I bought a 2003 Grand Caravan SE and it did not have a key fob. Were all these cars equipped with "keyless" entry?
Anything special about the fob if I get a replacement?
How do you tell if it has keyless entry?

Thanks

 

Not all came with RKE. You take the VIN number to your local Dodge dealer and they type it into the computer which will list all options the vehicle came with. (my Dodge dealer Parts Department did this for me)

 

You know I just read on another forum that;
If the sliding doors do not have a "key hole" then it has keyless entry?

 

Without actually running the VIN search, it's all just a guess. After all, do you think that every forum is always right?

 

No, I don't! However if I had been down this road before with a Caravan I would probably be able to answer this question based on my experience and this is what I'm hopeing for here. I'm a retired Master ASE tech but I did not worked for the Chrysler Corp. so I'm just looking for others opinion's.
The doors also lock automatically after about 15 MPH, so there is probably a clue here somewhere if you know this product. I don't have a Shop manual or wiring diagram yet.
Thanks...

 

Having the VIN run thru Dodge data base you will know EVERY option the van came with.

Even if your van came with RKE, the only way I know of having new fobs formated to the vehicle requires Dealer only flash access. So no matter what your issue, looks like you'll need to do the unthinkable and what you are obviously trying to avoid... Visit a dealer.

My folks have several chrysler vehicles with rolling door locks and some do not have key fobs nor did they come with it. I remember their 1996 Plymouth grand voyager. it had power locks with manual windows, 3.0 3speed trans and it had automatic locks and no fobs. They bought it brand new.

If you remove the upper dash on your van, and see a black box approximately the size of a pack of smokes, you have rke. So there does that answer your question without going to the dealer and having an option search done?

 

I won't be going to the dealer.
I understand that the new remotes can be programed by shorting pins 1 and 4 of the ODB2 connector, or is that just more forum fodder?

 

According to the FSM, if you don't have a key fob, it has to go thru a dealer for programming. if you have one functional, then using that fob, you can program up to 3 more to match the vehicle.

IDK why a former ASE certified mechanic would be so opposed to just doing the job right?

If this was my issue, I'd go to the junkyard, find a van with RKE that had the fobs with the car, pull the module and fobs, then install that module in my vehicle. Sure worked out to be a lot cheaper and easier, but then what do I know, I'm no ASE master, just a guy that's cheap.

 

never heard this so i be carefull in shorting anything until you know for sure.

 

Never heard or seen any official info that says shorting pins on OBD connector for Key fob programming. Only way i know is using scanner or existing Key Fob to enter programing mode.

If you aren't going to the dealer but wants RKE, you best bet is Aftermarket alarm system, assuming u have power lock.