I used an old spare key to start my car, and apparently it didn't like that, because the "system armed" light came on (according to the manual) and the car wouldn't drive. Now when I use my regular key, the car won't start at all. The manual says that the system may be armed, but it doesn't say what to do about it or how to unarm it so that I can drive again. Anyone dealt with this? It's SUPER annoying as you might imagine. I got it from a friend, but she says she hasn't had that problem. Please help!

 

If you tried the "dead" key (if it's not a grey headed key, it's only good for the doors), and kept trying it, you need to wait at least 15 minutes before going back to the working key.
The lockout period is to keep someone from trying the wrong keys to find a working one. Eventually none work so they can't stumble on the right one.

Now, if waiting doesn't work, you may have to get in touch with a locksmith that can deal with the skreem module, or have it dragged down to the dealer for repair and reprogramming.

 

Thanks so much! Yeah I think that's what I did. Dang! I waited a day and tried the good key and it won't even turn over. That's really inconvenient. Do you know what type of locksmith or what dealer I should contact? I didn't get it from a dealer so I don't know where to go back to.

 

Wait, lets back up a minute here.
When you say it won't turn over, is it starting and running for 3 seconds, or is it like the battery is dead or out of gas?

If it starts for 3 seconds than cuts off, it's the security module/key. If it won't start at all than you're looking at a different issue all together.

 

It will no longer turn over at all. However the little red light blinks when I try, so I think it's still something to do with the system being armed. And it happened right after I tried the thing with the spare key.

Originally, the spare key started the car and it didn't turn off, but it just wouldn't go. The gas and break pedals did nothing and the red light was on. Now, the good keys won't even start it.

I'd be happy if it was out of power or something and I could just jump it, but it seems like that would be an odd coincidence that it happened just now.

 

2 way to disarm the system. You either just let the car sit there for 24 hour, or put ur good key in the ignition, key on engine off, hook up your battery charger/jumper box, and let it sit like that for about 45 minute.

 

@Steak59, thanks for the advice!! Unfortunately letting it sit 24 hrs doesn't work. I tried it the next day and the day after that and still no. The lights come on and such, but the "armed" light is still blinking and beeping.

As for the second part of your answer: how would I do that? Sorry I really don't know much about cars... how do I "hook up my battery charger/jumper box"? Also do I just put the key in, or do I put it in and turn it once? Thanks so much!!

 

What year Stratus do you have?

 

I mean you just leave the good key in the ignition with Key ON engine Off for an hour. The Battery Charger is just to prevent ur car's battery going dead, because normally the Battery would get drained when you leave your Key in for an hour with Radio on and stuff.

 

It's a 2005.

And thank everyone. I tried disconnecting and reconnecting the battery but that didn't do anything. Sooooo....I gave in and towed it to the dealer. Throw money at anything and it will get better, right? Oh well :P