[00cherokee]

I am almost finished with a motor/whole drive system swap in my 2000 Cherokee and I have run into somewhat of a dilema. When I go to start or make an attepted start of the different motor using the Jeep key I get the "incorrect key" light so for some reason the ECM is telling the Jeep not to send a signal to the starter to start. Is there any way for me to bypass the ecm or security system so I can start this thing? Flintsone-ing a lifted Cherokee is hard and I would like to not do that.

Thanks

 

[CJ7-Tim]

Replace the ECM with a non-security ECM. AFAIK the factory SKIM security system can't be bypassed and requires at least one (or maybe two) of the original keys to program more keys. Google Jeep SKIM and you will find more info.

 

[00cherokee]

Thanks very much, hopefully this will fix it, I'm not actually sure if thats all thats wrong. Since I have absolutely none of the sensors in anymore would that be an issue as well? If it is I'll just pull the ecm and redo the ignition system and rewire the starting, fuel pump, all that stuff.

 

[AZ Jeff]

The ECM is looking for a signal from a sensor that surrounds the key lock on the steering column. There is a chip in the key itself that the sensor detects and transmits the signal to the ECM.

Without the sensor (and the matching key) the ECM thinks it's a theft in progress, and will not issue the proper commands to the injectors and ignition.

 

[00cherokee]

The ECM is looking for a signal from a sensor that surrounds the key lock on the steering column. There is a chip in the key itself that the sensor detects and transmits the signal to the ECM.

Without the sensor (and the matching key) the ECM thinks it's a theft in progress, and will not issue the proper commands to the injectors and ignition.

It is the correct key but it still doesn't want to work. I think I am just going to bypass the entire ignition system, use a switch and push button start. I'll just cut out the steering wheel lock bar. I just wont use a key.

 

[AZ Jeff]

Did the vehicle originally come with a SKIM security system? Is the ECM the one that came with the vehicle originally?

 

[00cherokee]

Did the vehicle originally come with a SKIM security system? Is the ECM the one that came with the vehicle originally?

Yes, it did, they only thing that is being changed is motor, trans, transfer case, and various parts to make those work. Everything else is stock.

 

[AZ Jeff]

Yes, it did, they only thing that is being changed is motor, trans, transfer case, and various parts to make those work. Everything else is stock.

You swapped in an engine (and all the sensors) from the same model year, or did you reuse all the sensors and controls off the old engine.

I am looking for ANYTHING that would make the ECM think there has been a change to the configuration.

 

[00cherokee]

ummm... I swapped a motor from a 75 chevy truck, a new trans, and a transfer case from a 93 cherokee. I don't think there are any sensors.

Would that be a change in the configuration? I didn't think that it would keep it from sending power to the starter as long as the same key is being used.

 

[AZ Jeff]

ummm... I swapped a motor from a 75 chevy truck, a new trans, and a transfer case from a 93 cherokee. I don't think there are any sensors.

Would that be a change in the configuration? I didn't think that it would keep it from sending power to the starter as long as the same key is being used.

Who the heck KNOWS what types of checks the ECM does when it is scanning the SKIM system? I sure do not.

Now that we have determined that you are completely bypassing ALL of the Jeep OEM control systems (you did not state such in your first post), here is what I suggest--REWIRE the Jeep ignition switch to bypass all the OEM controls.

 

[00cherokee]

Who the heck KNOWS what types of checks the ECM does when it is scanning the SKIM system? I sure do not.

Now that we have determined that you are completely bypassing ALL of the Jeep OEM control systems (you did not state such in your first post), here is what I suggest--REWIRE the Jeep ignition switch to bypass all the OEM controls.

Oh, sorry I should have clarified. When I bypass everything will I run into any issues as far as the rest of the jeep working? like the power inside the vehicle or anything?