Car will start but dies after a few seconds

Yes, you guessed it, its probably the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) which is part of the Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS). The VTSS lamp turns on for the key-on bulb check. The SKIM keeps it on for around 1s after the other lamps turn off. If the SKIM detects a valid sentry key the VTSS lamp turns off. If the SKIM doesn't detect a valid sentry key within 2s the VTSS (alarm) light will start flashing. This is easily overlooked because it also sends an "invalid key" message to the powertrain control module (PCM) which stops the engine and as the engine stops the oil pressure and charging system lamps illuminate. This SKIM will fail to recognize a valid sentry key when the CR2032 coin cell in the key or the 2 CR2016 coin cells in the key fob is depleted and needs to be changed. The car will start using any brass key cut to match the lock cylinder, but when the SKIM can't make radio contact with a key that's programmed with the car's secret security code, it shuts off about 2s later. If the key or key fob has been sitting out in the cold, bringing it inside and warming it up may improve the battery's terminal voltage enough to let it operate at least one more time. Its not a long term cure, but it makes it easier to go somewhere to buy a new CR2032 coin cell for a key or 2 new CR2016 coin cells for a key fob. To change the coin cell for a key - Put the key on a table with the buttons down before opening. There's a pry slot near the brass key. Don't damage the rubber gasket. Don't get fingerprints on the new battery, clean it with rubbing alcohol if you do. When re-assembling place the cover to get an even gap all around between the two halves of the case before squeezing them together (evenly) to snap it closed. if the transmitter can operate the door locks, it will respond to the anti-theft interrogation. If a valid sentry key is available a new sentry key can be programmed with the vehicle's secret key and the vehicle can store the key's secret ID making the new key a valid entry key for that one vehicle. A sentry key can only be programmed with a vehicle secret key once. A used sentry key from another vehicle can't be reprogrammed. If there's no valid sentry key available the only way to program a new sentry key to make a valid sentry key is to use a DRB III diagnostic tool (only found at dealerships). The NS '96-'00 system can store 4 keys before it has to be erased using the DRB-III dealer tool, and the RS '01-'07 system can store 8. If an NS vehicle has power seats/mirrors with memory the opening the doors with the 1st key programmed activates the settings for driver #1, and the 2nd key activates the setting for driver #2 and the rest of the keys don't choose either. The RS vehicle seat/mirror memory doesn't react based on which transmitter opened the doors and only responds to the driver #1 and driver #2 buttons on the door. I'm inclined to guess that this question wouldn't have been posted if there were two keys available. It's less expensive to buy a key/fob and program it yourself and then have the brass key cut either at a dealership or a lock shop. It expensive to wait until there's no working key, have the car towed to a dealer, buy a key at the dealership parts dept price, and pay the dealer's minimum service charge for a service technician to use the DRB III tool. So to be a complete answer the procedure for programming (authorizing) a new key follows ---- edited from TSB 08-007-02 ---- NOTE: PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS FULLY BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO PROGRAM TRANSMITTERS. NB: The TSB covers procedures for many models "RS" designates 2001-2007 minivans, "NS" designates 1996-2000 minivans. The procedures and notes for other vehicles and the dealer procedure requiring the DRB III tool have all been edited out. NB: The VTSS (alarm) must be disabled to enter programming mode. If its on, it can be disabled by opening the driver, passenger, or liftgate door using the key, by unlocking the doors using the remote, or by starting the car using a valid sentry key. NB: Step 1 checks to make sure that the transmitter isn't already programmed for the vehicle. Steps 3 and 4 are performed using a transmitter currently programmed for the vehicle. Steps 5 and 6 are performed using the transmitter that is being programmed for the vehicle. NB: Step 8 describes a time limit after ignition off within which it remains possible to program a transmitter. It is not a suggestion to shut the ignition off before programming a transmitter. Its for service personnel along with this Warning: Simultaneous programming of multiple vehicles should be avoided as any transmitter activated within 30 meters (100 feet) can get programmed and may result in cross-vehicle programming. Someone must have done it or they wouldn't have shortened the timeout from 60s to 30s in 2001. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Program Method A (Customer Program Method) 1. Press (LOCK) button 5 times at 2 second Intervals to resynchronize transmitter, Attempt to function transmitter, If working as designed discontinue programming. 2. Turn ignition to run position, (Allow Ignition chimes to stop). 3. Using any original (working) transmitter, press the [UNLOCK] button for 4 to 10 seconds. 4. Within the specified 4 to l0 seconds, continue pressing the [UNLOCK] button and press the [PANIC] button for 1 second and release both buttons. A chime will sound to indicate that the transmitter programming mode has been entered (allow 3 seconds for chime to sound). 5. Using the transmitter being programmed - Press [LOCK] and [UNLOCK] buttons simultaneously for 1 second and release. 6. Press and release any button on the same transmitter and a chime will sound after successfully programming the transmitter. 7. Repeat steps 5 through 6 to program additional transmitters. 8. Turn ignition to OFF position. Transmitter programming mode will discontinue after 60 seconds (30 seconds for RS). (All transmitter programming must be completed within time specified).

Yes, you guessed it, its probably the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) which is part of the Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS). The VTSS lamp turns on for the key-on bulb check. The SKIM keeps it on for around 1s after the other lamps turn off. If the SKIM detects a valid sentry key the VTSS lamp turns off. If the SKIM doesn't detect a valid sentry key within 2s the VTSS (alarm) light will start flashing. This is easily overlooked because it also sends an "invalid key" message to the powertrain control module (PCM) which stops the engine and as the engine stops the oil pressure and charging system lamps illuminate. The SKIM will fail to recognize a valid sentry key when the CR2032 coin cell in the key or the 2 CR2016 coin cells in the key fob need to be changed. The car will start using any brass key cut to match the lock cylinder, but when the SKIM can't make radio contact with a key that's programmed with the car's secret security code, it shuts off about 2s later.

same answer as other post, change the CR2032 battery in the key or the 2 CR2016 batteries in the key fob. See the other post for a much longer answer with details and instructions for programming extra keys.