be great.

[JP Noonan]

The red key is the "valet" key. It should only work in the doors and ignition.
The black key is the "master". It works in the front and rear trunks, both doors, glove box, and ignition. The keys are cut the same (the saw tooth pattern on the side is the same) but as you noticed the master has an different slot. The master has it's slots sort of like a pinwheel. The valet has them on one side. This way a valet can't fit into the key hole.

The owners manual says something about replacement keys can only be made if the key number and vin are known. I guess they mean if you lose all your keys.

P.S. Basically tell the locksmith to cut both sides of the black key from one side of the red one. I had to have this done when one side of my master key was damaged by a PO. Sometimes it would work sometimes not.

Also might I recomend you go to a locksmith and not a local hardware store. They do fine on commom house and car keys but anything out of the ordinary and... Remember a bad or worn key, if used all the time, can ruin the lock tumblers.

[This message has been edited by JP Noonan (edited 07-31-1999).]

[Brister]

This is interesting. My manual speaks of valet keys and master keys but I didn't pay much attention because I received only one type of key (2 each) when I purchased my '73. That key is red. And it fits everything except the glove compartment. I know it's original Porsche because the plastic is molded onto the key blank and the name "Porsche" is included in the mold.


[This message has been edited by Brister (edited 08-01-1999).]

[aporsche914]

well..that is kind of interesting, i thought i remembered reading in the a '75 2.0L's manual that the red key is the master key, and the black one only went to the doors and ignition..hmm

[JP Noonan]

O.K. you guys made me paranoid enough to dig up both my manuals:

1972 USA Owners Manual Pg 21
"Two sets of keys...one master (black handle) which fits all locks.The second key (red handle) fits only the door locks, ignition/steering lock and the front hood lock." The () are as they appear in the manual.

The blk key is shaped so it tappers toward the top. The red key tappers toward the bottom.

1975 1.8/2.0 Owners manual Maintenance Record Pg 11: "Two sets... master key (black handle)...all the locks. The second key (red handle) fits only the door locks and ignition/steering lock."

My 74 came with 2 keys from the PO and neither fit the glove box or front trunk.
My 72 came with both keys but only the black one worked, sometimes. The red one I got to work once or twice. This is the set I put into my 75 which had 3 keys, one was a lighted Porsche key that only went to the driver door and ignition, the other two keys did the glove box and the passenger door, nothing for either trunk.

[kirk4]

Just as an update.I went to a local locksmith and had the black key blanks cut from one side of the red valet key and they both worked fine.thanx again.