Skim light

[zjwrekkr]

Any of you fellas have any experience with you SKIM light coming on as you're driving down the road? The one on WJ has been coming on once and a while. I had the computer scanned and they cleared the codes but it has been happening again. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated. I have two spare keys and have tried them and it still happens. Thanks. -B

[nblehm]

What year? And what was the code?

[zjwrekkr]

2003. I didnt run the scanner and they didnt take the time to look at the codes. Not dealing with the smartest "techs" at the dealer. I ended up having it towed back there as it happened again and completely immobilized my jeep. Before checking the codes the tech unplugged the module in the column. That apparently erased any codes in the computer, as there were none. One thing I was told they did was unhook the module in the column and supposedly it fired up and ran and it shouldnt have. So, it happened again over the weekend. So I pulled it up to their service door and parked it before it was immobilized again.

[nblehm]

My guess is on a skim module if you have tried other keys but that's just a guess without more info.

[zjwrekkr]

I've read threads until my eyes :eek: out. Seems this is a common issue that happens and people have found multiple solutions. I have zero confidence in any of the people I've spoken to for them to trouble shoot this. I just get a blank stare when I suggest any of these possible solutions. Only place in the county with a scanner that can read the security codes in the SKIM module.
I might have to just buy another Jeep. Fuuuuu

[Cobound]

What did you figure out?

Did you just buy yourself a new Grand for xmas?

[xj_man_646]

Do you have specific codes that you can share?

[zjwrekkr]

So after hours of eye burning searches of forums to try and find the best/cheapest way to solve this. There were multiple issues people found to solve there problems. Most notable were replacing the expensive SKIM module and having to program the keys by a locksmith or dealer. A module in the door lock, broken wires in the door jamb. Spraying out residual dust in the PCM connections. Bad fuses. Bad grounds. Replaced the computers. Replaced the BCM. Replaced ignition...etc. many people replaced numerous part and remedial actions to solve this. I came across a gem buried deep in some marginally related thread.
What I did. Purchased a remanufactured computer for $200. I removed the computer, then removed the SKIM module along with the halo around the ignition. Had three unchipped keys cut. Then I installed the new computer. Once installed I turned the key to on position for about 10 minutes. While the computer goes through its initial learn and doesnt read that there is a SKIM module it goes into non-skim mode and doesnt activate the security portion of the computer. I turned the key off for a couple minutes and it fired right up with the non chipped key. It's been running fine for a couple days now. The only thing is that the SKIM light is on all the time. I took the gauge cluster apart and removed what appeared to be the bulb for it, but it's still on. I put a little black tape over it. The only issue I just realized this morning and havent had time to look into it is my windsheild wipers dont work. Not sure if it's a relay/fuse thing or if it somehow ties to having removed the SKIM module...loluhg.

[zjwrekkr]

Do you have specific codes that you can share?

The dealer it was at three times wouldn't give me the codes. Nor would they try to trouble shoot anything. They just wanted to replace parts. The last time it was there for 3 days and they didnt touch it. I also asked the for the PIN for my computer to which they refused to give me. Towards the end of my patients one of the guys behind the service/parts desk told me to go to another dealer.
The reason I wanted the PIN is that I am pretty sure the same bypass could be accomplished by removing the SKIM and then flash the computer.

[Cobound]

Dayum!!!

[zjwrekkr]

I figured out why my wipers didnt work. Had to unplug them to get the SKIM out and didnt plug the back in. :james: anyway I havent had anymore issues. Vroom vroom

[Cobound]

So you’re not buying a “new” Jeep?

[6DoF]

i loath all this new BS ... sure things can be a bit safer or more convenient day to day, but i'm guess you'd have rather had the vehicle stolen and gotten a check from the insurance rather than have dealt with that issue.

there needs to be a work-around for a 100% fully functional vehicle in the hands of it's owner! the computers are there already to allow a freaking bio-metric log-in to start a car without any key or link to the "security module"

[nblehm]

