Generally, no, a single Chrysler key cannot start two different cars. The physical key might turn the ignition cylinder in two vehicles of the same model from the same era, but the car will not start. This is a security feature. Modern Chrysler vehicles use an RFID chip embedded in the key head. When you insert the key, the car's Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIM) reads the chip's unique code. If the code doesn't match the one programmed into the specific vehicle's computer, the fuel system and starter are disabled, preventing the engine from starting.
This system was introduced in the late 1990s and became standard on most models by the early 2000s. For example, you couldn't use a key from a 2018 Chrysler 300 to start a different 2018 Chrysler 300, even if they were identically equipped. The only scenario where one key might work on two cars is with very old models (typically pre-1998) that lack this chip technology and rely solely on the physical cut of the key.
If you need a second key, you must have it professionally cut and, more importantly, programmed to match your specific vehicle's immobilizer system. This is a task for a dealership or a qualified locksmith with the right diagnostic tools. While the physical key cutting is inexpensive, the programming requires specialized equipment and is the main cost driver. Attempting to start a car with a non-programmed key will not cause damage, but it will simply not engage the engine.
| Chrysler Model Example | Approximate Introduction of Standard Immobilizer | Can a Key Start a Different Car? |
|---|
| Chrysler Town & Country (1998) | 1998 | No |
| Chrysler 300M (1999) | 1999 | No |
| Dodge Ram (Early 2000s) | 2001 | No |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2) | 2011 | No |
| Chrysler Pacifica (2017) | 2017 | No |
