Question 1

Do you use OEM or aftermarket keys on Dodge vehicles?

Accepted Answer

We use OEM-spec keys with electronics we've tested and trust. For the 2004 Grand Caravan remote head key specifically, the quality of the circuit board inside the fob head matters a lot. The remote both unlocks the van and houses the transponder chip that talks to the immobilizer, so if the board is substandard, you can end up with a key that works for a week and then starts dropping remote range or failing to start the vehicle intermittently.

Locksmiths on the professional forums are pretty consistent on this: aftermarket Dodge fobs from unknown suppliers run a high defect rate. Some arrive already failing. We don't take that gamble on your van. The blank we use is a verified quality replacement that matches the factory electrical spec for this key type.

Question 2

How long will a replacement key last?

Accepted Answer

A well-made replacement should last as long as the original, sometimes longer because the shell is new. On the 2004 Grand Caravan remote head key, the most common wear over time is the rubber button pad going soft or the button icons rubbing flat from daily use. The electronics themselves don't degrade from programming. If the shell cracks down the road but the board is still good, we can often move the internals into a fresh housing without having to reprogram anything, which keeps the cost low.

Question 3

What if the new key stops working after a few weeks?

Accepted Answer

Call us. We cover our work. If your key loses remote function, throws a key-not-detected warning, or develops any issue after we service it, we come back and sort it out.

One thing worth knowing on this generation: sometimes what looks like a key problem is actually a vehicle-side issue. The receiver module inside the van can develop weak signal reception over time, especially on a 20-year-old vehicle. If a newly programmed remote works at close range but drops out at normal distance, that's a receiver problem, not a key problem. We can tell the difference on site and won't leave you guessing about which side of the system is causing the trouble.

Question 4

My 2004 Grand Caravan starts fine but the remote locks and unlocks stopped working. Do I need a new fob?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. On this generation, the remote receiver and the immobilizer are separate functions. The van starts because the transponder side is fine. The dead remote is its own issue.

First thing to check: CR2032 battery. Even if it's not old, a cheap cell can read okay on a multimeter but fail under the load of a radio transmission. Swap it with a name-brand cell and retest.

If that doesn't fix it, the fob board may have a cracked solder joint from being dropped, which is common on these after years of keychain use. Pop the fob apart and look at the board. A hairline crack near the button contacts is easy to miss but kills the signal.

If the board looks clean and a fresh battery doesn't help, the van's receiver module may be the weak point, especially on a vehicle this age. Range problems that get progressively worse over months usually point there.

Question 5

I only have one key left for my 2004 Grand Caravan. Can I get a spare made before I lose the last one?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and this is exactly the right time to do it. The 2004 Grand Caravan has an onboard add-a-key sequence that works as long as you have at least one programmed key present. With one working key in hand, adding a spare is a clean, relatively quick job. The moment you lose that last key, the process changes entirely. All-keys-lost on this vehicle requires different equipment and more time, and the cost goes up. Getting a spare cut and programmed while you still have the original is the smarter move by a wide margin.

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2004 Dodge Grand CaravanKey Replacement - Save vs Dealer in San Diego

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