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Am I getting ripped off? (SKREEM)

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Old Feb 23, 2016 | 04:55 PM
  #1 (permalink)  
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Default Am I getting ripped off? (SKREEM)

Hey guys i need a little help.

First, last week car won't unlock, so i manually unlock it and go to start it, car starts then immediately dies. It does this 3 times before locking me out.. disconnect the battery... reconnect.. same thing happens. get the car towed to a mechanic my family has used for years.
They call me later saying that i need a new starter and a new pulse module. After he tells me this i specifically ask him if he checked the SKREEM and the RCM as that what i came across in my research and he says yes and both are fine also he tested the starter out of the system and couldn't get it to engage. I say okay cool.

Fast forward a week later and after he installed everything now says that the SKREEM MODULE needs to be replaced. Wasn't the same guy so i held in my anger and just said okay bye. So now i come to you my saviors with a question. Could my starter have actually been bad? because i feel they are going to try to charge me for both. I'm not the greatest when it comes to cars or know the function of most parts but i was thinking that if the car DID start (then immediately die) that the starter should be fine am i correct in thinking this? just wanted to argue when i go to pick it up and they try charging me for all of the parts.

As always thanks for any help i greatly appreciate any help i can get.
 
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Old Feb 23, 2016 | 06:05 PM
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Toolman's Avatar
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Default Re: Am i getting ripped off? (SKREEM)

A bad starter will not cause a car to stop running after it starts.

Ask for the old starter back. Many auto parts stores will test them for you free.
 
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Old Feb 23, 2016 | 06:41 PM
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soulintent's Avatar
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Default Re: Am i getting ripped off? (SKREEM)

Thanks, i'll see if they have the old starter.

Update: Called and talked to the guy, he told me the SKIM (not SKREEM) needed to be replaced and that we would work out the price and i'd be happy. So i guess i'll see what the final damage is when i go to pick it up hopefully they'll waive some parts or who knows.
 
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Old Feb 24, 2016 | 01:46 PM
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Default Re: Am i getting ripped off? (SKREEM)

Originally Posted by soulintent
Thanks, i'll see if they have the old starter.

Update: Called and talked to the guy, he told me the SKIM (not SKREEM) needed to be replaced and that we would work out the price and i'd be happy. So i guess i'll see what the final damage is when i go to pick it up hopefully they'll waive some parts or who knows.
skim?? I bet your crossfire was the first one to ever come into their shop.
 

Last edited by kingdavid54; Feb 24, 2016 at 01:57 PM.
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Old Feb 24, 2016 | 01:58 PM
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soulintent's Avatar
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Default Re: Am i getting ripped off? (SKREEM)

Sentry Key Immobilizer Module. apparently after he replaced everything the security light came on which led to this diagnosis.
 
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Old Feb 24, 2016 | 02:00 PM
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Default Re: Am i getting ripped off? (SKREEM)

Originally Posted by soulintent
Thanks, i'll see if they have the old starter.

Update: Called and talked to the guy, he told me the SKIM (not SKREEM) needed to be replaced and that we would work out the price and i'd be happy. So i guess i'll see what the final damage is when i go to pick it up hopefully they'll waive some parts or who knows.
These are the main parts in the security system;
Sentry Key Antenna Ring
Sentry Key Remote Entry Module
I see no mention of the SKIM (Sentry Key Immobilizer Module) anywhere.
To my mind SKIM is the SKREEM.
Watch out you are not SKIMmed.
 
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Old Feb 24, 2016 | 02:06 PM
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Default Re: Am i getting ripped off? (SKREEM)

Originally Posted by soulintent
Sentry Key Immobilizer Module. apparently after he replaced everything the security light came on which led to this diagnosis.
Security light ? Like the skim , your car must be special because I sure don't have either one of those on mine.
 
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Old Feb 24, 2016 | 02:14 PM
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Default Re: Am i getting ripped off? (SKREEM)

Originally Posted by kingdavid54
Security light ? Like the skim , your car must be special because I sure don't have either one of those on mine.
The light in the anti towing switch on the center console flashes when the alarm is set, that is normal.
 
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Old Feb 24, 2016 | 02:18 PM
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soulintent's Avatar
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Default Re: Am i getting ripped off? (SKREEM)

Originally Posted by kingdavid54
Security light ? Like the skim , your car must be special because I sure don't have either one of those on mine.
I thought i remembered seeing a yellow security light when i turned on the vehicle but I've been driving so many different cars while mine has been in the shop i must have been confused.

