Valet/Maint Key for V12 Vantage

[phumy]

Hi all, Ive just come back from working overseas yesterday, been away since Sept last year, i completely forgot to put the car on trickle charge and the inevitable flat battery has happened. Battery is only 2 years old and fairly good, however its still flat and cannot open the door to get in to the bonnet release by using the fob.

Should there be a valet/maint type key for the door, i see an oblong slot in the door but i dont have a key ( i think normally plastic) is there a hidden one that slides out of the fob, ive looked but can see anything like that or is it acase of dealer issue a new key?

Anyone had this problem?

[geresey]

Mines v8 2009 but it has a separate metal key for that. I’m sure there are other chats re this issue on here , others will be along soon to share no doubt

[12TS]

I’ve no experience but I found this

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[anonymous-user]

12TS said:

I’ve no experience but I found this

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

This saves me having to describe what you need/should have.

Second post in that thread: the silver key on the right in the photo. You should have one of those. That’s what will unlock the doors.

[phumy]

Anyone know if the metal "manual" key can be purchased and cut to fit the car using the Vin?

[Calinours]

It can. AM Reading supplied a whole new set for my 2011 car (one main glass/metal, one valet plastic and the metal emergency key in question) the day after I bought it.

[phumy]

Calinours said:

It can. AM Reading supplied a whole new set for my 2011 car (one main glass/metal, one valet plastic and the metal emergency key in question) the day after I bought it.

Brilliant, i only need the metal emergency part, do you think they could match that to what i have now, i really dont fancy buying a full set?

I would have thought so, wouldnt you?

[AdamV12V]

The emergency metal key can be bought separately, cut to your VIN if you have lost it, or didn't think to ask for it when buying a used car.

Google is your friend...



https://www.astonmartinbits.com/models/5-V8-Vantag...

[phumy]

Hi Adam, i have just seen that same key and advert on google search myself, thanks anyway, will attempt to sort one out tomorrow

Cheers everyone.

[phumy]

• **UPDATE****

The inevitable happened, I ordered a new key on Monday from Astonbits by giving them the VIN as they can cut a new key, not cheap but hey i need to get into the car to start it. On Tuesday afternoon, im looking around once more and in the last place i would have thought and fux me guess what i found?

Anyway quick call to Astonbits to try to cancel the order.....No can do, its being cut and on its way.

So i will now have 2 emergency keys, i think i might set the extra one in a small picture frame and hang it in the garage.

[geresey]

phumy said:

****UPDATE****


The inevitable happened, I ordered a new key on Monday from Astonbits by giving them the VIN as they can cut a new key, not cheap but hey i need to get into the car to start it. On Tuesday afternoon, im looking around once more and in the last place i would have thought and fux me guess what i found?

Anyway quick call to Astonbits to try to cancel the order.....No can do, its being cut and on its way.

So i will now have 2 emergency keys, i think i might set the extra one in a small picture frame and hang it in the garage.

You got to laugh. I’m guessing you’re of a similar age to myself. Your post reminded me to take my maint key with me to Le Mans, just in case, and guess what, I couldn’t find it before I left!!!!

[phumy]

Ha, i am over 60, lets put it that way.

Do you know if its possible to charge the main battery via the "jump post" in the engine bay, using a battery charger? I really dont fancy fighting with the seats to get to the battery.

[AdamV12V]

phumy said:

Ha, i am over 60, lets put it that way.

Do you know if its possible to charge the main battery via the "jump post" in the engine bay, using a battery charger? I really dont fancy fighting with the seats to get to the battery.

Lol im only 54 and already doing things like that! 20yrs ago not only would i have known which drawer it was in, but preciely the location in the drawer and what day i put it there. Now im like, hmmmm, i wonder if i might have hidden it in a pair of socks in the sock drawer

Glad to hear you found it anyway, better to have two i guess as twice as much chance of finding one next time! Dont stash them in the same place, prepare for the future!

And yes, to the best of my knoweldge you can charge or condition the battery via the jump terminal.

Edited by AdamV12V on Thursday 8th June 10:42

[phumy]

Wait till you hit 60+.

Ill buy a load of keys and have them laid all ofver the place.

The "safe" place that i put the key......was actually in my safe FFS. I havent a clue why i didnt look in their first, before I ordered the new one. Oh well not to worry.