Hey all, I'm new on the forum. I just bought a used 2003 Dodge Neon SE from a guy I trust.

Anyway, the car starts and runs -- usually
It has this problem where I turn the key, it runs for a few seconds and then stalls. Pressing the gas and revving it does nothing, and when it stalls the car stops responding to gas pedal presses.

Today, it started doing this while I was out running a few errands, it would crank, start, and then stall after a few seconds. Did this about 4 times and then it wouldn't even crank when I turned the key. I took the key out, put it back in and turned it and the car started up fine.

It never stalls while I'm driving it, just when starting.

I'm thinking it's the security system because the keys (door and ignition, I only have one of each) are aftermarket garbage looking things.

How could I verify it's the security system? What else could it be? I know I need to go to the dealer to get a new key with a chip in it for the ignition, if it ends up needing a new key, how much should I be expecting to spend?

Thanks all!

 

Does the SKIM light (red circle light on the right side) go out after you turn the key to the "ON" position? Does it blink when you try starting it? I might be a loose battery cable.

 

In the "Run" position the security light briefly lights to check the bulb and then goes on. When I try starting the car (and it stalls), the light stays on, then begins to blink. I'm assuming this means the security system is tripped.

I think I found the problem though. My crappy aftermarket key is slightly bent, almost unnoticeable, in that when it's put in so that it's bent like an "n" (it's not that bent though), the car stalls out and the security system is tripped. But when I put the key in like a "u," it starts up and stays on. I'm guessing that in one configuration, the key doesn't make a good enough connection with the sensor that reads the chip in the key and causes the car to think it's stolen. Guess I'm due for a new key soon but for now this will work.

Any estimates on replacement keys? The guy I bought the car from said he'd pay for half because he lost the other ignition key he had.

 

That usually means that the key you have isn't chipped. It needs to be programmed to your car.