Chrysler Repair: Starting a Town & Country Van, 4 digit numbers, computer memory

Question
Hello; Thank you in advance for any help with this problem.

We have a 2000 Town & Country LXi with 150,000 miles on it.  We have been told the computer nearest the battery is not working.  The van will not start and it gave out once while I was driving but then started right back up again.  We had to have it towed to the repair place.

We are hoping to take the van in on the "Cash for Clunkers" deal but it has to be running when you drive into the dealer.  Is there a way to bypass the computer to get the van started and running long enough to drive it about 5 miles?  The repair place we have it at now says it would be $500 to get a used computer and put it in.  Seems nuts considering that they are just going to crush these cars!  Hoping to hear that there is a way to get it going temporaily!!!!

Help!!  Thanks very much!!  LInda

Answer
Hi Linda,
If the computer is truly non-functional there is no way to run the engine. But I would want proof that it is the case. Use your ignition key:"on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the odometer window to see if the mileage reading changes to show some 4-digit numbers preceedes by a P. Those are the fault codes and they would say what may be the cause of the no start/no run. Let me know what the numbers are and we can go from there. If it is the computer you may be able to get a used one for less than $500 but don't assume the worst. Before you do the ignition key routine, try starting it a couple of times to 'set' the fault codes in the computer memory.
Roland