[RedRubiconLJ]

Just did this today
Given the number of Jeeps being driven away without our permission (Stolen) lately I and several others in my local club have decided to add the factory SKIM set up to our Jeeps. This will prevent your jeep from being hotwired or a non chipped key being duplicated and used to steal it. When a non coded key is used it will kill your Jeep after about 2 seconds.
Doing this is very simple.

I bought the below keys and module to help deter the theft of my Jeep. Please consult with your Jeep dealer using your VIN # to determine part numbers specfic to your vehicle. The following part numbers came from my receipt and are for a 2005 TJ/LJ;
Key blank # 5018699-AA
SKIM Module # 56010209-AD







The SKIM keys are grey and thicker than the black non SKIM keys.

Here is the install process;

Once you get the parts together remove the top and bottom half of the steering wheel covers, by removing the 2 screws at the bottom of the steering wheel as indicated. There are 2 screws at the base of the steering wheel;


and 2 screws on each side of the steering column for the dash piece. The dash screws are longer and thinner so keep them separate from the steering screws. The panel has two metal clips at the top so you need to pull lightly and they will pop out once the screws are removed.


Once you have all that removed take your module and place the ring over the ignition. It slides over snuggly and seats up against the back of it;




Then rotate it down as needed to slide the clip onto the steering column support;


Take note of the small plug not being used and snip the tape holding it to the harness;


That is the plug that will be used by the dealer ***DO NOT PLUG IT IN*** Just remove the tape to make access for the dealer easier.

Now drive to your dealer of choice. They will need your VIN to get the PIN code to program your keys. They just enter it in their computer and it pulls it up. No need to call anyone. They will need the DRBIII tool for 05 and newer or scangauge for 04 and older.

Once they have the proper tool and code they will need to take that loose plug and connect it to the SKIM module and activate it first by placing your VIN in the module via their tool.

Once the SKIM module is recognized/activated they can place the key in the ignition, turn it on, (Not start) and enter the PIN code and hit "yes". If you have more than one key they just repeat the previous sentence. Now you are done.

When you start your Jeep with a key you will now see the yellow/orange "No Key" symbol next to the cruise light on your dash. It will stay on until it sync's the key and module/computer. One of 2 things will now happen, the light will go off and let the Jeep continue running because a good key is being used or stay on and shut off the Jeep because a non chip key or bad key was used. It will do this in about 2-3 seconds.


If you brought your screwdriver with you you can place all the plastic back together or go home and finish it up.

I bought 3 keys. The reason is that if you have one key go bad you can replace it and program it yourself as long as you have 2 working keys. If you only have 2 keys and one goes bad you have to have the dealer program the new key.

To program a new key if you have 2 good ones, you simply place one good key in the ignition and turn it all the way on but do not start it. You repeat this with the second good key, then you use the new key and your all set. This procedure is in your owners manual. The system will keep track of up to 8 keys.

If you want to test to see if your Jeep shuts off after the install is complete, take your old key and start the Jeep. It should shut if in about 2 secs. DO NOT do this several times. After the 3rd or 4th unsuccessful attempt, it will lock you out of the computer and your Jeep will need to be towed to the dealer. Im not sure on the exact number of tries but it will lock you out if you do this too many times.

I want to thank my daughter for the ability to use her finger(s) as pointers during the making/installation of this project.

I would also like to Thank Huffines Jeep Plano for their help with this.

Fine print and disclaimer: Please consult with your Jeep dealer in regards to your parts. Part #'s could vary. If you connect the spare plug to the module before getting to your dealer you have done so at your own risk after having been advised not to and are responsible for your own towing and repair charges.
NO Child labor laws were violated in the making of these pictures. No children were abused, injured, harmed, or placed in danger in anyway during the making of this writeup.

[neZZr]

Nice write-up!

I constantly see people posting about stolen jeeps, but it seems like they never answer when asked if the jeep had SKIM or not. It may not be foolproof, but if it helps even a little, it's worth it! Combine that with a hidden kill switch (or 3 ) and maybe it'll be enough.

[TravisHeim]

Very nice writeup, I have been wondering for a long time if it was possible to add sentry key to a non-skim jeep. Do you have the approximate cost for the parts and labor for all of this to be done?

