I'm going to answer inline like I do at work.
Originally Posted by
DeKalb
Do ALL Crossfires experience the Skreem going bad?
I've had three and drove one to 116,000 miles. I've never had one fail -but I am of the mindset (and even Josh says there are many theories of just how they fail) that the SKREEM may very well be less protected against surges and voltage issues in the car than other modules. I replace my battery at 48 months - PERIOD; I keep terminals tight and have put James' grounding mod in my last two Roadsters. ALL of these are steps I take in order to make the electrical system as stable as possible. I also don't put the top up or down without the engine running.
Is it better to do the fix before the problem arises or wait until problems arise?
I think it's best to PROTECT the SKREEM as I outlined above. The only other thing you can do is to order a replacement 'cloned' SKREEM from Josh or Needswings and keep it as a spare, many have done that.
Being the third or fourth owner is there a way to tell if this vehicle already had the Skreem fixed?
Not that I know of,, unless a note was made in the manual or on the fuse box door, left hand end of the dash.
James' idea is a $15-25 mod that anyone can do. Here is the thread:
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...le-engine.html
Also, if you EVER replace the factory ground cable, make sure it is an OEM part. The factory cable is WELDED at both ends, this is very important.
Do not buy a cheap replacement battery ground cable unless you can SEE that both ends are welded. You must have a VERY low resistance path, and one that won't degrade over time.