I'm at a loss with this one. I put my key in To start this morning and everything was normal, until I accidentally bumped my keys in the ignition with my knee and they fell out. But to my amazement, it was still running without the keys in it.
I turned it off and back on and now whenever I pull my keys they pop right out and the truck is left still running. I know that my keys have the computer chip in it and to my understanding it isn't supposed to run w/o they keys in it. Do I now have to replace the part that reads the key chip along with the lock? I have the worst luck with electrical on this truck

 

judging by your screen name you have a 2001 truck. Correct me if im wrong.

older truck would do this no problem, why is it bad? truck still run right?

 

if it runs i wouldnt worry too much about it. my dads DD a 91 yj and it does the same thing. as long as you cant start it without the keys i think it would be fine.

 

The key tumbler is wore out, and it is still running w/o the keys in it, because the key is close enough to the switch for it to still read it.

 

I have one more thing, I can leave the truck and walks across the yard with keys in hand still running

 

it only needs it to start, not stay running.

 

Key is just to start it. In the cold winter days you can leave it running lock the doors and go do whatever. Where are you in NY?

 

The chip is really only there for start up for the pats system and once it sees it, it doesnt need to see it again. so after you start it youll be fine

 

Awesome info guys these electronics are not my specialty,Witch is why my (other)daily driver only has wiering to the starter and lights basically. and I'm in Albany To ford04ranger