I have an '03 CL. I had an accident a while back, and the wrecker service removed my car from the scene, and somewhere inbetween the accident scene and the body shop, my key was lost (this was last year some time). The dealership gives me this key that says "Howard" on it, and I've been using it for a while now. For some reason, I can't use my second key or my valet key for anything but opening the door, they wont start the car anymore.

Anyways, a friend of mine picked up a new '06 TL 6-speed, and she was joking about not letting me test drive the car, I told her I had my own key, put my key in and turned the lock...she was like . Unfortunately, the key wont start it, or open the glove compartment, but I can get in and out of the car unnoticed. I tried my #2 key and valet key and they won't turn the locks.

I can't tell if this "howard" key is cut differently from my original 2nd key and valet key, it does open my glove box, and start the car.

Anybody have a clue why the howard key does everything for my car, and opens the doors on hers, yet my spare key and valet key wont start my car or open the doors on her car?

 

Keys have to be programmed for the ECU in your car. It seems as if the howard key is programmed for your car and not the other keys (take them to the dealer).

As far as the doors opening, seems that howard key maybe of a different cut that opens your car as well as her car. Weird tho.

 

that happens from time to time, not really sure why and never heard of it on imports, only domestics. a friend of mine has a 98 mustang and it opens, and starts another friends 2000 ford ranger, but the ranger keys wont work at al on the ford. very wierd. i guess theres only so many key cut combinations, but again, i have no idea.

 

there are only so many different patterns a key can be cut. my dad stold a truck just like his once without noticing it until he was almost out of the parkinglot, because the truck looked exactly like his and the key worked in the ignition.

 

If your orginal keys don't start your car, then the dealer replaced the alarm system with another one & gave you the programmed key to it(howard key) You need to go back & make them program the other 2 keys to match the new system.

 

Dodge Shadows and plymouth Sundances do that. Almost like 1 key fits all. Very strange.