So after hours of eye burning searches of forums to try and find the best/cheapest way to solve this. There were multiple issues people found to solve there problems. Most notable were replacing the expensive SKIM module and having to program the keys by a locksmith or dealer. A module in the door lock, broken wires in the door jamb. Spraying out residual dust in the PCM connections. Bad fuses. Bad grounds. Replaced the computers. Replaced the BCM. Replaced ignition...etc. many people replaced numerous part and remedial actions to solve this. I came across a gem buried deep in some marginally related thread.
What I did. Purchased a remanufactured computer for $200. I removed the computer, then removed the SKIM module along with the halo around the ignition. Had three unchipped keys cut. Then I installed the new computer. Once installed I turned the key to on position for about 10 minutes. While the computer goes through its initial learn and doesnt read that there is a SKIM module it goes into non-skim mode and doesnt activate the security portion of the computer. I turned the key off for a couple minutes and it fired right up with the non chipped key. It's been running fine for a couple days now. The only thing is that the SKIM light is on all the time. I took the gauge cluster apart and removed what appeared to be the bulb for it, but it's still on. I put a little black tape over it. The only issue I just realized this morning and havent had time to look into it is my windsheild wipers dont work. Not sure if it's a relay/fuse thing or if it somehow ties to having removed the SKIM module...loluhg.

Interesting. Thanks for following up.

[nblehm]

i loath all this new BS ... sure things can be a bit safer or more convenient day to day, but i'm guess you'd have rather had the vehicle stolen and gotten a check from the insurance rather than have dealt with that issue.

there needs to be a work-around for a 100% fully functional vehicle in the hands of it's owner! the computers are there already to allow a freaking bio-metric log-in to start a car without any key or link to the "security module"

Just wait man. Cars are going to get a lot more disposable here soon. We are already having problems getting pcms for chryslers that are 10 years old.

[zjwrekkr]

i loath all this new BS ... sure things can be a bit safer or more convenient day to day, but i'm guess you'd have rather had the vehicle stolen and gotten a check from the insurance rather than have dealt with that issue.

there needs to be a work-around for a 100% fully functional vehicle in the hands of it's owner! the computers are there already to allow a freaking bio-metric log-in to start a car without any key or link to the "security module"

Exactly. The thing is beat to **** with 203k on it. Not worth much over scrap to any purchaser. It could have easily been $2-3k to trouble shoot the issue by just starting to replace components. This is was a super cheap DIY fix that is completely bypassing the security BS no matter what was causing the issue.

[zjwrekkr]

If it is a Chrysler dealer, did you file a complaint?

Not yet. I think I'm going to clean the inside out some and take it back and make the fukkrs fix all the TSB's on it just because fukk them. :roflmao:

[zjwrekkr]

So you’re not buying a “new” Jeep?

I bought one as a back up before I did this computer hack just in case it didnt work so I had a way to get to work. That said I'm going to have to find something different. This one is a Laredo. I'm going to need a limited. I took Hammah for one ride in it only to find out the interior is so cheap his claws go right through the vinyl/cloth.
The drive train blows to, totally a grocery getter for moms. Stupid fukking quadra-trac I. No fukking low range and the traction control works by applying brake to the spinning wheel instead of some type of LSD. Wtf junk. I'm gona need something with a quadra-drive in it.

[Cobound]

Bummer...at least you figured out what to look for next.

[6DoF]

Just wait man. Cars are going to get a lot more disposable here soon. We are already having problems getting pcms for chryslers that are 10 years old.

they are particularly the worst from what i've been told. was talking to my mechanic over break and i didn't realize there were "right to repair" laws. basically some states had to sue em to get access to the PCM to perform some repairs. that is bonkers.

[xj_man_646]

Something similar happened with John Deere recently related to allowing owners to repair their own equipment without going through a dealership IIRC.

[nblehm]

they are particularly the worst from what i've been told. was talking to my mechanic over break and i didn't realize there were "right to repair" laws. basically some states had to sue em to get access to the PCM to perform some repairs. that is bonkers.

Right to repair is for sure a thing. A local shop owner here, that does training classes and stuff is on the board (spacing the name of the group) that fights for all that stuff. Basically all manufactures have to provide a way to program cars. Some are easy like gm with a 40ish dollar fee for 2 days of service on their website but some like bmw you have to buy a 1000 dollar yearly subscription (which isnt cost effective if you dont do a lot of bmw programming).

But some modules cant be reprogrammed after they have had a vin written into them, so cant buy used and manufacturers arent going to always keep making new ones.