Expert: INSTALLSUPPORT - 9/19/2009

Question
I had a problem with the switch. It would turn all the way around, and while trying to get it to crank the key broke off, so my husband who works on cars just took the switch out and we could start it with a screwdriver as long as the top of the key with the chip was right above the hole. Today the thing will not start. He says the security has shut down. I have tried turning it off and restarting it but it will not even attempt to crank. I took the battery cable off and left it off for about 15 min. hoping to reset it but it still will not do it. The security light will blink and I can't even get it started to get it to a locksmith. I don't know what to do to reset it and he can't figure it out without being here. Of course he would be out of town when this happens and will not be back in until the end of next week. Could you give me any ideas in what to do?

Answer
Wish I did but no. If damaged, hard to say exactly what would
get you up and going. From the sounds of it the Chrysler "Smar Key"
is engaged, and Dodge is going to have to deal with this or you will
void your warranty. Also if the locksmith messes it up, it can
get worse. Again, I wish I could offer you better news but
on this one, it's going to take removing the ignition,
replacing it, and then re coding the new ignition
set to the the body control module.
All done at Dodge.

Sorry. Lock it up and rent a car if you can until
you can have it towed to the local Dodge service center.

A.