[RedRubiconLJ]

Originally Posted by Tumelin

Very nice writeup, I have been wondering for a long time if it was possible to add sentry key to a non-skim jeep. Do you have the approximate cost for the parts and labor for all of this to be done?

I have a very good relationship with my dealer and get very good pricing.

Retail for the key is $53.35 each. The module retail is $91.60. Then your dealer can/will charge you per key to code them, again, my dealer takes care of me. I have heard pricing range free to $25 per key.

Your relationship with your dealer will determine your actual cost.

[FedEazel]

This is exactly what I am looking for. I was trying to come up with some sort of convoluted ignition interlock system with a hidden switch. For a little more cost, this is a more elegant and simple solution. Thanks for the write-up.

[TravisHeim]

Originally Posted by RedRubiconLJ

I have a very good relationship with my dealer and get very good pricing.

Retail for the key is $53.35 each. The module retail is $91.60. Then your dealer can/will charge you per key to code them, again, my dealer takes care of me. I have heard pricing range free to $25 per key.

Your relationship with your dealer will determine your actual cost. :wink:

Unfortunately I have no relationship with any dealer, as sadly I am not the original owner. But I still wouldn't mind even paying upwards of $500 for the peace of mind that some random guy can't take a screwdriver and a hammer to my ignition and drive off with my jeep. I'll definently be going to a dealership tomorrow to get some quotes. Oh, and IMO this should be linked in the FAQ. Too many jeeps are getting stolen lately, everyone should see this info.

[neZZr]

If you don't like the price one dealer gives you, call another. There's probably 3 chrysler dealers within easy driving distance of most places. My dealer charges a flat $40 programming fee, regardless how many keys/remotes/features you have changed.

[TravisHeim]

After going to the dealership today, I was informed that sentry key wasn't available for 97. What year did they add sentry key?

[RedRubiconLJ]

Originally Posted by Tumelin

After going to the dealership today, I was informed that sentry key wasn't available for 97. What year did they add sentry key?

I cant help ya there. I dunno. Sorry.

[jeep06]

Super write and very nice pictures of this install. Must be the SKIM is included in the security group because mine already has this feature on it. I do know it works because the wife went to back my Jeep out of the garage using my "dummy" door key, after a few attempts she came in the house acting a bit touchy telling me the Jeep was screwed up. Well after firing it up with the proper key, she told me that she was using the black key . Anyway, a great piece of mind to hopefully ward off a few thiefs.

[spyder6]

i have the skim from factory and it makes me feel much more at ease when im leaving my jeep somewhere.

[gabriel05]

Awesome write-up
Not to hijack but here are two other anti theft options that I've run across.

http://www.mastersentryseries.com/starter/product-overview.shtml

http://www.northridge4x4.com/proddetail.php?prod=ORO-ADE-II

[b3nj4m1n]

Originally Posted by Tumelin

After going to the dealership today, I was informed that sentry key wasn't available for 97. What year did they add sentry key?

I just bought one of these off ebay the other week, only $70 at jc whitney.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2012844/c-10101/Nty-1/p-2012844/Ntx-mode+matchallpartial/N-10101/tf-Browse/s-10101/Ntk-AllTextSearchGroup?Ntt=master+lock+sentry

just switch the fuel pump relay with the new one and you're all done.

the little remotes operate in 2 different ways, the manual way where you push the button and it will turn on the fuel pump (i find i have to press and hold it while starting the jeep) or you can have it in the automatic setting which is when ever the remote senses movement it starts transmitting so when you get close to your jeep with your keys it'll automatically disarm the relay, they say battery life will last about 6 months to a year on that setting as opposed to 3 years on manual...

i don't like the extra remote on my keychain so i clipped it to some wires up above my feet kinda so its hidden so i just reach down and push it while starting the jeep...
also keep your old relay in your jeep somewhere just in case you lose the remote or whatever

any way its a pretty cheap and easy alternative for us that can't get the sentry key thing

[Jblankster]

i have these from the factory on my jeep. i just wonder how effective they are?

[Mopar Fan]

Originally Posted by Tumelin

After going to the dealership today, I was informed that sentry key wasn't available for 97. What year did they add sentry key?

The 1998 MY was the first year for Sentry Key on TJ's.