'98 Sebring Convertible Key

[dobaas]

I need a second key and I was told that I need a key with a chip in it. (transponder). My question is, can I purchase a transponder key blank, have it cut with the local locksmith and program it myself. Are there any instructions, procedures available to do this. I;m trying not to go to the dealer to get this done.
Thanks

[BPeroutka]

I went to WalMart for my 99 Sebring Convertible - the keys work fine. Don't have the Chip on them

[69 Sprite]

I also got some replacement keys at Walmart for my 1997 Sebring Convertible. They work fine. Make sure they use the Chrysler head blank - I learned the hard way the first time (they didn't use the right blank) and the key only worked to start the car; did not unlock the doors or truck!

[theFREAKnasty82]

dobaas, you have something that all Chryslers use now called Sentry Key. It's an immobilizer module that shuts off fuel in the event the wrong key is put in ignition to prevent car theft. You can buy the keys on e-bay for less than nothing. Unfortunately you will have to go back to the nearest Chrysler dealer and have them program it. If not, and you got to your local locksmith to have the key made, they can match it up perfectly but the engine won't start until you have that new key programmed for your key. Some Chrysler cars have it and some don't it mostly depends on the model and the options available.

[avatar307]

Does the key actually have a micoprocessor in it, or does it just have a little resistor chip in the side of the key? If the later, all you need to do is fine a key blank with the same resistor as your key.

[theFREAKnasty82]

There is a small microchip inside the key and when inserted inside the ignition switch, it sends a signal to the immobilizer module enabling you to start the engine.

[avatar307]

The resistor chips are a big enough pain, because they eventually get worn out. They underestimated how many times the key would slide in and out of the ignition.

I'm still not sure I agree with the whole microchip approach. Microchips break. Especially if you put them in things like keys, there isn't room to protect it adaquately.

I'd be more in favor of a number pad or something. Course that requires active participation and thinking upon the part of the driver, but it would also be more stable.

*shrug* At least it's not a Mecedes with no key slot. You know, the ones where you carry a card in your wallet. All you do is sit down and touch your finger to the gear shift to start it. Very cool... but imagine how much your life would suck when it broke.

I think we should all think of it this way. -- How much does it piss you off when the remotes in your television remote go bad? How about when you don't have any batteries to replace them with? Now what if you couldn't change the batteries in your remote? What if there was no on switch on your TV? Now imagine that it's not your TV, it's your car, how pissed are you now? ROFL

[ponchonutty]

Not all DCX cars have the Sentry key. It use to be only those with the grey head but now you have to look at all of them to see if the head is fat or thin. It is it fat, it has the chip. If it is thin, it is a regular key.