How do I know if I have a Sentry Key Immobilizer on new jeep? - Page 4

Lawrence · 05-26-2010, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkTJRubi

Supplier Comments:
04/26/10 4:50 PM - YOUR JEEP DOES NOT HAVE A IMMOBILIER AND IT CAN NOT BE ADDED TO YOUR JEEP

I asked this question earlier and never got a response. Is the parts guy confused or am I?

Not sure how they would know unless you gave them your VIN# but if you want to be certain, take the lower steering cover off and see if the plug is there. I bet you it is.

Bottom line is that it happens all the time regardless of what brand vehicle you have. You try to order something and the site tells you it is not compatible with your vehicle. The reason is that most sites go with what the manufacturers tells them, but folks on the forums usually find ways to make things work.

Lawrence · 05-26-2010, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forthetimebeing

Send those photos to the dope who wrote that how-to, [...] I sent him a URL early this morning to download some freeware just for that

Actually Chris did a good job with the article. I think that if something seems evident to us we tend to forget that it may still be confusing for someone else, so we don't go deep enough into the explanation.

Can you post any links to such sites that would work on a Mac? I have some pictures to work on and I would rather use something that looks a little more professional rather than my pathetic attempt with MS Paint.

Forgot to mention.... When you look for the plug, it may be wrapped into the wire loom, so don't panic if you don't see it right away. Once you find the plug, don't prematurely celebrate by plugging it into the back of the SKIM module. If you do, it will cut your celebration short and will result in a tow to the nearest dealer.

Edit: Wire loom = bundle. The plug you're looking for may be wrapped in it.

**danielbuck** · 05-26-2010, 03:59 PM

a note on checking if the key has a chip in it or not, I had a duplicate made of my key today at the local auto parts store, they had a device that they put the key into for checking to see if there's a chip in there or not. Mine didn't have one, so a regular cut-key works just fine (for mine anyway).

forthetimebeing · 05-26-2010, 05:18 PM

You can try googleing for mac screen capture freeware, but most freeware is pc only. Still, if you have enough reason for buying it, SnagIt is great for all kinds of down & dirty photo treating/editing/annotating/markup, and not too pricey.

I'm only too aware, if something seems "too evident" the expert "tends to forget that it may still be confusing for someone else." That's what they pay me for ;-) and why I work with experts, but never become one ;-) -- have to remain able to see things as the know-nothing newbie does.

So again, what is a "wire loom?" ;-) You mean a bundle? It could be completely hidden? How would you find it or unwrap it if it's not at all apparent, without messing something up should it not be there at all? Or what am I missing . . .

**mrblaine** · 05-26-2010, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forthetimebeing

Send those photos to the dope who wrote that how-to, or redo the article and post it again with your markup photos.

So the guy who had never installed one, who figured it out without pictures or a write-up, and who took the trouble to post up a few pics and a description is a dope?

I'll be sure to let him know in the morning when he's over here helping me develop some more stuff for Savvy.

Ungrateful bastid, if you said that about something I did, I'd tell you to go buy a FSM and shove it right up your butt sideways.

**TJJP77** · 05-26-2010, 07:07 PM

FYI - instead of trying to access those two forward facing torx screws for just the wiper stalk, I found it to be much easier to just remove the two screws on top of the stalk assembly (Chrysler calls it the "multi-funtion switch") that point straight down and just lift the whole assembly up enough to get the SKIM module installed.

Also, be sure to find a dealer who has a tech that is really familiar with the SKIM system on these older J1850 Bus vehicles...it's very easy to screw it up permanently and end up needing a new PCM...once the SKIM is plugged in and the PCM thinks it's SKIM equipped, there's no convincing it otherwise.

I think Mr. Blaine alluded to it in another thread - the tech has to use the scan tool (DRB III) and walk through the PCM replace procedure to transfer the "secret key" data to the SKIM or something along those lines, then perform a SKIM replace to transfer a new "made up" PIN back to the PCM. The article here on JeepForum makes reference to the dealer getting the PIN from their Chrysler computer, but that isn't true to the best of my knowledge - that 4-digit PIN will only be there on the computer if the car came with SKIM from the factory, so the tech who does the install will have to make one up. The guy who did mine just used the last 4 digits of the VIN since it would be easy enough to remember. This PIN is needed in the event of a SKIM module failure down the road, so pick something easy to remember. The guy also told me that they may also need to reprogram the VIN into the PCM using the utility built into the scan tool since when you do the SKIM module install it overwrites the VIN in the PCM with a bunch of question marks - remember a new SKIM module does not have a VIN or a PIN in it. The point is that this isn't as simple as just plugging the module in and programming the keys. If the tech screws up during the process after the SKIM is plugged in, the PCM may think it's a theft attempt and lock him out for an hour before they can try again, so set aside some time for this, just in case.

I don't claim to understand the details of it, so I'm not sure I could explain it any better than what I wrote above.

forthetimebeing · 05-27-2010, 09:24 AM

mrblaine, please don't take all this too seriously, I'm sure the "dope" in question does not ;-).

Thanks, TJJP77, for the skim install advice. I'll assemble my own "how to" for their benefit, and make sure they know their stuff. Hopefully, they will make good if they screw it up.