Sounds more and more like i may be getting ripped off. Thanks guys this will be helpful when i need to file a complaint.
 
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Old Feb 24, 2016 | 02:23 PM
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kingdavid54's Avatar
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From: concord nc.
Default Re: Am i getting ripped off? (SKREEM)

Originally Posted by soulintent
I thought i remembered seeing a yellow security light when i turned on the vehicle but I've been driving so many different cars while mine has been in the shop i must have been confused.

Sounds more and more like i may be getting ripped off. Thanks guys this will be helpful when i need to file a complaint.
In all probability they are not purposely ripping you off they are just too prideful to admit they are over their heads with this car.
 

Last edited by kingdavid54; Feb 24, 2016 at 02:33 PM.
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Old Feb 24, 2016 | 04:32 PM
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Default Re: Am i getting ripped off? (SKREEM)

Originally Posted by soulintent
I thought i remembered seeing a yellow security light when i turned on the vehicle but I've been driving so many different cars while mine has been in the shop i must have been confused.

Sounds more and more like i may be getting ripped off. Thanks guys this will be helpful when i need to file a complaint.
I said above that the light in the anti towing switch blinks when the security is set. Naturally it goes off when you unlock the car. The light blinks red, it is not exactly easy to miss. It is the second switch on the right on the vertical face of the console.
 

Last edited by onehundred80; Feb 24, 2016 at 04:35 PM.
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Old Feb 24, 2016 | 06:10 PM
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KDW4Him's Avatar
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Default Re: Am I getting ripped off? (SKREEM)

Have you asked the dealer what tool man said? "A bad starter will not cause a car to stop running after it starts."

What was their answer?
 
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Old Feb 25, 2016 | 01:21 PM
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soulintent's Avatar
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Default Re: Am I getting ripped off? (SKREEM)

Originally Posted by KDW4Him
Have you asked the dealer what tool man said? "A bad starter will not cause a car to stop running after it starts."

What was their answer?
none of their employees's (tool man) said that, that is just my assumption it may be completely wrong.
 
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Old Feb 25, 2016 | 01:42 PM
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KDW4Him's Avatar
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From: Alma, MI
Default Re: Am I getting ripped off? (SKREEM)

Originally Posted by soulintent
none of their employees's (tool man) said that, that is just my assumption it may be completely wrong.
My point was you really SHOULD ask the dealer why they replaced a starter that would crank and start the car? It would be priceless to see the look on the service manager face when you point out the car would crank and start before you took it in to them for them to Dx it with a bad starter.

You have the classic symptoms of a bad SKREEM, no antenna ring or chip in key FOB broken loose inside not being read by SKREEM.
 

Last edited by KDW4Him; Feb 25, 2016 at 01:46 PM.
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Old Feb 25, 2016 | 02:01 PM
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KDW4Him's Avatar
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From: Alma, MI
Default Re: Am I getting ripped off? (SKREEM)

Sad thing is the manual makes only one mention of the SKREEM circuits needing to be fully operational before the car will start and that is IN the SKREEM section.

In the no start diagnosis section under "does not crank" there is no mention of checking for SKREEM codes before proceeding to Dx that starter.
 
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Old Feb 27, 2016 | 02:23 PM
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soulintent's Avatar
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Default Re: Am I getting ripped off? (SKREEM)

Originally Posted by KDW4Him
Sad thing is the manual makes only one mention of the SKREEM circuits needing to be fully operational before the car will start and that is IN the SKREEM section.

In the no start diagnosis section under "does not crank" there is no mention of checking for SKREEM codes before proceeding to Dx that starter.
I bet this is exactly what happened. The good news is i got my car back and everything is back to normal only ended up paying $300 for what he paid in parts so i'm pretty happy all in all. Thanks for all the help guys turned out great.
 
