2000 Caravan Alarm/Remote Start

Hey guys... I must admit there are some intimidating terms in some of these posts. I just purchased an alarm/remote start for my 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan. It has a black key and currently has no security on it at all. I have never installed a remote or alarm but feel that I can do it if only I had the right guidance....and there definately seems to be a plethora of knowledge in this forum.

Ok, so.... I have the basics understood...the plugs for the sensor, switch, receiver, l.e.d. are all simple enough.

I also have the wiring diagrams for my car.

I am pretty confident about the starter, Ignition1 and ignition2, and acc connections.

My remote start comes with computer with all the wiring details on it's bottom. so is it as simple as using a wiring diagram to locate a wire (ie. brakelight switch) and connecting my corresponding colored wire?

I really want to learn this as I feel it's a valuable skill to have.

Any help is greatly appreciated.....Also, I'm in Queens, NY so if anyone would like to teach me I would be willing to pay.

The alarm I'm using is Magnum Alarm/Remote Start. These are the specs on the alarm....

Features:

Thank You,

Sounds like you have a good grasp on the installation already. The only thing that is a concern for this vehicle would be the door locks as it requires relays and resistors because it's a type F ( single wire system ). The other thing is that you do not need to connect the ACC wire as it's not necessary to hook up for this vehicle.

You can use the (-) parking light wire found at the switch. I just did one today in about 1.3 hours and it very easy as it doesn't have the Sentry key or the 2nd starter wire.

Jeff,

Thanks so much for the confidence boost. Ok, So am I right in simply identifying the different color wires using the wire color guide a site like this offers, then match them with the Remote Start Base.

Now you said I need relays and resistors because it's a type F(single wife system).  So can i goto Radio Shack and just ask for relays or are there specific relays that I would need. Also, any specific resistors? Man I wish you were in NY so you could help me...lol.

-Kay

You need a SPDT type relay, Bosch and Hella make good relays. Any car audio shop would have them as well. I just did a 99 Caravan today and mine took a little longer than Jeff as I was the only one here and kept getting pulled off of it. The locks will be a little tricky for you. IIRC you will need a 1500ohm and 250 ohm resistor. Tie the ends of the resistors together on one end only. That end is the end that you should connect to a extension line (green if possible to match wire colors) that will tie into the single wire lock / unlock system. The wire is found behind and under the fuse box. You will see two really large plugs about 2" x 3", white in color on the outside. The first one is easy to unplug, it may have a small red retainer that must be pulled down first and the the molex can be released and pulled down out of the way. The second moles is easier removed if you pull the carpet out of the way, gently pull the fuse box towards the seat and then unplug th emolex. This molex should be a grey colour and you will need to strip away the black tape and hockey tape around all the wiring. Locate the white with dark green stripe wire, this should be the lock/unlock wire and tie the wire with the resistors to it. Solder this wire on if possible. 

The other side of the resistors need to be kept separate from each other. Attach a blue wire to one and a black to the other (or whatever color wire you have). Take your two relays and black tape them together side by side. Take one wire and attach it to pin 30, take the other wire and do the same on the other relay. Take your two wires from the brain that are the lock and unlock and attach them to the appropriate relay on pin 86. Each relay now needs a +12v and ground connection. Ground pin 87 on each relay. Apply +12volts constant to pins 85 on each relay. The power wires must be protected with a 10amp fuse. Attach this wire with one of the constant power lines from the remote starter where you attach it to the vehicle wiring.

Power locks  = done like dinner.

This vehicle also has a negative park light circuit. You need to find out if your remote start / alarm has a neg park light output. If it does not then you will need a 3rd relay of the same type and we can go through it's wiring later.

Man, I wish you had this with pictures...lol... it's like... i think i am imagining what your saying....but WHAT IF I'M WRONG?????....lol. DOes anyone know a place online that would give a step by step picture by picture instructions for this vehicle? If not, (and if any of you have access) I'll be willing to pay for such information. Also, I'm a programmer so if someone wanted to sell this type of information I would be glad to help with the site creation to make this skill make even MORE money for you....

IF anyone is interested please let me know.... in the meantime Rob.... please let me know if you know of a site which can confirm my "visions"....

-Kay

P.S. -- I really want to do this.... I just need guidance....

I used that same "direct to relays" method.  Here's a link to a nice diagram for it:

http://www.designtech-intl.com/Content/techsupport/documents/section04/note155.pdf