newbe please help
- Thread starter ddaazz03
- Start date
SteelHeadz
Super Moderator
That Yellow key symbol that has a slash through it, when it stays lit up, it means it's not detecting the correct key in the ignition. This is called a SKIM( Sentry key immobilizer module). The key that you should have is gray in color, if you do have that key, there might be other issues with the SKIM system. Your best bet is to get it scanned for a DTC. Another thing you could do is try resetting the Module by doing a battery disconnect. Try that first.
ddaazz03
New member
i have the grey key. the light stays on. tried a battery disconnect, the light is still on and no key action. what is DTC"??
SteelHeadz
Super Moderator
DTC= Diagnostic Trouble Code. You can make some preliminary checks on the system by removing the steering column covers. This will expose the SKIM on the key ignition tumbler area. It's going to have a halo around the ignition assembly. Check the connector on the module and make sure it's plugged in all the way. Also, one of the most common areas overlooked are the fuses. Make sure all the fuses behind the glove box and under the hood are good. Other than that, im afraid that you probbably need to get it towed to a dealer and have it scanned. The Chrysler scantool has the ability to diagnose the module and it's inputs and outputs.
phall92139
New member
As usual, Mikey is right on. Here's a bit of information overload taken from the '03 Service Manual that may give you a better idea of what's happening and why...
OPERATION
The Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) contains a Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver and a microprocessor. The SKIM transmits RF signals to, and receives RF signals from the Sentry Key transponder through a tuned antenna enclosed within the molded plastic antenna ring integral to the SKIM housing. If this antenna ring is not mounted properly
around the ignition lock cylinder housing, communication problems between the SKIM and the transponder may arise. These communication problems will result in Sentry Key transponder-related faults. The SKIM also communicates over the Programmable
Communications Interface (PCI) data bus with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) and/or the DRBIIIt scan tool.
The SKIM retains in memory the ID numbers of any Sentry Key transponder that is programmed into it. A maximum of eight Sentry Key transponders can be programmed into the SKIM. For added system security, each SKIM is programmed with a unique
Secret Key code. This code is stored in memory, sent over the PCI data bus to the PCM, and is encoded to the transponder of every Sentry Key that is programmed into the SKIM. Therefore, the Secret Key code is a common element that is found in every component of the Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS).
Another security code, called a PIN, is used to gain access to the SKIM Secured Access Mode. The Secured Access Mode is required during service to perform the SKIS initialization and Sentry Key transponder programming procedures. The SKIM also
stores the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in its memory, which it learns through a PCI data bus message from the PCM during SKIS initialization. In the event that a SKIM replacement is required, the Secret Key code can be transferred to the new SKIM from the PCM using the DRBIIIt scan tool and the SKIS initialization procedure. Proper completion of the SKIS initialization will allow the existing Sentry Keys to be programmed into the new SKIM so that new keys will not be required. In the event that the original Secret Key code cannot be recovered, SKIM replacement will also require new Sentry Keys. The DRBIIIt scan tool will alert the technician during the SKIS initialization procedure if new Sentry Keys are required. When the ignition switch is On, the SKIM transmits an RF signal to the transponder in the ignition key. The SKIM then waits for an RF signal response from the transponder. If the response received identifies
the key as valid, the SKIM sends a valid key message to the PCM over the PCI data bus. If the response received identifies the key as invalid, or if no response is received from the key transponder, the SKIM sends an invalid key message to the PCM. The PCM will enable or disable engine operation based upon the status of the SKIM messages. It is important to note that the default condition in the PCM is an invalid key; therefore, if no message is received from the SKIM by the PCM, the engine will be disabled and the vehicle immobilized after two seconds of running.
