QuestionI'm having the same problem as Vanessa in the 8/10/05 posting "car starts then immediately dies, then won't turn over."
Within the past month, it has occured five times rendering the vehicle useless. What normally occurs is that we use the keyless remote to lock and unlock the vehicle, start the vehicle, then about 2-3 seconds later the vehicle shuts off and the red dot theft light on the information center remains lit. The only thing that I found that will reset the system is to lock the vehicle using the inside door lock and let the vehicle sit for any where between 2-8 hours depending how long I've attempted to initially get it out of the theft mode.
I've tried resetting the system by using different locking and unlocking configurations both by each set of keys and remotes. I've even tried reprogramming the remotes. Recently, I've noticed when I have tried to relink my remotes with the memory seat feature, it will act up during the next use. I'm not sure if that is just by conincidence.
A recent occurance happened on Wednesday. I locked the vehicle using the remote. An hour later, I unlocked the vehicle using the remote. It started, then shut off and the theft light stayed lit. After manually locking the vehicle and letting it sit for two hours, I unlocked the vehicle using the key and it start and ran normally. I haven't used the keyless remote since. Today, I left my vehicle unlocked only to have the same problem. I luckily got it out of the theft mode right away by using the door locks to arm the system and using the keyless remote to unlock the vehicle, of course the door had to be opened before starting to complete the cycle. After starting, the light remained lit, but I was able to get home. When I returned home, I restarted the vehicle only to find that the light went out and everything seemed normal. Everytime is different when attempting to initially disable the theft system. Typically, the longer I mess with it, the longer it takes to reset.
The van has been to the dealership twice and is set for it's third journey tomorrow. I've never been able to duplicate the problem for the service tech as of yet and they haven't been able to get any codes from the system.
I've read the articles you have posted regarding the theft module behind the glove box and the PCM. I haven't tried disconnecting the theft module yet (of course, when the vehicle is running). I don't know what that would solve except checking the connector. I don't know what to think anymore. I don't want to spend money replacing parts that aren't broke. It's very frustrating because you don't know where you're going to be stranded next. This problem is getting ridiculous to diagnose.
PLEASE HELP!
AnswerHi Willy,
Thanks for the up-date. I will append your response as to how this was solved so that others will benefit from your experience.
Roland
I thought I would respond with what the dealership found when I took it in
for the third time. I worked with a different salesperson who decided to
give the problem to their most qualified technician. He scanned the system
more in depth to reveal that there was a code stored in the SKIM
(Immobilizer) Module. It showed two faults, "antenna failure" and
"transponder communication failure." Since the SKIM module was a fouth
generation module for the T&C, I needed to purchase two new transponder
keys. I haven't had any problems since last week, but I'm still waiting
for it to happen again. With any luck, the problem is fixed. Total costs
for the repairs and diagnostics was $315. I'm not sure if reprogramming
the old keys or purchasing new keys would have solved the problem
completely. Please post or pass this information on to anyone else who
might be experiencing the same problem. All the research on the internet
didn't give a good diagnosis of the problem.
Sincerely,
Willy
Hi William,
I have to admit lack of information on the theft system for a van as new as yours is. I have just met a party on eBay who has manuals available up thru '99 and I hope to get the Chrysler van manual for '99 or so soon. In the most recent references I have from the mid-90's it seems to be that if you want to be sure to not have a problem with a system that is acting up as you describe the best approach is to not arm it. That typically means using the key or the mechanical push-button locks to secure the doors and not to use the remote or the electrical door locks when you exit. I appreciate that defeats the anti-theft electronics but it is either that or run the risk of being caught in an alarmed situation that you can't correct. In theory if one uses the remove to lock and unlock a front door it should clear an alarm problem. But it doesn't always work out in practice. As to disarming permanently, I need to find out about that also because in the mid to late '90s depending upon the model the theft module was absorbed into the body computer which means you can's separately unplug just the theft function as you could in the early 90's as I decribed to other questioners.
So that is the best I can offer for now. I will get back to you when I get a more up to date manual for the van.
Roland
