Replaced PCM and had it flashed at the dealer.
Oddly after that the door locks are not locking automatically when the car is turned on like before.
But dealer states distributor is faulty. Rather then pay them $1100 for the part, I get it online and installation is a breeze.
She fires up right away and is running great.
Took her for a couple short trips then when I parked it I set the locks and just 15 minutes later it has no spark.

What could we be up against? I don't want to give up on this car as it runs great but this electrical very frustrating. I know it has high miles, 180k, but really it runs nice - when it runs.

Are the door locks just a coincidence?

 

No surprise the aftermarket distributor took a dump. Try another one...till you get a good one. The aftermarket parts quality control is in the toilet these days. The locks shouldn't lock when the car is started anyway. That's a GM thing not a Chrysler thing. It sounds like you have an aftermarket alarm system on it.

ANother scenario.....your BCM is fruity and enabling vehicle theft. May have been your problem all along...intermittent shorted BUS.