just picked up a 98 grand caravan se awd with the 3.8l. It did not have any keyless enty remotes when I bought it. If I buy ine off Ebay, can I program it my self or will I have to go to the dealer?


Please let me know


thanks, jason

 

Your almost better off getting a remote starter unit.
The newer, better ones control door and trunk locks, and is also an alarm.

The remote start is a pretty cool gaget. Start your van from 400' away!
Warm it up without going outside or leaving the key in it.
Warm and toasty on cold mornings, nice an cool in the heat out the summer.
You do have to remember to set the HVAC when you park the van.

They are a little tough to install, but well worth the effort.
http://www.bulldogsecurity.com/
http://www.designtech-intl.com/
These are the two brands I've used before.
The bulldog has a 400' range and worked good.
The DesignTech had a 800' range and worked great!

It's fun to start your rig from across the lot when someone walks by.
It honks, lights flash, and then it starts itself. Folks look at it... do you see that dog start that van?!?!

EZ1

 

to program factory remotes, you will need to go to the dealer. You could program them yourself if you had 2 that worked, but if you had 2 that worked, why would you want to program one

 

I just joined the forum to find out about programming a new keyless remote for my 09 Caravan.

I have tried every approach found on the internet and none work. I only have one working remote and found some on ebay. Bought three hoping at least one would work.

Looks like I may have to break down and have one of the remotes programmed by the dealer and program the others myself.

 

On a 2009 model year, they have to be programmed with a scan tool. Not like the "old days" where 2 good remotes could program another.

 

Thanks Tizzy. I know the reason given would be for anti-theft pruposes but I also suspect the dealers are holding us up as they program new remotes.

 

If anyone could do it, it wouldn't be very anti-theft now would it. And once a key is programmed to a vehicle, it can't be programmed to another. So make sure the keys you get over the internet are virgins. I'll agree with you though, some dealers sure charge an arm and a leg to program a simple remote.

 

i know you are more tech than i am but i beleive you might not be 100% cause i think in manual it does state that you need 2 to program the 3rd key. 8 or 10 spots in memory before ya need to get back to dealer for them to erase the spots for further keys to be programed. i just bought a key from midwest keyless inc and i let you know how it turns out on my 2010 sxt caravan.

 

Thanks. Please do let me know if the programming works. I bought a remote off of ebay and have not been able to program it using various methods. The "grounding the 1 and 4 pin" sure doesn't work.


Anxious to hear back from you.

Jim

 

The same as from the 2008 owners manual:
"Customer Key Programming
If you have two valid RKE transmitters with integrated
keys, you can program new transmitters to the system by
performing the following steps:
1. Insert the first valid integrated key into the ignition
switch and turn the ignition switch to the ON position for
at least three seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds.
Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and
remove the first key.
2. Insert the second valid integrated key and turn the
ignition switch to the ON position within 15 seconds.
After 10 seconds, a chime will sound and the Vehicle
Security Alarm Indicator Light will begin to flash. Turn
the ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the
second key.
3. Insert a blank integrated key into the ignition switch
and turn the ignition switch to the ON position within 60
seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound and
the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will stop
flashing, turn on again for three seconds, and then turn
off.
The new integrated key is programmed. The Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be programmed
during this procedure.
Repeat this procedure to program up to eight keys. If you
do not have a programmed RKE transmitter with integrated
key, contact your authorized dealer for details."