Neon Replacement Keys

[TSJOCOOL]

I'm looking at purchasing an uncut key from ebay for a 2000 neon because they are cheaper then going to the dealership (about $15 cheaper).

The keys that came with the vehicle (2) have the Chrysler star on both sides. One of the keys I am looking at online have a Dodge Ram logo instead. Both key heads are grey (indicating they need to be programmed). My question is this:

Whether it has the Chrysler star logo or Dodge Ram logo - will it be programmable for a 2000 Neon?

[usmailman956]

yes I just bought one for my neon . You will have to take to dealer unless you have 2 working keys and the instructions to program

[streetrcr45]

why do you need 2 working keys... i have a 2000 neon and am in need of another key as well...in the manual i read that as long as you have one key that is already programmed than you should be fine...the steps sound a bit confusing to me..but as long as you have one key that is programmed than it shouldn't be a problem

[TSJOCOOL]

I bought an uncut key from ebay (was cheaper then going through a Dodge dealership). I brought the key into the dealership to have it cut. All went well.

There are two differences in keys - black and grey covered ends. The black keys can be bought and made at any retail store. The grey keys must be purchased through a dealership where they are able to code the key for you. You'll need your VIN and/or proof of ownership of the vehicle (security purposes).

If you have a grey covered key and have a key made at a retail store, you will be able to access the vehicle but will not be able to start it (it will start and then die). This is a security measure. It's not the key that makes the car work, it's the metal chip on the inside that does.

I also purchased a new remote on ebay as well and programmed that by following the instructions in the book that came with the car. Since I already had two other remotes, I was able to program it myself. Since I work at a Dodge dealership, I was told that if you have one or two remotes, you are basically forced to bring it into a dealership and have them program and code it for you but if you already have two, you are able to do it yourself.

[streetrcr45]

so how much did the keys themselves cost?

and how much/long did it take for the dealership to code them for you?


cause i only have one key and i'm afraid that i will lose it. if i do than i'm pretty much screwed.

[TSJOCOOL]

I got the keys from ebay between $6-$10. These are the keys with the grey toppers requiring coding from the dealership.

I think it only took about 5-10 minutes for them to code the key. Whatever... it's not too long of a wait.