hmm,
maybe your first key is worn...
compare the two and see if the bent key has "sharper edges" than the first key you were using
if you have the key code (maybe a sticker in the glovebox or a card in your owners manual), you can get a new replacement key cut from that code in a dealer
i'd go that route first since it's the least expensive
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just for preventative maintenance, isn't it due for a new one? on my nissan240sx, i was letting it run close to empty more often due to this economy & my filter got clogged at 42,xxx miles; i guess you can stretch it for another year since you sorta found the problem