The key ignition switch has gone bad . their is no activity when key is turned on . was told that because the original key has a chip in it that it needs to go to the dealer have new key programmed into the computer, to the tune of 600.00-800.00 dollars. how much of that is bull. can a standard key switch be used?

This guy

Pawel Nietyksza has no clue ,don't wast your time looking for a programming button, there isn't any. You need a factory or some other type of professional grade scan tool to program the key for anti-theft system immobilizer.

Hi Fred,
There could be a number of reasons for this.

As I do not have much detail and do not know your knowledge of cars, I will explain the basic principle at work here and hopefully that might give you a clue as to what the problem might be:

In all modern cars the key fob (plastic part of the key) has a coded electronic chip moulded inside. There is a sensor just under the steering column cover, usually right next to the ignition switch. This sensor activates whenever a key is turned in the ignition switch and the sensor reads code stored in the chip in the key fob.

When all is good, the engine will start as expected as the keys code will have been programmed into the cars engine management control system and the key is recognised as a matching/authorised key. No match, the engine won't start - a very good safety feature.

Some reasons why this may give the fault you are experiencing:

• You bought a replacement key from the Dodge Dealer, but the new key has either not been programmed into the cars engine management system or the programming was not successful
• You bought a non-chipped key from a non-dealer and had it cut from the original, but were not aware of the need for a chipped key and the need to have the new key programmed into the management system. A non-chipped key will not work, ever unless the management system is compromised
• There may be a fault with the sensor
• Very unusual, but the chip in the key may have been damaged

Do you have an original spare key to try?

Hope this sheds some light on your problem :)

Ian Reid

immobilizer re-sets when proper key is used --if key is worn . chip gone bad .wiring/connection problem or ignition switch problem these problems will cause a no start problem

look at relay and wire connections to starter if power to starter than starter solenoid or starter gone bad it no power check battery --key ,if worn ignition may not be reading key -if key has chip in it chip may have gone pad --ignition switch went bad

Yes

New keys with cylinder may not have a transponder chip , or new keys will need to be programmed. you will require two keys equipped with proper transponder for your vehicle, and either new keys cloned with the old transponders. If you have lost the original keys , you will need someone to remove the original keys from the pcm , than marry the 2 new keys to the pcm. If you have an original key , try placing it by the lock cylinder when attempting to start with the key supplied with the new ignition cylinder.

it has to be programmed for the immobilisor to be turned off so vehicle can start ,i would call a auto locksmith to sort out this problem for you as i have a funny feeling that you have lost the chip out of the original key

Check your fuel pressure it should be between 30-45 psi with key on engine off.If pressure is below 30 psi replace fuel pump.

was the ignition switch getting hard to turn with the key for a while or did this just all of a sudden happen usually the problem has been going of for a while but people just ignore it until it gets to this point,it sounds like the tumblers in the ignition key switch have gone bad and the tumbler assembly needs to be replaced,the new tumbler assembly can keyed to the original key if the key is not worn out.this should be replaced with a new key if it is.

The chip transponder may have gone bad. If possible, test a spare key. If the spare key does not work either, you may have a bad master relay, ignition cylinder or other electrical gremlin.