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Expert: - 10/22/2010


Question
have dodge caravan 2003-3.3L, recently got a problem vehicle does not start while every thing is showing normal
it did it once then started next day, then refused to do again. took it to key shop expert, he started it some how (didn't say) but when I took it back home, it died again... seems problem with computer or some thing. I'm in Libya, we have no dealers who can reset computer..!! how shall I deactivate the system or reprogram it...please

Answer
Hello Amri,

You appear to be writing about two different problems here.

The first thing to understand is that the transponder anti-theft system will not cause the engine to stall. The transponder system only operates on the start circuit and if the engine stalls, there is some sort of divability issue going on. Without a dealer's diagnostic equipment, there is no way to determine if the stalling is caused by a computer problem, an electronic problem, a fuel delivery problem etc.

Transponder issue and key: Since you have no access to a dealer, you have a real serious problem. I see this many times in countries like Nigeria, Lybia and others.

So many people think there is just a reset switch, a simple way to bypass these systems and that it is as simple as rebooting a desk top computer at home. Unfortunately, this is not the case and these vehicles are not owner friendly.

The manufacturers deliberately use proprietary software in which such problems can only be diagnosed through dealer testing devices amd in the case of Chrysler the diagnostic scanner used by the dealers is known as the drb III. Without access to this scanner, the system cannot be diagnosed nor can any recalibration to the vehicle's computer be performed.

In other words, in a country with no dealer, you can end up with 3,000 pounds of junk. I understand you don't want to hear this, but all this goes back to letting the manufacturer install factory alarms and ignition based transponder systems.

These systems did not prevent theft of the vehicle and they could fail in which the engine could be started without the use of a key, although this is a rare event, it does happen. These systems do not prevent theft in which the vehicle can be towed with an ordinary tow truck.

These systems are in fact anti-owner like in your case, and Chrysler would like you to replace it with a new model.

You are left with only one option. That would be to go back to yoir key expert and find out what he did to get the van running. Hopefully it is just a bad key and he can replace it with a programmed key that works.

There is much more to this system than the keys and if replacement of a programmed key does not do the job, and with no dealers around, it is time to look for a replacement car. I don't say this lightly and you should be very angry. Its not just Chrysler and a majority of vehicles are equipped with this crap.

You are not the first, nor will you be the last with this dillema.

I have successfully defeated the Ford transponder when everyone said "impossible."

i have successfully defeated the impossible Land Rover transponder system.

Next week I am going to start studying the Chrysler SKIM transponder system. I am not an engineer. I am not an electronics expert. If someone were to charaterize me, I would be a professional auto thief.

I do not know if I can beat this system, but if anyone can, it would be me. I live for the challenge! The only problem is that I have no idea as to how long it will take me if it is possible. I will say that there is nothing like the feeling of making the engineers that design these systems, the insurance companies that deny theft claims because of these anti theft systems, and the shills that claim to be experts for insurance companies, to show how inept they are.

In the event I am successful in defeating the Chrysler transponder system, every body will get the information for free. I will put my bypass on u tube with the caption "i told you so!"


In the meantime though, the only thing you can hope for is that your key expert can get you going and keep you going.


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Rob Painter, ASE, CFL, CFEI

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My background in auto theft is extensive. I have been directly involved in the repair of over 10,000 theft recovered vehicles. I also do insurance investigation as to how a vehicle was last operated. My clients are insurance companies and attorneys. Was featured in the A & E auto theft documentary "Stealing Wheels" July 26, 2000. Has consulted with Daimler Chrysler steering column engineers to make their steering columns harder to defeat. Holds patent # 6,039,140 for 8 different variations to protect air bags from theft.

