Tow vehicle "key" question

I tow a 2011 Ford Ranger. I also had a non-chip key made just for when the pickup is being towed. 4 bucks.
No problems at all. I just can't start the motor when this key in in the slot.
The steering wheel is still unlocked. the tranny in neutral, no problems there. Lock the doors with the key fob button or even the chipped key.
As far as opening the door (with the non-chip key in the slot)...simply use your chipped key or push the "open" button on the key fob.

Works for me every time.

My previous "toad" was a 2007 Chevy HHR. Same thing.

Johno02 wrote:
I do know that if the battery on the HHR goes down, the gear shift will lock, and there is no way except a jump starter to get it loose.

John, on your HHR, (Heritage High Roof) you can open the hood and disconnect the gear shift from the tranny and put it in neutral that way. Simply pulling a pin that connects them. You should know this in case you need to move your car for whatever reason, with a failed battery...Dennis

Take the vehicle to a trusted mechanic and have him remove the steering wheel lock pin. Then you will no longer need a key when towing.
The steering wheel lock is not required by any law, rule, or regulation that I know of. The removal of the pin should not damage or create problems in any other system in the vehicle.
Many (if not most) new vehicles do not have a steering wheel lock!

Check with your owners manual or a knowledgeable Ford service person. On some GM cars, insertion of a non-chipped key will lock the computer system, and will have to to a dealer service department to be unlocked. So, not knowing about your vehicle, my advse would be not to, until you are sure no harm will be done. I used one on my older Ford, but was told by the service manager at Chevy that it would lock up my HHR. I haven't tried. I do know that if the battery on the HHR goes down, the gear shift will lock, and there is no way except a jump starter to get it loose.

Did you get a valet key with your car; which opens the door if the entry system fails? If you did, try the key in the ignition to see if it'll unlock the steering column. Otherwise, check with the dealer to see if there is an alternative.