I lost all keys to my 03 dodge neon and I was wondering if I can buy and use a key without a transponder. I had a transponder key and a regular one cut from kmart, and for some reason my car would start and drive with the key without the microchip. I drove all the way to work a few times. If I get another key without the chip and it works as I'm sure it will, will the car shut off while I'm driving and cause an accident? Because it ran without a chip , a locksmith told me it was possible that even though the car came with a transponder key it may have never been programed. So if I drive without a micro key and it works is it safe? I know this is a hard question maybe no one will know?

 

If the key doesn't work it won't start at all. So if it starts then there is no worries.

 

Well, our clusters come with a "SKIM" light. It's just a regular red dot. If it doesn't blink while you're driving, or it doesn't come on at all, like MoparKyle said, no worries.

 

Lol my ignition lock cylinder is so worn out I can physically take my key out with the engine running and drive down the road.

 

Yea, I had the same problem on my '99 Dakota. It scared the hell out of my friends when they would criticize my driving.