Chrysler Repair: 98 Town & Country theft electronics problem?, rear hatch, dash speed

Question
to quote a previously asked question."Sometimes my town and country will not start. When I turn the key nothing happens. Everything but the Dash and the starter works. If I unhook the battery it will reset. I also from time to time lose the dash (speed , RPM, Gas and mileage) when this happens the ABS light comes on then the air bag then the alarm set light. After driving it it will kick back on and lock all the doors and regain function. Please help" I have the exact problem...Checked the fuses, even changed out the relays. Still doing it, Has anyone or yourself been able to fix this problem or find the cause? Its almost as if the anti-theft system is killing the car. I just had the crank position sensor replaced. Thanks.

Answer
Hi James,
Patrick wrote back to say that he has learned of others with a similar problem and that it seems to be related to faulty "key sensors" more notably the one in the rear hatch. I am not familiar with what is meant by a key sensor as the only aspect of the theft system that I am familiar with is the switch on the key locks that opens and closes when you unlock/lock the door which is the disarm/arm function. Whether that is the "key sensor" is unknown to me. So in any case that is what I have learned. Again let me know in detail how your system is breaking down and perhaps I can figure it out. Unfortunately I don't have a Chrysler manual later than '96 and that is for the Cirrus/Stratus so that limits me.
Roland






Hi James,
Because you noticed Pat's question in the archive I have just written to him to inquire about the resolution of his problems. When he gets back to me I'll share that with you.
In the meantime, tell me what relays you changed out. And does your van have an anti-theft system? I need to have a re-description of each of the problems you have with very specific details as to what is and isn't happening. I guess you have read all the posting between Pat and me.
If I'm maxed out, just write me at rfinston@hotmail.com
Roland