Chrysler Repair: 1997 Plymouth Voyager/theft alarm problem, plymouth voyager, 1997 plymouth voyager

Question
We have a 1997 Plymouth Voyager in great shape. About two months ago when we unlock the door and get in the van start the engine, none of the gauges work and the engines shuts off. Sometimes you can wait ten minutes and it will start no problems other times a few days. We have replaced the body control module and also a switch under the hood that controls the alarm (I don't know how) we were advised to replace the switch. It also controls a under the hood light which we have not found. It seems to have a lot to do with the power locks. Is there any way to disarm the alarm?  Thank-you!  Ginnie

Answer
Hi Gennie,
There are two ways that the theft system is armed: by using the power locks/key fob when exiting, or by locking either front door with the key. Disarming is via the key fob or the door locks. You didn't mention whether you have the key fob accessory so let's disregard that. Probably the wire from the door lock on one or both sides is broken or flakey so when you unlock it is not being disarmed. And so you have the engine die in about 3 seconds which is how the system keeps you from stealing the vehicle.
If you don't want to troubleshoot the system to see whether one or both door lock wires are broken and then do the repair, the easy way to get around the problem is to re-train yourself to NEVER lock the vehicle by means of the power locks, or the door key (or the key fob if you have one). The only way to lock the doors is manually using the push buttons on the door to secure them. Those push buttons are not capable of arming the system, so you will never cause a false alarm when you open the door. Just remember to NOT turn the door key such as to lock the door lock by accident, but rather always turn the key in the direction that unlocks the van when you return to the locked vehicle.
This shouldn't be too big of a hassle, it is like having a vehicle prior to this entire theft system business. You would be surprised at the large number of owner who write me with this very problem.
Let me know if this doesn't work. Unfortunately there is no simple way to permanently defeat the system except to change the body module (again!) and also reprogram the engine control computer (or maybe replace it too). Once the engine computer is set up in a anti-theft system it will always expect to get the "all clear" from body controller before it lets you start it up successfully once the system is "armed".
Remember, only use the manual push buttons to secure the vehicle.
Roland