wolfstalker-- Thank you so much for tackling this problem as you are. I have often wondered why it didn't get more discussion here--especially with the recent "unavailable due to change of supplier" statement by Needswings and my local dealer regarding replacement keys (I didn't ask about SKREEMs.) Some of my thoughts on the subject as I have often wondered when, due to the crazy electronics, our cars would become garage decorations:

1. I have heard that manufacturers are only required to keep replacement parts available for a period of 10 years beyond the model year of the vehicle. With that in mind, I wonder if there is already a trade law in place that alleviates Chrysler of any legal responsibility in the case of our Crossfires. Hence, my desire to do away with the complicated SKREEM and VIN-specific keys altogether.

2. The security system for these cars is needlessly complicated and, at this point in the life of the car, owners should be able to down-grade it if they choose. I bet the security system at Fort Knox is no match for a Crossfire anti-theft system. I would like to see a way to bypass the SKREEM, because if we just do a simple parts replacement to keep the same convoluted system working, in a few years it may go out again-- will the parts be available at that time? Or will a change in management/suppliers/people who care render the parts unavailable AGAIN? I would think that since human electrical engineers created the crazy system, they can also come up with a way to bypass it or at least make it less complicated--such as a replacement module that confirms there's a key being used (not hot-wired), but doesn't care what the VIN is--in other words, a replacement system that does not need each key to be VIN encoded because the system does not need to send encrypted VIN-correct messages to the ECM, just a simple "start signal." (From reading earlier posts, there was a concern about losing the theft protection...but honestly, that's the least of my worries...these cars are not THAT valuable.) Another thing about the current system is some lock-up "feature" that the crazy engineers built into it that will, after 30 tries to start the car with a bad SKREEM, lock up the ECM or PCM and the only option according to the dealer is to replace the ECM. In summary, we need a replacement module that does not need to be sent out for programming--just plug and play.

3. Replacement keys that cost $500-$700 is insane--which are unavailable at this point due to a "supplier change". It's price gouging due to the proprietary coding that needs to be done. Again, way too complicated and should be done away with if the owner chooses.

4. In surfing the 'net on this issue, I ran across this thread in the Mercedes Sprinter discussion forum that shows a company called "Green Diesel Engineering" (GDE) which specializes in tuning the Sprinter diesel, has made a program that bypasses the SKREEM. I sure wish someone would do this for the Crossfire.

I might add more later, but let me know what your thoughts are on the above if you would. Thanks!
Scott