Chrysler Repair: Ignition Key Coding Problem, chrysler sebring convertible, phillips screwdriver

Question
I have a 99 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXI with a new battery and a slow battery drain problem we have yet to diagnose. Because of the problem, my wife used the valet key to drive to the grocery store.  She left the valet key in the ignition (engine running), locked the car and went shopping.  Now we cannot turn any of our ignition keys in the ignition and the car is locked in park in my garage.  The battery is fine, no fuses are blown.  I tried using graphite in the lock to no avail.  The dealer tells me I have to tow the car in, because to re-code our keys they have to check the frequency of the car so it matches the frequency of the keys.  Is this our only choice?  Would disconnecting the battery do anything?  Is there a way I can scanner check the frequency and notify the dealer without an expensive (dolly) tow? I find it hard believe an electronic signal is directly causing what seems to be a mechanical problem, but it may be so.  
Help please!


Answer
What you have ,my friend is a coincednce.That would be a great feature if a skim key could actually cause the ignition not to turn.Ignition cylinders locking up is a very common thing in chryslers.So common that I got sick of working on them out in the lot when they were towed in.So I came up with this method.....You'll need a phillips screwdriver,small drift punch and a hammer.Take off the steering column covers that go around the key cylinder right behind the steering wheel.Now look at key cylinder.Right on the bottom of it about a inch and a half down from the end you will see a little square block about a 1/4 inch in size.with the key in the cylinder,take your hammer and punch and give it a few whacks then try the key.Or get a 3rd hand on key while you hit the block.This will save you a tow bill.You will still have to replace the cylinder.By the way,when the key is in the on position and you push on that block,the key cylinder comes out and thats how you would replace it.

Your other problem is a little more complex.If you have no after market options on your car that would cause a drain,then you would need to do a low amp drain test.This would require a miliamp meter hooked in series with a battery cable.Then allowing time for the computers to go to sleep you should have no more than .002 amp drain.If you have more,then you need to start pulling fuses one at a time and only one at a time.This will lead you to the circuit.Then you have to figure it out from there.A common suspect would be the transmission controller.

Let me know if you have any luck.