Not funny at all, and very practical.  In fact, it's the only way to use
a key that doesn't have the chip in it.

In other words, the chip is a required part of the system.  No chip, no
start.

Remote start applications, the third party ones, have you include a key
or key head that you tape inside the steering column.  Otherwise, the
remote start won't start.

Nope.

What's the difference between taping a chipped key head inside the
steering column somewhere, vs. disabling it via software?  The end
result is exactly the same:  you can use any key as long as it's cut for
the ignition switch, and you get lower security.

So why not tape a key head in there and be done with it?

People want to go the long and complicated route when the simple way is
staring them in the face...

Funny if not practical:)  

Then it must be possible to "mount" just the chip somewhere near the ignition
for the same effect.  I was hoping to just be able to change the ignition
safety programming on the car.  Can that be done?  Surely there is a chip
somewhere inside the car  that can be reprogramed.  Something like the BIOS
chip in a computer.

NoMore MrNiceGuy wrote:

-------------------------

Yes. Tape the chipped key to the plastic part of the steering column and
then you can use cheap $2 copies all you want. It lowers your 'security'
a bit.

'Curly'

I have just acquired this vehicle.  It requires one of those chip keys
to start.  I really hate those keys for several reasons.  Is there any
way to disable that function or otherwise avoid having to use those
high-dollar keys?

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N