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Old Feb 27, 2016 | 04:07 PM
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onehundred80's Avatar
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From: Ontario
Default Re: Am I getting ripped off? (SKREEM)

The SKREEM is mentioned earlier in that section.
OPERATION
The Powertrain Control Module is a pre-programmed, microprocessor-based digital computer. It regulates ignition
timing, air-fuel ratio, emission control devices, charging system, certain transmission features, speed control, air
conditioning compressor clutch engagement and idle speed. The Powertrain Control Module can adapt its programming
to meet changing operating conditions.
The Powertrain Control Module receives input signals from various switches and sensors. Based on these inputs,
the Powertrain Control Module regulates various engine and vehicle operations through different system components.
These components are referred to as Powertrain Control Module outputs. The sensors and switches that
provide inputs to the Powertrain Control Module are considered Powertrain Control Module inputs.
The Powertrain Control Module adjusts ignition timing based upon inputs it receives from sensors that react to:
engine rpm, manifold absolute pressure, engine coolant temperature, throttle position, transmission gear selection
(automatic transmission), vehicle speed and the brake switch.
The Powertrain Control Module adjusts idle speed based on inputs it receives from sensors that react to: throttle
position, vehicle speed, transmission gear selection, engine coolant temperature and from inputs it receives from the
air conditioning clutch switch and brake switch.
Based on inputs that it receives, the Powertrain Control Module adjusts ignition timing. The Powertrain Control Module
also adjusts the generator charge rate through control of the generator field and provides speed control operation.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PCM/SKREEM PROGRAMMING
Note: Before replacing the PCM, be sure to check the related component/circuit integrity for failures not
detected due to a double fault in the circuit. Most PCM failures are caused by internal component failures
(i.e. relays and solenoids) and shorted circuits (i.e. pull-ups, drivers, and switched circuits). These failures
are difficult to detect when a double fault has occurred and only one DTC has been set.
When a Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and the Sentry Key Remote Entry Module (SKREEM) are replaced at the
same time, perform the following steps:
1. Program the new PCM.
2. Program the new Sentry Key Remote Entry Module.
8E - 54 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES - SERVICE INFORMATION ZH
3. Replace all ignition keys and program them to the new Sentry Key Remote Entry Module.
PROGRAMMING THE PCM
The Sentry Key Remote Entry System Secret Key is an ID code that is unique to each Sentry Key Remote Entry
Module. This code is programmed and stored in the Sentry Key Remote Entry Module, the PCM, and the ignition
key transponder chip(s). When replacing the PCM, it is necessary to program the secret key into the new PCM
using the DRBIIIT scan tool.
Note: If three attempts are made to enter secure access mode using an incorrect PIN, secured access mode
will be locked out for one hour. To exit this lockout mode, turn the ignition switch to the ON position for one
hour, then enter the correct PIN. (Ensure all accessories are turned off. Also monitor the battery state and
connect a battery charger if necessary).
PROGRAMMING THE SENTRY KEY REMOTE ENTRY MODULE
Note: Be sure to enter the correct country code. If the incorrect country code is programmed into the Sentry
Key Remote Entry Module, it cannot be changed and the Sentry Key Remote Entry Module must be
replaced.
1. Program ignition keys to the Sentry Key Remote Entry Module.
Note: If the PCM and the Sentry Key Remote Entry Module are replaced at the same time, all vehicle ignition
keys will need to be replaced and programmed to the new Sentry Key Remote Entry Module.
PROGRAMMING IGNITION KEYS TO THE SENTRY KEY REMOTE ENTRY MODULE
Note: A maximum of eight keys can be learned to each Sentry Key Remote Entry Module. Once a key is
learned to an Sentry Key Remote Entry Module it (the key) cannot be transferred to another vehicle.
1. Obtain ignition keys to be programmed from the customer (8 keys maximum).
2. Using the DRBIIIT, erase all ignition keys.
3. Program all of the ignition keys.
If ignition key programming is unsuccessful, the DRBIIIT will display a failure message.
 
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Old Feb 28, 2016 | 07:33 AM
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KDW4Him's Avatar
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Default Re: Am I getting ripped off? (SKREEM)

Originally Posted by onehundred80
The SKREEM is mentioned earlier in that section.
Can you find any mention in the no crank DX section referring you to the SKREEM that might have you shut down?
 
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Old Feb 28, 2016 | 12:35 PM
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From: Fort Worth, Texas
Default Re: Am I getting ripped off? (SKREEM)

More of the same, "We have no clue what we are doing OR how to troubleshoot anything electrical or electronic - let's throw parts at it until it runs, it's the customer's money, not ours."
 
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