Well it has happened. The skreem has hit, and I have several days to get it fixed. I've tried all the options to get it started, but none of them work (removed the fuse #9, reprogram the key, etc). I was wondering if this is something a locksmith would possibly be able to do? I just need to get the car started once so I can drive it out of the location it's in now without paying a fortune for a tow. Any help is appreciated!

 

 

 

Classic SKREEM symptoms

 

Any locksmith can fix this.
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Provided said locksmith shows up with a SKREEM custom-programmed to your car.

 

I'm actually very confused how it can be fixed. Is there actually a locksmith that can fix this, or is my only route the NeedsWings. I have trouble reading if that is satire lol.

 

Yes the locksmith part from Pizza Guy was a joke. From all of the reading I have done. You can go through Needswings. I have also seen where some people go through the stealership. I also believe 180 posted about a company that can repair them. From what I have read you will be down until you get a new Screem or get it repaired. If it were me I would go new with Needswings. There is always the chance if you send it out for repair it may not be repairable causing a longer delay.

 

There is a video here with step be step instructions. You can do it yourself or I suggest you have whomever you get to do it view this video first. If you are at all handy and have a few tools you can do it yourself and save some big buck for labor.
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...crossfire.html

 

There is also a multitude of valuable info here. Just double click the link.
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...s-repairs.html

 

Truth is, any locksmith, handyman, shade tree mechanic or DIYer can fix this - PROVIDED they have a SKREEM to put in there.

NEEDSWINGS is the best place to order the SKREEM from, some dealers are not to bad on price, but most will tell you that you cna't replace it yourself but they will do the entire job for $700-1200. So don't visit a dealer.

Order a SKREEM (you must do that yourself, as you must prove to Rob who you are and that you own that car with that VIN), and get some handyman to replace it.
It LOOKS like an awful job, but it's not really THAT bad. Just like the "Sticky Key" mod, it looks bad, but it's not really all that hard.

 

Agreed, just follow the steps.

 

REMEMBER, the SKREEM is programmed only for YOUR VIN. Don't buy one on fleabay or you'll just be throwing away your $.

 

Just that with motivation and a few toyz, anything that is programmed can be reprogrammed.

OK a bit more: The SKREEM is a module. It takes an input, does some tests, and returns an output. Probably the I/O device is the ECM.

So all you need is to either simulate the I/O (if simple, just some components - complex an Arduino) or reprogram the ECM to just satisfy itself.
Next it would be handy to have a junk car that starts and runs for experimenting and verifying command/response sequences and simulation of same (logic analyzer is handy).
Finally decide the simplest way to eliminate the SKREEM and have a simple keyed ignition.

Easy particularly if you have done it a few times before (which I have - credentials on request) which brings us back to motivation..

 

Are you saying ,you have a way to eliminate the SKREEM unit ? And for motivation ($) ,you could do this do this for our community?...

 

What I am saying is that I have no doubt it can be eliminated since once designed flight controls for afterburning aircraft and have reprogrammed lots of ALDL devices plus some black work, just not sure what the best way (of several I mentioned) is. Since I would really rather not brick mine, a test mule is needed. Does a C320 have a SKREEM ?
Do not need money but also do not have a SKREEM problem so not motivated to spend any. Am somewhat annoyed that I cannot just keep a spare since it must be programmed to the VIN.
Think there is a $400 device that can reprogram the ECU (KOOS ?), do not know about the SKREEM.

Would be glad to coach a team. Key is that since the car is able to run, the programming cannot be that complicated, mainly just need a dump and would help to know the processor.

 

 

I look at it differently. If the SKREEM was removed entirely what would it take to make the car start, suspect it is just a subroutine in the ECM. Might just need addition of a JMP. Once reprogrammed a car from a 3800 with automatic to a supercharged L67 with a five speed Getrag & kept the digital dash and cruise.. A computer is a computer and at the bottom they all do the same things. Just need three things: to be able to dump the memory, change it, and reload it.

 

 

Sorry, guess I tend to mix hobbies. Used to design/program aircraft engine and flight control computers at the machine or assembly code level. Have also designed microcode for bit slice processors. Later I did a bit of unmentional work for my employer. Have been reprogramming my cars since a 84 Fiero but was entirely GM CCC and then P4 computer systems. These were mostly Motorolla 68x based systems with demountable UVProms.& EEPROMS (if geek speak I do not know how to translate.

That said the process is the same:
- identify the architecture (processor, memory, etc.)
- extract the memory contents
- identify the change you want to make
- make the change to your copy
- reload the memory with the new contents.
- test

Now I have not looked deeply into the SKREEM module but from what I have seen my hypothesis of operation is like this:

- key is inserted and turned
- SKREEM notifies ECU
- ECU responds with an "encrypted" VIN
- SKREEM compares with its memory
- SKREEM responds with GO/NOGO
- If GO ECU enters start sequence.

Now what I meant by the JMP (Jump) command was if when the ECU receives the interrogation (which may need to be simulated - have to look at the programming) if the ECU just skips the rest and goes directly to START , job done.

Once upon a time I did a lot of reprogramming of WRT routers and have a stack of bricked ones so would not like to repeat that with my car so once I figure out what needs to be done then would require a test bed (or will tell someone else what to do, I just need the dump).

From what I have seen EUROTUNES has a programming device for Mercedes but does not seem to be available for sale. Anyone either have one or know what it is or about a KESS V2 ? Might be able to uses a MegaArduino to create an interface.

Does this help ?

 

I just went on Needswings site and the price has JUMPED - how high? …. $699.95!! Guess I should have bought one before.