Hi, we have a 2008 Grand Caravan SE and a couple of times we've received the BAD KEY message when starting the van. It would always start the second time so we didn't think anything of it. Now it will not start. No accessory power, nothing. Yet the keyless lock and unlock would work. After literally 50 times of trying to start, taking the key out and trying again, we finally got the van to start.. I read a little online made a decision to get a couple of new OEM FOBIKS online. The locksmith couldn't program them because he said he got no accessory power when turning the FOBIK. He thinks it is something in the computer or ignition module. ANyway we couldn't restart the van again until about the 300th try then we got it started. The message said BAD KEY about every 10 times. No message between tries. Any thoughts of what we can expect? Once the van started we drove it right to the dealer

What are we in for here? Thanks.
Steve

 

A WIN module, I am going to say. Sometimes it is just a bad key, or both. Fairly common problem.

A WIN module is probably $70-120. Labor to install is probably 1.5hr. so...

 

Meant to say that when turning the ignition with the new key, it consistantly showed BAD KEY each time and with the old key it was every few times. So does that say there was some sort of consistant communication there? But when turning the ignition with the new key, it did NOT turn on any accessory power.

 

yeah, pretty sure it the WIN module (ign cylnder) is the problem. If you stick ur Finger or a Wrong Key into the ignition and turn it in a Known working Van, it will say bad key and no power. The WIN module fails the recognize the key.
If you stick a Unprogramed key into a working van, it will power up, but start and dies.

 

well be carefull the key can only be programmed one. being that the 2 oem or originals you have one being bad could cause a bad programing to the new key and u could be sol on that key too. best to get the new key with you to the dealer and have them do it.

 

You know what? A better Idea is get a Mopar remote start kit, it comes with 2 new keys and a WIN module, and i think it cost like $280 for the parts. And you can still program ur existing keys into it. without remote start button/function that is.

 

great idea Steak! We'll see what the issue is once they diagnose it. I'm guessing like you all that it's the WINS module. Does WINS stand for anything in particular? Will it not start perhaps??

 

Wireless ignition node (WIN) module

 

WIN is wireless ignition module, it is the Box you stick ur keys in.
As suggested, Bring ALL of ur keys in, because they have to reprogram all keys anyway.

Chrysler decides to have the ignition cyln built in with the transponder key module. probably save them a lot of money. notice you do not have a metal key like the old days. It save us time and money by skipping the Key cutting and Ignition cylnder coding process.

 

Thanks all. Just got a call from the dealer, they are telling me the SKIM module is definitely dead. $305 total parts and labor. Is the SKIM the same as the WIN?