[Joker]

While at the dealer today, they showed me the valet trunk switch. It is in the glove box. Open your glove box, and look inside (top left).
He said that most people do not even know it's there. I had no idea!!!
Here's the kicker, he said the early TSX did not have this feature
Does yours?

 

[TSXtc]

Yes, I think it's so cool! I even got in the trunk (with someone outside of course in case it didn't work) and it works! I hope I never really have to use it though!

 

[Whatchamacallit]

Mine has it. But I was under the impression that every TSX has it. I've yet to use it though.

Here's a related question. What's the difference between the valet switch in the glove box and the key lock on the trunk/gas cap release bar?

 

[kiteboy]

Mine has it. But I was under the impression that every TSX has it. I've yet to use it though.

Here's a related question. What's the difference between the valet switch in the glove box and the key lock on the trunk/gas cap release bar?

The glovebox switch disables the external release button above the licence plate and the key lock mechanically locks the release bar. You need to set both to fully secure the trunk.

 

[kiteboy]

Yes, I think it's so cool! I even got in the trunk (with someone outside of course in case it didn't work) and it works! I hope I never really have to use it though!

I think you're confusing the glow-in-the-dark release switch inside the trunk (which opens the trunk and is required by law) and the switch in the glovebox which prevents the trunk from being opened from the outside.

 

[hip]

Mine has it. But I was under the impression that every TSX has it. I've yet to use it though.

Here's a related question. What's the difference between the valet switch in the glove box and the key lock on the trunk/gas cap release bar?

The idea is that you can lock your trunk by disabling it with the switch in the glove box, then lock the box with the master key.

When you valet park, you give them the valet key and it only works in the door and ignition. Items in trunk and glove box remain secure.

 

[Joker]

Ok, now I am confused. If you can lock all the locks to the trunk with the master key, and the valet key will not unlock any of them.. Why then is the switch in the glove box needed?

 

[hip]

Ok, now I am confused. If you can lock all the locks to the trunk with the master key, and the valet key will not unlock any of them.. Why then is the switch in the glove box needed?

To disable the remote and the rubberized switch above the rear license plate from opening the trunk. The switch kills the power to the trunk latch. Think about it...

 

[Joker]

To disable the remote and the rubberized switch above the rear license plate from opening the trunk. The switch kills the power to the trunk latch. Think about it...

Ahhh, so I should not have deleted my original post (that it disables the remote) then
Joker - who went to test his original theory, but the remote still opened the trunk, so he deleted his post as to not misinform.

Thanks Hip!!

 

[Joker]

ok, now I got it!!
I never knew there was a rubberized switch above the rear license plate, as I always open my trunk with the remote
So I retried my test, and it does indeed disable that rubberized switch.
Great stuff Hip!!
Thanks again!

 

[hip]

Ahhh, so I should not have deleted my original post (that it disables the remote) then
Joker - who went to test his original theory, but the remote still opened the trunk, so he deleted his post as to not misinform.

Thanks Hip!!

Almost, the remote still sends the signal, but the glove box switch kills power to the latch.

 

[kiteboy]

Does anybody else think this is way too much trouble for valet parking?

1. Remember to bring the grey key
2. Lock the floor release
3. Turn off the glovebox switch
4. Lock the glovebox

Not to mention the expense that Honda went to design and include all of this. I'd just as soon keep my valuables at home if I know I need to leave the car with a valet (which I do because of step#1).

Another thing, this "feature" forces Honda to use those stupid key-based releases (on the rear deck) for the folding seats, instead of regular pull-up levers like Toyota.

 

[Whatchamacallit]

Thanks for your explainations, Kiteboy and Hip.

One more question: If I use the master key to mechanically lock the trunk release bar, will it also mechanically lock the gas release function as well? (i.e. Will it allow me to push down on the bar to open the gas cap?)

 

[ssmtsx]

Thanks for your explainations, Kiteboy and Hip.

One more question: If I use the master key to mechanically lock the trunk release bar, will it also mechanically lock the gas release function as well? (i.e. Will it allow me to push down on the bar to open the gas cap?)

You can still open the gas cap with the trunk locked.


btw tsx #1255 has the trunk release in the glove box.

 

[ssmtsx]

Another thing, this "feature" forces Honda to use those stupid key-based releases (on the rear deck) for the folding seats, instead of regular pull-up levers like Toyota.

Have you ever looked in your trunk? There are pull straps back there to fold over the seats.

 

[kiteboy]

Have you ever looked in your trunk? There are pull straps back there to fold over the seats.

Yup, I've had other Hondas before so I know the drill.

Which brings me to my next ergonomic rant. You need to stick your head in the trunk, pull back on the straps while pushing forward on the seat. The straps just unlatch the seat, you still need to give the seatbacks good shove forward to insure they drop all the way. I'm 5'8" and I still find it a bit of a stoop-n-stretch.

The problem with the design is that the unlatch action is in the opposite direction to the "action" motion. (In contrast, the exterior door handles are properly designed where the unlatch motion is in the same direction that opens the doors themselves.)

The other option to fold the seats is to crawl into the back seat on your knees to reach the key-release on the rear deck.

Admittedly, it's not that big a deal if you don't fold the seats often. But either method is awkward compared to Toyotas, whose seats can be folded while standing comfortably upright outside the car.

 

[tony4311]

How many people didn't know about the button above the plate? I've read about people being unaware of that a lot actually.

Does anybody else think this is way too much trouble for valet parking?

1. Remember to bring the grey key
2. Lock the floor release
3. Turn off the glovebox switch
4. Lock the glovebox

Not to mention the expense that Honda went to design and include all of this. I'd just as soon keep my valuables at home if I know I need to leave the car with a valet (which I do because of step#1).

Another thing, this "feature" forces Honda to use those stupid key-based releases (on the rear deck) for the folding seats, instead of regular pull-up levers like Toyota.

Simple solution. Don't valet. I'll never trust one with my cars.
I do agree about the p.i.a that the locks cause when folding down the seats. It's nice to be able to get in there without going outside or removing the key from the trunk.