Odd rental car experience with Dodge Charger

[cigar95]

Last week I came across a Dodge Charger in the Emerald Aisle - looked like a nice upgrade, and the car was clean, so I tossed my bags in the trunk and got ready to go. This was when things got a bit challenging.

I've never driven a Chrysler product, and suddenly I found myself holding a rather oddly-shaped key. I though I found the key slot, although the key fit into it only rather loosely. No matter what I tried, they car wouldn't start - the engine didn't even crank.

After a few minutes, I sheepishly unloaded the car and grabbed the Impala in the next space.

So a question for frequent renters or Dodge owners - are you familiar with this key I'm referring to? And can you possibly explain what I needed to do to start the car? Thanks.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Did the key look like this??

Normally you just insert the key fob into the switch on the dash and turn the ignition like you would with a regular key (unless it has a push button start). It's possible that the key fob was messed up, or someone switched key fobs (Unless you have the right key, the engine immobilizer prevents the engine from running)

 

[Cruz91]

If it was the square-ish ended black thing, there's a square hole on the dash where it fits. Works just like a key.

If it makes you feel any better, I got into my bosses' VW which was parked facing DOWN a hill. I had to go into reverse to get it to move, and I had about a foot between me and the wall at the bottom of the hill. Couldn't find reverse. I still haven't lived it down. If anyone's wondering, you have to press DOWN and back on VW's for R.

 

[cigar95]

Thanks for the replies - this had a long, skinny key with a thin handle - sorta shaped like an "L".

I didn't look too closely to the fob it was attached to. Maybe I was supposed to use the fob to start the car, and the key was actually for the glove compartment or the trunk. (But like I said, there was a slot on the steering column that the skinny key sorta fit into.)

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Thanks for the replies - this had a long, skinny key with a thin handle - sorta shaped like an "L".

I didn't look too closely to the fob it was attached to. Maybe I was supposed to use the fob to start the car, and the key was actually for the glove compartment or the trunk. (But like I said, there was a slot on the steering column that the skinny key sorta fit into.)

like this?

If so, that key is only good for opening the doors. You would have needed to insert the larger key fob into the ignition.

 

[cigar95]

Yeah, that's it . . . (he says as he slinks away in embarassment)

I wonder what the slot was that I was putting it into.

Well, I was happy with my Impala. Maybe next time.

 

[mistymouse5001]

This board my be more fun that meets the eye ! You are a 'me'

 

[Inkmahm]

Yeah, that's it . . . (he says as he slinks away in embarassment)

I wonder what the slot was that I was putting it into.

Well, I was happy with my Impala. Maybe next time.

Why in the world would they have just the valet key with the car and not the whole key fob?

 

[cigar95]

Why in the world would they have just the valet key with the car and not the whole key fob?

The key was hanging off of something - I didn't pay much attention to it, but it was obviously the fob! (I've driven GM for years - maybe this is a Chrysler thing?)

 

[bavaria]

The Mercedes A class I drive has such a key, so does the Prius I often drive.

In fact I found it odd that the Hertz attendant in California a few weeks ago felt the need to ask if I knew how to use such a thing.

I know that they are commonplace in Europe, as almost every type of car I rent there has those - BMW, Citroën, VW, Mercedes, etc

 

[SilverMickey]

The key was hanging off of something - I didn't pay much attention to it, but it was obviously the fob! (I've driven GM for years - maybe this is a Chrysler thing?)

I think think think it has something to do with the security system.... and the inability to lock the key fob in the car... (something I may have found out with the last minivan we rented 2 yrs ago)

 

[kksmom92]

Don't feel bad. I had the exact same thing happen to me yesterday! We rented a minivan and got a Town & Country. My husband went home with the car while I went to get the van. I tried and tried with that stupid key and no luck so I went and asked the person that checks in the cars when people drop them off and he told me the other thing was the key. I still didn't believe him, but it was.

I told him I'm not used to these new vehicles since our newest vehicle we own is a 97' taurus. LOL

He said he's had a lot of people ask the same question before.

BTW.. I was so geeked.. the van we got only had THREE miles on it! Yup..a brand spankin new town and country with stow n go! It's going to be so hard going back to the taurus when we get home from our vacation.