The SKIM also sends SKIS indicator status messages to the EMIC. This indicator status message tells the EMIC to turn the indicator on for about three seconds each time the
ignition switch is turned On, as a bulb test. The SKIM sends indicator status messages to the EMIC to turn the indicator off, turn the indicator on, or to flash the indicator on and off. If the SKIS indicator flashes upon ignition On or stays on solid after the bulb test, it signifies a SKIS fault. If the SKIM detects a system malfunction and/or the SKIS has become inoperative, the SKIS indicator will stay on solid. If the SKIM detects an invalid key or if a key transponder-related fault exists, the SKIS indicator will flash. If the vehicle is equipped with the Customer Learn transponder programming feature, the SKIM will also send messages to the EMIC to flash the SKIS indicator and to generate a single audible chime whenever the Customer Learn programming mode is being utilized. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY - STANDARD PROCEDURE - SENTRY KEY TRANSPONDER PROGRAMMING). The SKIS performs a self-test each time the ignition switch is turned to the On position, and will store fault information in the form of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC’s) in SKIM memory if a system malfunction is detected. The SKIM can be diagnosed, and any stored DTC’s can be retrieved using a
DRBIIIt scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
OPERATION
The Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) contains a Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver and a microprocessor. The SKIM transmits RF signals to, and receives RF signals from the Sentry Key transponder through a tuned antenna enclosed within the molded plastic antenna ring integral to the SKIM housing. If this antenna ring is not mounted properly
around the ignition lock cylinder housing, communication problems between the SKIM and the transponder may arise. These communication problems will result in Sentry Key transponder-related faults. The SKIM also communicates over the Programmable
Communications Interface (PCI) data bus with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) and/or the DRBIIIt scan tool.
The SKIM retains in memory the ID numbers of any Sentry Key transponder that is programmed into it. A maximum of eight Sentry Key transponders can be programmed into the SKIM. For added system security, each SKIM is programmed with a unique
Secret Key code. This code is stored in memory, sent over the PCI data bus to the PCM, and is encoded to the transponder of every Sentry Key that is programmed into the SKIM. Therefore, the Secret Key code is a common element that is found in every component of the Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS).
Another security code, called a PIN, is used to gain access to the SKIM Secured Access Mode. The Secured Access Mode is required during service to perform the SKIS initialization and Sentry Key transponder programming procedures. The SKIM also
stores the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in its memory, which it learns through a PCI data bus message from the PCM during SKIS initialization. In the event that a SKIM replacement is required, the Secret Key code can be transferred to the new SKIM from the PCM using the DRBIIIt scan tool and the SKIS initialization procedure. Proper completion of the SKIS initialization will allow the existing Sentry Keys to be programmed into the new SKIM so that new keys will not be required. In the event that the original Secret Key code cannot be recovered, SKIM replacement will also require new Sentry Keys. The DRBIIIt scan tool will alert the technician during the SKIS initialization procedure if new Sentry Keys are required. When the ignition switch is On, the SKIM transmits an RF signal to the transponder in the ignition key. The SKIM then waits for an RF signal response from the transponder. If the response received identifies
the key as valid, the SKIM sends a valid key message to the PCM over the PCI data bus. If the response received identifies the key as invalid, or if no response is received from the key transponder, the SKIM sends an invalid key message to the PCM. The PCM will enable or disable engine operation based upon the status of the SKIM messages. It is important to note that the default condition in the PCM is an invalid key; therefore, if no message is received from the SKIM by the PCM, the engine will be disabled and the vehicle immobilized after two seconds of running.
The SKIM also sends SKIS indicator status messages to the EMIC. This indicator status message tells the EMIC to turn the indicator on for about three seconds each time the
ignition switch is turned On, as a bulb test. The SKIM sends indicator status messages to the EMIC to turn the indicator off, turn the indicator on, or to flash the indicator on and off. If the SKIS indicator flashes upon ignition On or stays on solid after the bulb test, it signifies a SKIS fault. If the SKIM detects a system malfunction and/or the SKIS has become inoperative, the SKIS indicator will stay on solid. If the SKIM detects an invalid key or if a key transponder-related fault exists, the SKIS indicator will flash. If the vehicle is equipped with the Customer Learn transponder programming feature, the SKIM will also send messages to the EMIC to flash the SKIS indicator and to generate a single audible chime whenever the Customer Learn programming mode is being utilized. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY - STANDARD PROCEDURE - SENTRY KEY TRANSPONDER PROGRAMMING). The SKIS performs a self-test each time the ignition switch is turned to the On position, and will store fault information in the form of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC’s) in SKIM memory if a system malfunction is detected. The SKIM can be diagnosed, and any stored DTC’s can be retrieved using a
DRBIIIt scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
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phall92139
New member
Amazing. These things are nearly impossible to figure out without a good Scan Tool.
I've got about 67K on my '03 and that's one component that has not been replaced yet. Maybe others will chime in so we can get a better picture of their failure rate.
I've got about 67K on my '03 and that's one component that has not been replaced yet. Maybe others will chime in so we can get a better picture of their failure rate.
SteelHeadz
Super Moderator
Wow!, i never would have connected that issue with the CKP. I've seen many of the XJ's and TJ's with a no start along with a No bus on the cluster and that's a usual symptom for the CKP shorted to voltage.
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