2005 dodge grand carivan remote start?
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Security and Convenience
Forum Discription: Car Alarms, Keyless Entries, Remote Starters, Immobilizer Bypasses, Sensors, Door Locks, Window Modules, Heated Mirrors, Heated Seats, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=100883
Printed Date: June 23, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Topic: 2005 dodge grand carivan remote start?
Posted By: electricd7
Subject: 2005 dodge grand carivan remote start?
Date Posted: January 07, 2008 at 3:48 PM
Hello, I just bought my wife a 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT. It has all the options (except remote start if that was an option!). Anyway, I am looking for an add-on remote-start system that would allow her to start the van without adding any more keyfobs to the collection. Is this even possible, and if so can someone point me in the right direction? Thanks! ED7
Replies:
Posted By: electricd7
Date Posted: January 07, 2008 at 3:58 PM
I should add that I want to keep the factory system intact and use the factory keyfob (built onto key) if possible.
Posted By: chriswallace187
Date Posted: January 07, 2008 at 5:35 PM
It's possible...there are many remote starts that will work off of a factory power lock system, but your range would be limited to the range of the factory keyless entry system. I'd suggest a 1-button remote start might be a better option(remotes are usually pretty small and don't get in the way). The factory keyless on that car will still work when it's remote started.
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C Renner's Auto Electronix
My service is cheap, quick, and good - pick any two
Posted By: electricd7
Date Posted: January 07, 2008 at 6:58 PM
Can you possibly suggest a reliable one?
Posted By: Twelvoltz
Date Posted: January 07, 2008 at 7:40 PM
There are quite a few starters that allow activation from an outside source. My preference is the DEI product. The Valet 561T does not include remotes. The Valet 561R, Avital 4000/4100, the Automate 6.2 all include remotes but have the option of not using the remotes. This is how I normally install a RS on a vehicle that has the remote built into the key: I hook it up using the actuator lock leg, set the RS to require 3 pulses and still hook up the antenna. This gives the owner the option of a remote with greater operating range than the factory in-key remotes but also allows them to only carry one remote with them.
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Installer, IT support, and FFL. I need less hobbies.
Posted By: electricd7
Date Posted: January 08, 2008 at 3:18 PM
Yea the 561T looks like exactly what I want. When you say you hook up the acuator log leg I assume you mean the part that get the "lock" command from the stock keyfob. Then you can program the RS unit out of the box to require 3 pulses. IE, then if she would hit the lock button 3 times it would remote start? That sounds perfect! Is there any other items I need with this vehicle to pull this off? Also could someone please post the info I need (wiring colors) for hooking up a remote start to this vehicle? Thanks again, this forum is great!
Posted By: electricd7
Date Posted: January 08, 2008 at 3:26 PM
I will probably try and tackle this install myself, but if I can't get it done, what wire do I tell the local shop to hook this thing up to so it will operate when the lock button is pressed 3 times. I am assuming that out of the box it probably activates with a single pulse, so it will definately need to be programmed before it is used, otherwise it will be remote starting everyting the car is locked!
Posted By: brhaugen
Date Posted: January 08, 2008 at 6:05 PM
Any shop should be able to hook the system up as you request. Hooking up the the door lock actuator is no big deal.
On the 05 Caravan I would assume it needs a transponder key bypass.
This will allow it to start without a security key in the ignition.
Wiring diagrams are available by using the link in the navagation bar at the top of the 12volt.com web page.
Posted By: electricd7
Date Posted: January 09, 2008 at 8:12 AM
Can anyone verify if I need the transponder for this vehicle?
Posted By: chriswallace187
Date Posted: January 09, 2008 at 9:22 AM
You do need a bypass...BypassKit PKU-CH2X will work, also DEI 556C.
Your wire hook-up will depend on what kind of external activation input your remote starter has. It will inevitably involve connecting to the lock motor lead - unfortunately I don't remember the color offhand on that van but it's probably posted around here somewhere.
If you've got a (+) activation input, the lock motor lead can be connected directly to it. The 561T/561R have such an input.
If you've only got a (-) activation input, you'll need a relay connected as follows:
85, 87 - ground
86 - lock motor lead
30 - activation input
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C Renner's Auto Electronix
My service is cheap, quick, and good - pick any two
Posted By: electricd7
Date Posted: January 10, 2008 at 8:25 AM
Ok I am going to order the 561T today. If I order that as well as the DEI 556C I should have all I need to have a working remote start in the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan minus some relays correct?
Posted By: electricd7
Date Posted: January 10, 2008 at 8:29 AM
Ok I just checked this wiring chart: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=45733, and it indicates that I need a 556U for bypass, is this the same as the 556C referenced a couple posts up? Which one do I order? don't want to get the wrong thing! Thanks!
Posted By: Chris Luongo
Date Posted: January 10, 2008 at 3:00 PM
556U: One of your existing keys permanently resides inside the unit, for the life of the installation.
556C: Costs more, but you don't lose a key. NOTE: Both of your existing keys must be present at the time of installation, for programming of the 556C.
Also, a third option is to buy a 556U, and then buy a blank Chrysler key to put inside, from a locksmith, ebay, www.hlflake.com, or www. howardkeys.com. This is often less expensive than the 556C, and more reliable in my opinion.
Also, keep in mind that many installers don't install any product but their own, or they'll charge significantly more to install product purchased elsewhere.
Also, they can't help you if it fails under warranty....you'd have to ship it in for replacement on your own.
Before buying product, it might be good to call a few local shops..........get their price for labor-only, and a price for everything, with their product and warranty.
Posted By: brcidd
Date Posted: January 11, 2008 at 8:03 AM
You mentioned you get extended range-- still hook up the antenna- but you also said you don't use the remotes - so can you elaborate? What is wrong with adding a one button remote to a car that has the OEM remotes built into the key? Thanks...
