Chrysler Repair: programming remotes, chrysler town and country, carfacts

Question
QUESTION: We have recently purchased a 2001 Chrysler town and country and it did not come with the remotes to unlock the doors. we went online and purchased 2 remotes for that yr make& model and where expecting directions 2 program. We got instructions but they are to program with the help of an original remote which we do not have. is there a code or something that we need? we do not have the $ to take it to a dealership if we can do it ourselves so if there is a way that you can help PLEASE DO! :)

ANSWER: Hi April,
Everything I have seen suggests that a diagnostic readout box of fairly high level is needed to do the programming. You might ask at a locksmith or an independent auto electric shop to see if they can do it for less than a dealer wants to charge. I will check the manual and get back if I find another way around it. The irony is that it only takes a minute or so to do the job! One other issue is: did the vehicle have the remote feature when it was bought new? If not, then the 'module' would also be necessary. Chances are that it did but just another detail. Have you tried tracing the former owner to see if they may have the original? If you could get it then you would be able to program the new ones yourself.
Roland

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: How would I trace the previous owner??

Answer
Hi April.
I believe there are on-line organizations that will tell you the names of all previously registered owners. Have you tried inquiry at the dealer that sold it to you? If they can't give it to you then I just goggled 'carfacts' and the search result shows a number of such services, one that cost $15, to give you the ownership history. You might even try your local department of motor vehicles where you register the vehicle to see if they can provide the history if you give them the vehicle identification number (vin). That might be the least expensive approach.
Roland