Chrysler Repair: 97 Chrysler T & C lxi mini van shut off 2-3 secs, wd 40, lock switch

Question
I have a 97 Chrysler van that shuts off after 2-3 secs.
The alarm system was not used either by key or fob or manually, It has happened a number of times when it was towed to the shop the problem was not there. It is intermittent

Answer
Hi Jim,
The shut off after 2-3 seconds is the typical anti-theft system in alarmed behavior, but I suppose there could be some other reason such as an egr valve that is sticking ajar. If you know where the valve is located you could check it externally to see if the stem of the valve is moving freely by inserting the tip of a screwdriver into the slot in the stem and moving the stem back and forth. It should close tightly with the help of spring action. If it appears sticky, then spray the stem where it enters the body with WD-40 and move it some more.
The other thing is to see if there are fault codes stored in the engine controller memory. It might work with the ignition key: "On-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less. Then watch the check engine light to see if it begins to flash, pause, flash, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause. Then repeat for accuracy. Then group in pairs to form 2-digit fault codes. Then either write back or go to www.allpar.com/fix/codes.html for a code listing. If you don't get flashing, then a readout with a code reader is necessary. A free readout is available at most Autozone parts stores.
I should mention that the alarm will set by simply using the power door lock switch to secure the doors before exiting the van. The only way to avoid setting the alarm is to manually lock the doors using the old-fashion push-buttons. Anythng else will set the alarm. The failure to disarm will cause the failure to run beyond 3 seconds. The failure to disarm is usually due to a disconnect in the wires from the front door key locks. So try to only lock the doors by hand to avoid this. It is possible to cancel the alarmed state by going to the body computer (located on the rear side of the under dash fuse box) and using a specific size resistor to jump from the wire that comes from the door key lock to another nearby ground wire. But that is not a practical long-term fix, rather in a rare emergency.
Roland