Chrysler Repair: Mini-van starts/dies unless sits for 8-12 hours., body control module, door key

Question
We have a mini van that will turn over but will quickly shut down.  After several tries it won't even turn over then we let it sit for 8-12 hours and it starts fine but if ran for 30 minutes or more will not start again until the 8-12 hour cool down. Any suggestions on what is wrong?

Answer
Hi Brian,
This sounds exactly like a problem with the anti-theft system which is not disarming properly. You didn't mention a year model so I can't be entirely specific but I assume it is post-'96. One way to temporarily stop the problem is to open the hood and then unlock the lift gate using the key. That will typically recycle the system and give you about 25 key on-off cycles before the theft system goes back into service. If you will observe the theft arming light on the dash I believe you can tell if it has disarmed when you entered the van using a door key. If it hasn't then try unlocking the opposite side front door to see if that is successful. The long-term simple solution is to never arm the system which you can do by only locking the doors via the mechanical push bottons so that the signal is never given to the system to "arm". Don't us the power door locks, the remote or even a door key to lock it and you will never have the problem. The system can be troubleshot to find out why but it is costly at a dealership, though they do have a diagnostic tool to do it which should pinpoint the cause, but the repair cost is uncertain until the cause is known. It could be wiring, the body control module, or a lock switch, or the remote module that is at fault.
You might also get it to disarm by removing the "ignition off draw" fuse (IOD) for a few minutes, then reinsert. It is typically at one end of the power distribution box under the hood.
Roland

thank you your answer helped but unfortunately only for awhile- do you know how to unhook the alarm only in our van? it is a 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan. Thanks, Carrie Stought


Thanks for the evaluation and nomination.
Unfortunately there is no way to unhook the alarm system as it is part of the body computer which is needed for many other functions. You can avoid the alarm by never using the remote, the power door locks, or even the door key to secure the van. Just use the mechanical pushbuttons inside on each of the doors to secure it as you leave and the alarm will not be set.