Programmed keys and reflash updates

I have a 2006 Dodge Magnum. Yesterday morning, while driving, my car begins dinging like crazy and my oil pressure light begins to flash. This has never happened. I drove it for about 2 miles before stopping at a gas station and calling for a tow truck to a repair shop. Engine never ceased and no obvious signs of problem other than the light flashing and dinging. At shop, keys were left and I was called an hour later and told my key was bad. She said that the car would start and then shut off immediately and that there was no way diagnostic could be done without a working programmed key and that I needed to first get one programmed then they could move forward. This makes no sense to me. Husband brings in the second jet and she says it works. Car starts. He leaves. Today they call again telling me his key isn't working either now, but that diagnostic was done and needs fuel pump, oil switch and reflash updates but none can be done unless I replace the keys for newly programmed ones. She still cannot explain to me how our why this happened. Is this possible? Also are reflash updates really necessary?