Chrysler Repair: Remote Keyless Entry: minivan, rke system, postal mail

Question
QUESTION: I have Chrysler 1999 Town & Country Van. It's remote key less entry stopped working on both keys. I checked batteries and they are fine.How do I troubleshoot this problem? I looked in the public library's Chilton Repair manual but no mention of KLE repair in this manual.

Before I call the dealer and I think it could be an expensive proposition, I would appreciate your help.

Thanks,

Baal

ANSWER: Hi Baal,
The Chrysler manual for the RKE suggests checking the three circuits between the RKE module and the body computer with which it interfaces. The module is located under the top pad of the dash. Do you have a volt-ohm meter and are you interested in running through these circuit tests yourself? If so, let me know and I will xerox copy and postal mail you the pages. The power for the RKE system is the fuse #28 (IOD) at the rear of the underhood power box. That one also powers the interior lights, etc. that work even when the ignition is turned off. So if the interior lights come 'on' when you open a door that fuse is OK.
Roland
PS: Use the 'thank/rate' tab below to get back to me with your address or further questions.
May I ask a favor of you? You will notice at the 'thank/rate' page that there is a question about 'nomination for expert of the month'. I would appreciate your answering that with a "yes" as I am competing for that honor this month. Thanks in advance.


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

QUESTION: Thank you so much Roland.
Since my door lights do come on when I open the door, the Fuse #28 is intact. I do have an volt meter with which I can make some checks. As you mentioned RKE module is under top pad of the dash,is it faily easy to access it and make some test measurements? If you are able to send me the copies of this procedure,it would help me.

Thanks again. Wish you and your family a happy new year

Baal Bhagat

ANSWER: Hi Baal,
I would be pleased to xerox copy and send you about 8 pages from the manual that shows the top pad removal, the location of the module, the theory of the module, and the wiring diagram which has only 4 pins to check out(to to a plug on the body control module under the dash, one to ground, and one the fuse 28 supply wire). It will be easy to get to.
Simply go to the 'thank/rate' tab below this message and put your postal mailing address in the comments section. Thank you for the vote of confidence on the nomination which I just noticed!
Thanks and I hope this information will be helpful. Have a wonderful celebration this evening.
Roland

Hi Baal,
Thanks for the nomination.
May I verify with you that the power locks themselves are working from the interior door switches? If they are I will not send all the wiring for that function, but rather the wiring that pertains exclusively to the RKE system itself.
Roland

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

QUESTION: Hi Roland,

Thanks for quick response.
Yes. I am able to use power locks. Using the key I can hear power lock solenoids working. Since I am not able to use RKE I use driver side latch( after turning ignition off) to lock the car. I can also use key to lock the car. You are right, I probably need just RKE stuff.

Thanks again
Baal Bhagat

Answer
Hi Baal,
Thanks for clarifying that, it reduces the unnecessary copying. I will do it on Friday and post it the same day to you.
We gave it a try to win the 'expert of the month' competition but were unsuccessful because the competitor was stuffing his ballot box with self-asked/answered/rated questions. I communicated to the management of the site my frustration with their lack of oversight.
I regret having bothered you to go to the trouble of rating me.
But hey, it is only a vanity contest, and so let's have a great New Year!
Roland