Hey Folks,


Thought I would do a quick write-up on a recent issue and fix I've done to my car. There had been talk about similar issues on the forum, a lot of folks suggesting fixes, then nothing to be heard of an outcome.


This week I had random issues with the alarm going off sporadically, initially I thought it could be an bad door switch or trunk latch, but then again, as of this year my car only has 13,007mi and vibration/bad/loose contact issues shouldn't be showing up on a car with low mileage. A quick search of the symptom began to go down the worm hole of SKREEM module issues and no real outcome or fix. With a few folks suggesting to replace the alarm siren, and others looking towards the SKREEM system..


A few nights ago, I take the recycling out, and notice the 4ways, and fog lights randomly flashing, as it would be if the alarm was set off, but with no siren. A quick unplug of fuse 9 solved the issue temporarily, but I wasn't able to lock all the doors.


A quick search indicated that there are issues with the internal batteries inside the siren leaking, and that MB had an updated part which now included a lock/unlock audible chirp. Obviously with leaking batteries inside the module, and our cars creeping up in age, this will be an issue that all Xfires will encounter. Especially since the alarm module communicates thru can bus, and can cause a lot of random gremlins to show up even if not directly related to the alarm system.


The new part from MB is 2198203226, and this includes the Door lock/unlock chirp. The part is actually quite reasonable from the MB dealer here in Canada, even more so since I have an account with them. It came to around $190 after TX. This is the only time other then the IC pump that I had to forcefully replace a part on the car.


Install was a breeze, all you need is a Nylock M8 nut for the new siren, T20 screwdriver to remove the lower windshield valance (good time to clean out the rain gutters as well), and to make life much easier get yourself a mini wiper arm puller.
You will see a Security torx on the original siren, just remove the siren bracket, and unplug from car. Just clamp the bracket in a vise and give the siren a good twist, and it will come loose, enough that you can hand unthread it.


Unplug old siren, plug in new.. NO PROGRAMMING IS REQUIRED (there was some talk of this floating around, but its all fluff), and your good to go again.


I dissected the old siren to see how bad things were. Honestly, I know folks have been replacing the cells and re-sealing the box.. But honestly once the acid leaks into the board, and gets between the layers, its only a matter of time before random odd issues occur. Plus I really wanted the door lock/unlock chime.


Also keep in mind, my car has been stored in the garage for all of its life with me (not climate controlled, but I would consider it decently pampered).. Those who live in warmer climates will most definitely see worst leakage and probably more extreme corrosion.


There is a blown component on the board as well, and some serious corrosion in the center on a few of the transistors.


Honestly I would recommend folks to replace the siren before issues happen, there is a minor risk of this module being defective and causing damage to other can bus modules in the car. And honestly I would never expect sealed Ni-MH batteries to last more then 10yrs in the hard thermal environment of a car.


There are also known issues with water ingress into the trunk where the door lock vacuum pump module is, so keep this in mind as well when troubleshooting alarm issues.