Chrysler Repair: Remote key fob: programming a new fob, drb iii, chrysler minivan

Question
Hi Roland! Found an answer you gave someone else about a key fob. My 2000 Chrysler minivan remote broke - unlock button stuck in unlock position and can't be fixed per husband. I'm looking for a replacement. If I buy one, can I use my old remote to program the new one?  I can use the key directly but as a social worker, I go into some scary areas and sure could use that remote. Thanks so much!

Answer
Hi Barbara,
As I understand the system, according to the shop manuals, to program a new key yourself, you have to have one working key fob" whereby the module that receives the signal and which needs to be programmed to accept the new key is able to 'see' an 'unlock' signal coming from the key that is 'old'. You can program a new key however by means of a Chrysler Diagnostic Readout Box III which is a fairly expensive device so usually dealers are the only repair shop owners of these, but it might be worth inquiring at locksmiths who specialize in automobile systems whether they have such a box or they may well have an equivalent box that can do the necessary programming of the new key. It only requires a few minutes to program the key but knowing how dealers often operate, the cost may not be what you are willing to pay. So my advice would be to shop around to dealers and locksmiths to find the best price to program a new key. Similarly there are multiple sources for new/used fobs but it would be important to get one which you know is identical (part number ideally) and if not that it is known to be compatible with your module (or that you can get a refund upon return if it won't program via the DRB III or equivalent box).
So all is not lost. Please let me know what you learn and the details if you are successful.
Roland
*For those who have in addition the Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) which also keeps the engine from being started without a programmed ignition key, two such old keys are needed to program in a new key.