2001 Caravan has Ignition Key with chip???

Didn't the chips in Chrysler cars start in 2002 or 2003?

Someone is trying to sell me a non-running van with a blown engine (I am a mechanic), but he said I would ALSO have to go to the dealer to get the computer chip key... He only has a valet key...

It was my understanding that this is NOT an issue with these van in 2001...

I'm thinking the problem he is talking about (besides a knocking engine) is something electrical or with the spark... Haven't seen the van yet, so I guess I'll see, but my main question is if those computer chip keys even existed yet in 2001 for Chrysler/Dodge products...

Mike

This shows it has it. 4th module down on the left side

This shows it has it. 4th module down on the left side


It's just that I have owned a 2001 Town and Country (with hardly any options) and it did NOT have it, and I have a friend with a 2001 caravan and he also does NOT have it...

Is there a way to temporarily bypass it?

Mike

OK, the guy gave me the key (no chip)... The first thing I do is start it and it dies after 2 seconds, sounds normal for a "computer chip" or transponder key type system... GREAT, now I know...

Engine IS knocking, oil pan dented and the guy ran it until it knocked... Okay...

I tow it home...

Brought it RIGHT to the locksmith that I know...

He makes a better key, but we have noticed that it DOES NOT start at all, for the 2 seconds that I mentioned earlier...

I had to continue to tow it home, because the guy could not get communication with the computer...

Seems like a bad connection with the computer, huh?

I also noticed that there is only a TEMPERATURE output from the overhead console... NO OTHER INFORMATION...

Maybe bad ignition switch??? Bad fusible link?

Anyone know which wire or part of the fusebox to start from first?

The locksmith did nothing wrong because I know him well and it didn't start for the 2 seconds before he started working on it... All I did, was tow it home 60 miles!

Mike

Apparently, if you keep trying to start a transponder key type of van without the correct transponder, it is supposed to do nothing after you try a half-dozen times... So looks like I am okay...

I think I found the problem what the locksmith could program my key...

Just for kicks, I hooked up my regular scanner and tried to view data... I had NO PROBLEMS reading data and the like, even view the ECM's part number on my scanner... Then I looked again, and my screen went blank!

I jiggled the wire and it came back on!

The guy who tried to program my key, had a self powered type of scanner that programs the keys, my little scanner uses the cars' voltage in order to work...

He probably never realized that the connection was lost... You have to hold it in perfectly to have it communicate... Since it doesn't work right for my little scanner, probably connectivity problems may happen for any other scanner as well...

I have to tow the car back to him when I get the chance to see if my theory is correct...

Oh well, back to the drawing board...

I solved this problem...

I found and engine and replaced it, while I was waiting for my NEWLY order transponder key reprogrammer...

I went to the dealer with the proof of ownership, and they gave me the IMMO PIN NUMBER for my vehicle...

I reprogrammed my new key and it works great! Started up without a hitch!

My new tool also programs remotes! So I got a key fob off of ebay and programmed it!

Mike

what scanner did you use to program your key?

MADE IN ITALY, but I figured that it's really made in China since it was shipped from China, LOL...

Get this... $250... Delivered... Does at least 10 manufacturers and dozens of cars, even programs the remotes (not Ford remotes-may not need computer though)... Of course, I only work on Dodges, and I had to get the stupid IMMO PIN CODE, but all other cars don't need anything like that... Even does a bunch of 2010 vehicles... Made by SBB...V32 model...

It was so cheap, it sounded illegal, but I'm happy! :)

sweet, thank you...

Some of your Local hardware stores can cut, and program encrypted keys for around $60.

Well, since my van didn't run, and the original locksmith COULD NOT program my vehicle (the OBD2 connector was not 100% working properly and we did not know that), so that lead me to find another method... I am a mechanic, so I will use the machine 5 times, which at $60 a key, the tool was priceless... Besides, in this case, I would have to tow it back to that guy or someone else which would cost me more... If the guy was able to program it the first time and realize that he would have to jiggle the OBD2 connector while I had the van on the tow dolly, I would have paid $60 and it wouldn't have crossed my mind... I'm kinda happy that I have a very decent tool...

Mike