1998 GC Power Locks lock when key put in ignition: Feature or Problem?

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Michael Perry, Jun 26, 2004.

  1. Hi, and thanks for helping.

    I have just purchased a 98 Grand Caravan (GC) LE loaded. It has power
    locks and a remote keyless entry system and a factory car alarm. It
    was a great deal, but I can't contact the original owner for my
    problem. This was an auction purchase and the subsequent paperwork
    revealed a :

    When I'm in the vehicle and I put the keys in the ignition, the power
    door locks all engage or lock. This is before I start the van, before
    I drive, and before the 16 mph auto lock thing happens. If I remove
    the key and reinsert the key, it will relock the doors again.

    I do NOT like that feature. If it is a feature, how do I unprogram or
    program it to stop? Is there a relay to buy?

    Please please help me. I'll be more than glad to share any knowledge
    I have or even make a modest Paypal payment (cash) to anyone who can
    help me here.

    Thanks for your email or Usenet/group responses.
    Michael

     
    Michael Perry, Jun 26, 2004
    #1
  2. Michael Perry

    Bill Sprague Guest

    This is not a factory feature. This has to be an aftermarket accessory. Look
    up under the dash for a module that doesn't appear to be from the factory.
    Let me know what you find (under the dash)
     
    Bill Sprague, Jun 27, 2004
    #2
  3. revealed a repossession. Sorry for the dropped edit.
     
    Michael Perry, Jun 27, 2004
    #3
  4. Thanks for the thought, Bill. I spent two weekends digging around
    with the underside of the van, I downloaded wiring diagrams from the
    internet using our Library's sources, called three radio "car talk" -
    type shows and came up with squat.

    Finally, I broke down and took it to the dealer. Kenny from Eastgate
    Chrysler in Indianapolis is just about as close as you can come to
    being a God as you can get when it comes to Daimler-Chrysler products.

    He told me that my passenger door lock switch was broken and that's
    what caused it. I hadn't noticed that before. It was stuck in the
    "lock" position, and when a key was inserted, the system could "see" a
    3.3 volt "lock" command being sent by the defective switch. Still, it
    was very weird, as it didn't CONSTANTLY see the lock voltage command.
    In other words, I could unlock the doors inside after they had locked
    and they would stay unlocked...

    Finally, after a $34 door lock switch and almost one hour labor, my
    van does every thing that it should when it should. I'm very pleased
    with it.

    Bill, thanks for your thoughts and I hope that somewhere somehow this
    message thread helps someone solve this problem, too.

    Cheers,
    Michael Perry
     
    Michael Perry, Jul 23, 2004
    #4
  5. Michael Perry

    Bill Guest

    That would certainly do it. Glad you got it fixed.

    Bill
     
    Bill, Jul 28, 2004
    #5
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