[enordy]

Hi all -

Bit of a problem, hopefully someone can point me in the right direction.

07 Commander, 2 original keys....wife went to start it and engine cut out after a few seconds. She retried several times, now the car will not recognize either key. No buttons on either one work, SKIM light flashes on dash when ignition turned to ON.

Any good options here?

[TimmyB]

Well as you know the keys have chips in them, and if a key not programmed for the car is put in the engine will cut. Did you try checking the batteries in the key fobs? I went thru some previous post on here related to having the same issue you are having, mostly from people that got other keys cut but did not program it so there cars wouldnt start. If you shut the doors no key will work, like locking the doors? Might want to try disconnecting the battery in the car for a few min, then use the key that didnt have the problem with it. Might rest itself.

[magneticred]

The chip in the key that allows the car to start does not use the battery in the key fob. It is an RFID (radio frequency ID) device that is powered by a magnetic pulse from the starter switch. It sounds like you may have a problem with the computer or the receiving antena not recognizing the key. Make sure there are no electromagnetic devices operating near the key when you start the Jeep, since I suppose it could possibly interfere.

[TimmyB]

And you said the car WAS running, then cut out? I saw a post where someones starter was bad and when they put the key in the lights on the dash were blinking but it wouldnt do anything else.

[enordy]

TimmyB - Yup, both fobs will not lock/unlock all doors, no buttons work on either one. Car DID initially start, but then I think SKIM cut the engine after several seconds. It did restart a couple of times after that, but did the same thing. Now it doesn't even turn over. Check engine light is lit and SKIM light blinks with key in ON position....

I'll try to disconnect battery in the AM for a while, see if it resets. I'm gonna download the OBD codes and see what it threw.

Has anyone else run into problems with this, because I'm thinkin' its gonna be and arm AND a leg if I need to tow it to the dealer for a diagnostic and whatnot.....

thanks -

[TimmyB]

I'd prob be telling you wrong info as im not sure what it is, but like I said there are previous posts on this site dealing with the same issue ur having. I google SKIM light WK and it lead me back to this site on previous posts. Thats where I found the one person ending up having a bad starter. If I find some good info i'll post it for you.

[enordy]

Any help is appreciated....I don't think its the starter, but I don't know, that's why I'm here

[enordy]

More info -

Vehicle sat for approx. 3 hours - I went out to try again, did not work. Waited a minute, jiggled key in ignition, it started normally. Shut it off after a few minutes, tried again, no good first couple of times, then it worked. Right now still in lockout state, will not start. No buttons on either fob work......

[TheTrot]

A SKIM out engine start is the engine starts for 2 seconds then it dies. This is due ot a WCM to Engine Controller disagreement.

The WCM controls the "start" signal being sent to the engine controller, so if the WCM is unhappy with a key then it won't even tell the engine controller to start.

A good way to tell if start is being sent out is to hold (but not to long as you don't want to damage the starter if it is working) the key in start (as in turn it to that position and physically hold the key). If your radio goes out and your wiper stalks don't work then your car is sending "start" to the engine controller, if not then the WCM is ignoring you turning the key to the start position because it thinks something is invalid.

To find out what is invalid you'll have to have the codes taken from the WCM as it could be any number of things. RKE not working is NEVER a good sign, but as another poster said the Transponder in the key still works via a magnetic coil when inserted into the ignition even in cases with a dead battery.

[YB Normyl]

On the last generation Chrysler's, if you try to start the vehicle 6 times without success it will lock you out. Don't know if these do as well.
How's the battery voltage?

[enordy]

Checked battery voltage, 13V. Checked fuses in all 3 busses, all OK. Disconnected battery for 15 min., reconnetced. Still no RKE function, engine is SKIMming out after 2-3 second run, SKIM light flashes with key in ON position.

What gets me is the fact that it DID start twice last night after sitting for a couple hours, even thougth it returned to the SKIM out condition.....

[enordy]

Sooooo..

I think we'll be getting a tow to the dealer tomorrow....just for the sake of knowledge, though....Tried again - it IS getting a start signal, not turning over, Mr. SKIM light still blinking, no RKE function.

Here's a new twist....when I cycle the key to ON, the info center VERY quickly shows "Transmission Over Temp" before settling on the default info (time/temp).



Methinks a gremlin is gummin' up the works.....

[TheTrot]

Originally Posted by enordy

Here's a new twist....when I cycle the key to ON, the info center VERY quickly shows "Transmission Over Temp" before settling on the default info (time/temp).

I've seen that on MANY WK/XK's ignore that it is the cluster being stupid.

[merlinTec]

Hi
Does sound like the WCM is down ((wireless control module) reads the key and is also the receiver for the RKE). WCM sends a signal to the dash for the RKE to unlock and a key signal to the PCM for the immobiliser as TheTrot has already said. This doesn’t mean you defiantly need a new WCM it could also be a LIN bus fault (I have seen tire pressures sensor trigger module course this when they have got water in them) or a power or earth fault to the WCM and this would explain why you got it to restart as normaly if the WCM goes down it stays down.
Regards,
Merlin

[enordy]

Thanks for the info - it kinda makes sense...where does the WCM ground to on the chassis?

I also read that static discharge may cause WCM issues, which may be the case....