I have a 2003 dodge neon sxt. Now, last night it started up perfectly fine but now, the key wont turn to start it..

Things I have tried
1. locking and unlocking the door with the keyless
2. Spare keys (the key work on all the locks still)
3. turning the steeringwheel (it's not equiped with a wheel lock)
4. Played/jiggled the shifter (it's locked in the park position)
5. Even tried banging it slightly (last resort)

My mechanic (mom's boyfriend.. yes he's a certified mechanic) says it's the chip/code in the keys, but both of the keys dont work. he also said the tumblers might have gone bad/I lost a tumbler (which is my belief too seeing the key wont even turn at all)

noticed that in the winter the key lock would hold the key in and wouldn't lock the shifter in park for about 5-10 seconds (sometimes more) after I shifted in park. Donno if this might have indicated a problem.

 

well if your key wont turn at all its a tumbler problem. if it was a chip problem, the key would turn, start the dar, then the car would die

 

Yeah, I accually got it figured out.. I need a new ignition.. the tumblers are sticking.. this blows.. I still love my neon though! Aint nothing gonna change that. lol