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ROB PAINTER, ASE, CFL, CFEI Forensic Vehicle Component Analyst Diplomate, Board Certified Forensic Examiner ASE Certified Auto, Collision, Med/Hvy/Duty Truck Technician Certified Forensic Locksmith Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator Certified Forensic Auto Theft Examiner Certified Auto Theft and Fraud Expert http://www.autotheftexpert.com Email-rpainter@wi.rr.com P.O. Box 190 Big Bend, WI 53103 Phone (414) 698-9696 Fax (262) 662-1352 As per federal court rules of evidence (702) (Daubert) my testimony has qualified me as: Auto Theft and Fraud Expert Forensic Vehicle Analyst Fire Origin and Cause Expert In the trial transcript of Holiday vs Progressive Insurance Company (March 12, 2002?Eugene, Oregon) with Holiday being my client-named ?the expert for experts.? BUSINESS EXPERIENCE Founder of the ?Forensic Institute of Auto Theft Analysis? (January 2002). This is the training school that will set the standards in determining the last operation of a reported stolen vehicle-burned or unburned. Much of my testing and procedures have been accepted as the guide for the forensic community. 1986 opened Auto Recovery Specialists Inc., providing exclusive repair of theft recovered and vandalized vehicles. The initial concept of the business was to return vehicles to their original shape before the theft, vandalism or fire. In 1987 bought the rights to the theft deterrent known as the ?Chicago Collar?. Duties include complete component replacement: dash, stereo system, interior, locks and coding, rebuilding steering columns, repairing and installing vehicle security system components (factory and after market), engine components, body repair, glass replacement, repair and service of air conditioning components, brake and suspension repair, and replacement, wiring harnesses etc. to return vehicle to pre-theft condition Complete reconstruction. During the past 17 years directly involved in the repair of over 10,000 theft-recovered and fire damaged Personally examined and rebuilt thousands of steering columns on both import and domestic vehicles Internationally acknowledged as expert in auto theft including court, consulting with insurance companies, attorneys and law enforcement. Consultant on steering columns, locks, stereo systems and vehicle security for Special Investigation Units for many large insurance carriers during the past eight years. Consulting services include but not limited to: How a vehicle was last operated (with or without keys in burned or unburned vehicles), Origin and Cause of vehicle fires, and vehicle defects. Provides services as a consultant and researcher to attorneys and insurance companies, and private industry throughout the US in cases related to vehicles. Has worked with crime prevention officers throughout the US establishing training programs designed to protect the public from becoming victims of auto theft. PATENT: 3/21/00 issued patent# 6,039,140 for 8 different variations of airbag anti-theft devices. PUBLICATIONS Currently authors articles and test reports on an ongoing basis for SIUs and the forensic/vehicle fire industry. Published author: (1,297 slide training course) Auto Theft/ Fraud Training Course) ?The Modern Forensic Approach to Auto Theft Investigation.? (January, 2001) Author: ?Variables to Be Considered In Vehicle Fire Investigation after Suppression.? (Insurance publication-November 2001) Author: ?Ford Magnesium Steering Columns and the Results to Ignition Components after a Fire?. Article for peer review from the fire and forensic community. (November 2001) Author: ?The Truth About GM VATS.? (Article) (November 2001) Author: ?The Truth About GM PASSLOCK TM? (Article) (November 2001) Author:? Auto Theft Investigation: Hollywood vs. Reality? (Article) (February 2001) For the John Cooke Fraud Report. Published author: (Manual) ?Forensic Vehicle Fire/ Arson and Auto Theft Investigation? (October 2000) Published author: (Article) ?Petty Claims? for the John Cooke Fraud Report (October, 1998) Published author (Manual) ?AUTO THEFT: LET THE TRUTH BE KNOWN!? (1998) (Previously distributed by Barnes & Nobel) Co-authored the investigation manual, ?Surreptitious Entry & Auto Theft & Burn & the Investigator.? (1999) Authored test questions on the subject of steering columns and vehicle security for CFL designation to be given by the International Association of Investigative Locksmiths. January, 2000 Published author: (Manual) ?Saginaw Steering Columns-What Has Not Been Told? Training manual for fire investigators. (March 2000) Published (Article) ?Beyond The Lock? (May 2000) Published Author: (Article) Fraud Defense Network-August, 2000 Edition-?Melting Steering Column Tests.? http://www.fraudreport.com/index.cfm?month=08&year=2000 Published author: (Test Report) ?Burned Toyota Steering Column Testing to Determine How Last Operated?. Tool marks and procedures. (December 1999) Currently at the FBI Crime Lab in Washington DC and the US Army Crime Lab in Atlanta, GA for peer review. ACCOMPLISHMENTS Defeated the ?unstealable? Ford Securilock transponder system for a court case 10/10/00. They said it could not be done! Primary designer of a state of the art ?bait? car for a police department to catch car thieves. Worked with The National Highway Safety Transportation Administration and discovered a potential fire hazard on a vehicle and determined origin and cause of under hood fires on this type of vehicle. Featured as ?Auto Theft Expert? in the A & E auto theft documentary ?Stealing Wheels? that aired July 26, 2000. Contacted by Sears and Edelman Marketing to be a national spokesman for an anti theft device for vehicles. (November 1999) Invited to provide evaluation and consulting to steering column engineers at Daimler Chrysler Corporation in Auburn Hills, MI (10/19/99-10/22/99). The purpose of this project was to demonstrate how steering column locking mechanisms could be defeated without the use of a key and how to reinforce the columns against theft. Court Qualified as an Auto Theft Expert and my videos of defeating columns were also accepted by a Cleveland, Ohio Court in October 1999 as a valid piece of evidence. Contacted by Disney Touchstone Pictures for technical assistance in making the movie ?Gone in 60 Seconds? (March 1999) CONSULTANT FOR FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS ? Former contributor for The Insurance News Network (Auto theft and prevention) includes heading a forum for the public on how to protect their vehicles for 3+ years. ? Former editor and consultant for the public on matters involving auto theft and prevention 2000-2001 on the web at http://www.autotheft_forum.com. ? The Insurance Career Center (Auto theft and fraud). ? National Association of Investigative Specialists (Auto theft and fraud) ? Expert Find (Auto theft and fraud} TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE ? ASE (National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence) Certified in Auto: brakes, steering and suspension, engine repair, manual drive train and axles, air conditioning. Med/Heavy duty truck: gasoline engine repair, electrical/electronic components. Collision: elec.....

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