Dukes69 · 05-27-2010, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forthetimebeing

W O W, man, that is perfect. No thanks are enough.

Send those photos to the dope who wrote that how-to, or redo the article and post it again with your markup photos. All the damn difference in the WORLD. You know, I actually contacted the guy, and he said he didn't have the means to mark up a photo. So, I sent him a URL early this morning to download some freeware just for that, so far no response. I do this for a living -- no kidding, I do show & tell "how-to's" -- mostly on high tech topics, but anything really, as long as there's a "subject matter expert" I can work with (I am never the expert ;-). Those color squiggles and text explanations of yours transform a total POS into a really useful how-to.

Really should be put up for all with those photos and text captions. Hell, if I hear from the guy again, I'll forward him the url to this thread. Jeez Lueez.

I think you have it exactly right about the stealership techs, and I'll keep you posted how it all turns out.

Yeah, the nut lock never did inspire confidence, may add in the cable as well.

Does this forum hand out awards? You get five gold stars.

;-)

**Joe Dillard** · 05-28-2010, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrblaine

So the guy who had never installed one, who figured it out without pictures or a write-up, and who took the trouble to post up a few pics and a description is a dope?

I'll be sure to let him know in the morning when he's over here helping me develop some more stuff for Savvy.

Ungrateful bastid, if you said that about something I did, I'd tell you to go buy a FSM and shove it right up your butt sideways.

X10

Quote:

Originally Posted by forthetimebeing

W O W, man, that is perfect. No thanks are enough.

Send those photos to the dope who wrote that how-to, or redo the article and post it again with your markup photos. All the damn difference in the WORLD. You know, I actually contacted the guy, and he said he didn't have the means to mark up a photo. So, I sent him a URL early this morning to download some freeware just for that, so far no response. I do this for a living -- no kidding, I do show & tell "how-to's" -- mostly on high tech topics, but anything really, as long as there's a "subject matter expert" I can work with (I am never the expert ;-). Those color squiggles and text explanations of yours transform a total POS into a really useful how-to.

Really should be put up for all with those photos and text captions. Hell, if I hear from the guy again, I'll forward him the url to this thread. Jeez Lueez.

I think you have it exactly right about the stealership techs, and I'll keep you posted how it all turns out.

Yeah, the nut lock never did inspire confidence, may add in the cable as well.

Does this forum hand out awards? You get five gold stars.

;-)

I see you figured out how to use the thumbs down feature, yet have a hard time following simple instructions.

You need to quickly learn to keep your smart aleck attitude in check or someone will do it for you.

scs2016 · 06-01-2010, 12:32 PM

I think Blaine and TJJP77 are right on from my experience having a SKIM recently added to my 2004 TJ. The procedure is a bit more complex than "just" programming the SKIM. Definitely requires a DRBIII tool and a knowledgeable tech.

Regarding photo editing on a Mac -- you can take great screen captures with Preview (built into OS X). In Preivew, go to File, "Take Screen Shot"

**Jerry Bransford** · 06-01-2010, 12:35 PM

All I can say is after having had one non-SKIM equipped TJ stolen, I'm glad my new TJ has the SKIM system.

**SirGCal** · 06-02-2010, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkTJRubi

Supplier Comments:
04/26/10 4:50 PM - YOUR JEEP DOES NOT HAVE AN IMMOBILIZER AND IT CAN NOT BE ADDED TO YOUR JEEP

This is utter BS... My 2k came sans Sentry Key. It's a 75 $ option but it cost between 200-400 to get it added after the fact... But it CAN be done. A dealer however does have to do this work (and only the best ones seem to know how). You need the module, the keys, and then the computer itself has to be reprogrammed. The dealership did mine in 2 hours...

You can not add it yourself though as I understand it but it can very well be added.

**Wheelin98TJ** · 06-02-2010, 08:34 AM

You could add SKIM yourself by sourcing the PCM, SKIM module, ignition key cylinder, and ignition key from the same donor.

Its not really feasible though in most cases, but that is how my TJ ended up with SKIM.

**ImaginaryFriend** · 06-02-2010, 08:47 AM

$200-$400 to just program or do the entire install?

How much have folks paid to just get the programing done? The module install is the easy part.

**SirGCal** · 06-02-2010, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImaginaryFriend

$200-$400 to just program or do the entire install?

How much have folks paid to just get the programing done? The module install is the easy part.

I dropped the Jeep off without, picked it up after lunch with... My bill was on the higher side in the low 300's if I remember. But they also had not done it before so it cost more than a shop familiar with the procedure. Still, the good 5-star dealerships were not afraid to tackle it. They initially said it didn't come and couldn't be added and all I said was 'I know another dealership that will do it for ~ 200 $, I just don't want to drive that far, but I will...' Took them about 10 minutes to look up the details and then said simply 'Ya, we can do this... Be aware we'll have to flash your PCM though and if that fails for whatever reason.. 'bla bla bla''.

But that price included two keys, all of the parts (skim and relay) and the reprogramming and laybor. All in all, fair considering. I've heard of shops doing it for as low as the low 2's.