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Brcidd - Engineer That Does Remote Starter Installs on the side.
Posted By: chriswallace187
Date Posted: January 11, 2008 at 9:14 AM
I think he was saying you could use the remotes if you wanted to...versus a 561T which will only work off of the factory fob and its limited range. Nothing at all wrong with one-button remotes on a car with an integrated key/fob, unless it's a car where the remote stops working with ignition on...then you can't use keyless entry when the car's remotely started. Chrysler's don't generally have that problem though.
Posted By: electricd7
Date Posted: January 11, 2008 at 9:18 AM
Nothing wrong with it really, but why clutter up your keychain with yet another thing when you can do it all with what you currently have :). I am not overly excited about the extended range, as she would probably only be remote starting it out in our driveway from the house which she can currently lock the car that way now, so i think the range will be sufficient. Chris Luongo: If I buy a blank chrysler key, will that work even though this is a Dodge (i know they are closely related.) Just looking for the best solution. Giving up one of the factory keys for the life of the RS is not going to be an option for me. Can i get just any chrysler/dodge key, or does it have to be the one that has all the fancy lock/unlock/etc built into the key? Thanks..still a newb to this type of protection.
Posted By: chriswallace187
Date Posted: January 11, 2008 at 10:14 AM
I'm not Chris Luongo (well that's 50% correct)  ...I did recently call a bunch of dealers for a key for my buddy's car('07 Dodge Magnum) and confirmed what I knew about this stuff.. Any Chrysler 2nd generation(2004-up) SentryKey can be programmed to your car, whether it says Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep on the key itself, as long as the key has not been programmed to a car before. You can get a cheaper key without the integrated remote for your vehicle...probably about $15-20 for a generic one. You can program it yourself as long as you've got two separate keys that already work. If not, I've usually been quoted $75 from dealers for a key and programming. As mentioned earlier the PKU-CH2X from BypassKit is also an option for an immobilizer bypass...I much prefer it to the 555C (the PKU-CH2X has an antenna ring that goes around the key cylinder, the 555C has a capsule that gets placed right next to it - and the 555C's harder to get into a position where it works every time, I agree with that point).
Also, the PKU has an output for the 2nd starter/accessory wire - which means one fewer relay and resistor hassle for you. The downside is that they aren't as cheap, but you may find that worth the tradeoff as far as making your install easier.
Posted By: electricd7
Date Posted: January 11, 2008 at 1:47 PM
K thanks. I think I have the information I need except for maybe a website that shows how to program a sentry key when you have 2 separate keys that work. If this way is the most reliable way, I will just go with the 555U and buy a "blank" sentry key. Thanks again, you guys have been TONS of help!
Posted By: tedmond
Date Posted: January 11, 2008 at 6:58 PM
you must have 2 keys to program a bypass and program a third empty sentry key. if i remember , it was place first key into ignition, take key out wiat about 15 seconds or so 10 should be fine in each step. insert second key and wait for light to flash, then place blank sentry key in, wait for light to dissapear, then start. and new key should be programmed.
Posted By: Chris Luongo
Date Posted: January 12, 2008 at 9:47 AM
electricd7,
Sorry about that, we installers tend to call all Chrysler products Chryslers, all GM products GMs, and so forth.
Like Chris Wallace said, the logo on the head of the key doesn't matter. However, there are two syles of key....an older one (for example, say, a 2000 Intrepid), and then the newer style.....they look the same, but the chips inside are different.
Any good local locksmith should be able to sell you the key you need, and cut it for you, although he might not have the best price.
Even at the dealership, most of the cost is in the programming......even though they'll have the highest price on the key, you can still save a lot by programming it yourself.
The instructions for programming keys are in the van's owner's manual. Look up "Sentry Key" in the index. It's easy.
As far as whether to do the remote start off the factory remotes.......it's a very good way to do it, as long as you know in advance what to expect. I did my mother's minivan with an Audiovox AS-9075, and she's very happy with it.
Question 1. Can you operate the factory remote from inside your house? That is, if you're, say, in the kitchen, and you hit the lock button, can you hear the van's horn honk? You really do need to know if the remotes will work from your home.
Question 2. Are you willing to accept that you're not going to be able to remote start the car from the mall, the supermarket, the movie theater, your friend's apartment complex....places like that?
P.S. I think someone else suggested this, but:
The 561R comes with a remote, AND has the abiity to be activated by the factory remote. It only costs slightly more than the 561T.
You could install a 561R and wire it BOTH ways.
Your wife could activate it from the factory remote when she's close enough to the van..............and for example, she could leave the 561R's remote in her office, so she can start it from far away before leaving work.
Posted By: electricd7
Date Posted: January 14, 2008 at 8:26 AM
That makes sense, thanks. Lets say I do get a 561R and wire it for both ways. Can I just hook up the remote start wires for the 561R, or do i HAVE to have the lock/unlocking wires hooked up for it to operate correctly? I guess that way would be an option, just not looking to make extra work for myself I guess. The remote works fine from inside our house, but yea it might not work as well from inside the mall or something I would say. Thanks again!
Posted By: chriswallace187
Date Posted: January 14, 2008 at 3:55 PM
The remote start will work fine without the doorlocks hooked up...I know some shops that won't even use the doorlock outputs on a 561R, they'll just sell you a 562T. ------------- C Renner's Auto Electronix
My service is cheap, quick, and good - pick any two
Posted By: electricd7
Date Posted: January 15, 2008 at 10:18 AM
thanks for all the help and advice. I went with the 561T and the 556CW. I will post back and let you know how it all goes :)
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