Software problems of the 2011 Chrysler Town & Country

We bought our certified used van in may of 2012. In June of 2012 the alternator had to be replaced, as the battery light came on while driving on the highway. Within the first year of ownership it started having weird quirks: the rear heating system would come on while driving with the temperature controls off, the previously closed windows would be rolled down, and sliding door would be open upon returning to the locked van. In November of 2015 the key fob had become so sensitive to the touch that just a slight bump would make the lock indicator honk sound. We took it into a Chrysler dealership in December of 2015 and a new key fob and and software update stopped the honking, the sliding doors opening and the windows rolling down. The heating system continued to turn on by itself. In July 2016 the van started being hard to start. We had it towed to a garage in michigan, where we were visiting, and we were told the code was a security issue between the fob and the starter. We drove it to a dealer in michigan who could not duplicate the problem. Difficulty starting the van started again in October 2016, especially after a cold night. On October 31, 2016, while the van was off in the driveway I heard a noise like a vacuum coming from under the van. When I went to unlock and start the van it was dead. After having the battery replaced, the mechanic friend who replaced it heard the noise and said it sounded like the fuel pump running (while the car was off). The garage we took it to found that we had a faulty totally integrated power module (tipm). Some research has show us that this is a common problem for Jeep/Dodge/Chrysler vehicles that causes airbags to not work because the fuel pump runs constantly. The heating system turning on is also a symptom of this. Why if some Jeep/Dodge/Chrysler vehicles have a recall for this part are they not for all models?.

The vehicle at times will not start. You put the key in the ignition and turn to start and get nothing. It is not a battery problem. If the car sits, it will eventually start. Sometimes sitting 5 mins works, other times about an hour. We have tried replacing the battery, starter and Chrysler recommended a software update but it still happens. We will have it towed to dealership but by the time it gets there, it starts. It did duplicate the problem once at dealer but they have been unable to diagnose it. Previous Chrysler models have had recalls on ignition but they state this year does not. They have been unable to diagnosis problem but have seen problem does occur. Usually happens after driving the car on errands and then trying to start after sitting for about an hour. This has been going on for months and still can't diagnosis it.

-Jan 2015- the key was lodged in the ignition and would not come out. I had it towed to nearest chry dealer to fix. - Jan to may- car intermittently stalls/won't start. Sometimes starts with a jump. -may- mechanic/battery installed $268. -June/July- car intermittently stalls/won't start. Starts if you wait a while. -August-won't start/wont jump/stranded with kids/towed to mechanic. -changed my batteries in my key fobs at least 3 times in 2015. -I am constantly stranded with my children and spend days without my car waiting for mechanics to find out the problem. The Chrysler dealer informs me that it's a minimum of $200 just to look at it. It will most likely be more if it's electrical and they need a day or two. I have to get my kids to and from school and can't pay for another car. Mechanic said to look at bulletins/info on tipm and win. Other chry year/makes have had exact same issues and were recalled. There is a class action suit for this year/make and many more. How am I still driving? I was given a tip by a mechanic: open the hood and then the fuse box. Remove the m27 fuse. Wait 10 seconds. Replace fuse. Start car. It's been working so far! apparently, this clears a software lockup in the module.

After turning on ignition, windshield wipers turned on highest speed, although switch indicated they were turned off, there were no lights illuminated on the instrument panel, the speed, temperature and message center was not working, radio was working but had no lights, air and heat panel was working, turn signals were not working. Appeared to be electrical or computer malfunction. Turned the vehicle off and on twice to attempt to fix issue, but same issue occurred again both times. On the third attempt of turning off vehicle and re-starting, switched on and off the light switches, wiper switch, turn signal indicators a few times, and lights and messages came back on. Concerned that possible computer malfunction may override operator's ability to control lights, turn signals, windshield wipers, and other safety necessities while vehicle is in motion. Software update/recall had been performed approximately two months ago.