so here is the basics of the security system of that van
YES. pulling the batt will not allow the key to reprogram itself. There is no "Learning mode"
NO. It did NOT have to go the dealer to get done.
as it turns out, the entire switch assembly has a small key transponder receiver (looks like a ring with a box around it)
it sits right over the lock cylinder to read the key that is inserted.
Turns out that the switch assembly that i got from work did not have that ring matched to the key. (this was confirmed by using the old ring and key and placing the key through the ring while connected to the harness and using the new key to turn the van on.) This time it stayed on.
After taking the switch assembly back and getting it warrantied, we installed it again, and lo and behold. the van ran just fine.
ALSO. according to the lock smith we spoke to, the design of the van's key really doesn't allow for those keys to have alot of weight on it.
(My buddy's wife had almost a good pound of keys and keychains on there)
moral of the story: don't trust the dealer, and don't carry so much weight on the keyrings!
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To the Oquirr hills for awesome thrills! Go-go 4wd, Activate!