Chrysler Repair: Town & Country 2006: Theft module/RKE problem, wild goose chase, old keys

Question
Hello, We have a 2006 Town & Country Touring LE.  Recently both keys on the van stopped unlocking the doors.  My wife took it in and they told us the keys were bad.  We ordered some keys off the internet at half the cost and matched identically and were guaranteed to work and the dealership wouldn't reprogram them cause they said the part number didn't match.  Finally our third trip back in they said the module was bad and both keys would need to be replaced.  We've been charged everytime we've been in and it's still not fixed.  My question now is, if we just have a bad module do we in fact have to replace both keys.  They're telling us it's a security feature, but since you can reprogram keys I wasn't sure if this could be done with the existing.  I have a friend telling me yes and a dealership telling me no so just trying to get some clarity since the keys are $180.00.  Thanks for your help!

Answer
Hi Jason,
I would say that the dealer owes you some restitution on the first visit where-in they told you the problem was the keys. If in fact the actual problem is the module, then the replacement module should be able to intergrate into its memory the signals from your original keys. They should have used their diagnostic box and determined the true problem. Even the second visit should be considered faulty servicing because the gave you false information about the new keys when the real problem was the module. I would call them on this point and only go forward if the service charges for the first two visits is applied to the cost of the new module and its programming to the old keys by use of the dealer's diagnostic readout box.  You went on a 'wild goose chase' to get those new keys by their faulty advice the first and second times around.
Roland
PS:You might want to ask Kevin if this is his analysis also as he works at a dealer.
  Also in light of the history it would be appropriate to ask that they give you the defective module, which is required for any replacement of parts in most states, as 'proof' of a replacement unit actually being installed. If need be the part number of the new and old unit can later be verified.