First Post and first Crossfire..

Here is my story..
I recently purchased a 2004 Crossfire (34k) as a non running project. The car will try to start 3 times (only for a few seconds) before it will not try again. I contacted the previous owner and he was able to tell me that he had some issues with starting and took it to the dodge dealer near him. They didn't really know what they were doing ( by there own admission) and proceed to replace the relay control module (by the battery) and the Skreem module behind the gauge cluster. At that point they told him they could not communicate with the PCM and that is was "locked up" then they quoted him $3000, if they could fine the part. which they could not as it was listed as discontinued. I guess I'm wondering if I should bring it to someone else that might have the right tools or a better understanding of these cars or start looking for a used PCM and try that myself. Just to rule out some obvious things. I replaced the battery and the CPS. the car came with an extra Relay control module and 2 170 820 18 26 Siemens modules. I think those are the Skreem modules.. still learning here but really want to get behind the wheel of this car! Any help or direction would be appreciated.

 

3 attempts at starting ,an then a battery reset ,only to do it again ,is classic symptoms of a bad SKREEM module. It's been said that ,at about 25 to 30 attempts, it locks down the ECM. If you have an extra module, did he replace it from a donor car? That's bad an will not work, because they are a VIN. specific module. They are programed to that exact vehicle. If you feel you need a new one, look into Needswings.com.. They can get you going for about $230. Let us know how it's going..

 

Thanks for the response and information. The car came with 2 (new) SKREEM modules that the previous owner got through the dealership during their troubleshooting. Is there any steps needed after installing one of those? Odd thing... when I went to take the SKREEM out to see what was there the one installed as labeled BAD... I put one of the (new) one in and still the same thing.

 

They have to be programmed to your VIN. number on your car or they will not work!!! Or just anyone could grab a module , put it in an make of with your car. Do you know if that was done for all 3 SKREEM modules. Also make sure the halo that is around the key receiver was put back in place and attached.

 

"Digger"" Please read this post again! You can not get your car to run by simply replacing parts. The SKREEM is part of the anti-theft feature on your Crossfire. It must be programed to match the engine control module of your car. That is what Steve Jr is saying when he speaks as to VIN specific. DO NOT GO TO A CHRYSLER DEALER! 98% of them have no idea how to repair your car and 100% of them over charge for their services. You should telephone Needswings (find their number at the website) He will get you going.

 

Thanks for responding.. I don't have an extra ECM, it seems that is the part where the owner decided to give up.The dealer told him it was not communicating so they could not configure the system. I changed out the SKREEM with one of the ones that came with the car. the thought was maybe they were able to program it but for got an initialization step or something after that. No sure if there is but see different things like putting the key in and holding an unlock button.

I talked to the dealership near me and they have a certified Crossfire tech. They were actually referred by another dealership. If they can get connected and program I might be good. I'm thinking I have the parts needed at this point. Just a matter of having someone who knows what they are doing setting things.

That said, what would Needswings do? if the issue as it left off with was not being able to communicate with the ECM I don't know if they could help me. Maybe this is a 2 step process.

 

Needswings will program it for you. The dealers new system cannot communicate with the older cars. Two people have suggested to contact Needswings. STOP messing with dealerships. 'nough said.

 

SO I was able to get the facts on my project. Seems the previous owner tried buying a SKREEM and installing it himself without knowing they need to be programmed. then when that didn't work he took it to the dealer. They looked at it and said that they could not communicate with the ECM.They told the previous owner that the ECM was locked up and quoted him 3K for it. I'm thinking it's probably like ZIP439 and others have said.. .they might not have been using the right tools or have the right skills for the job, I called Needswings and sent them the information on what was done and Dave will be getting back to me with next steps. I'll keep you all posted.

Also, I've got to get the hood latch to work too...

 

Thanks for the update. Just keep plugging away, little by little you will get it where you want it. Hope you get the latch adjusted and working correctly. These cars are getting up in age, so we are all having problems with one thing or another. If I understand the starting sequence it goes something like this: your FOB has a chip witch must match up with the SKREEM those two communicate through the antenna which is the circular ring that surrounds the key when it is inserted. The SKREEM sends an OK to the ECU, which if it receives the correct pulse from the SKREEM sends the OK to the pulse module which then sends 12v signal to the starter and starts the auto. I think the chip in the FOB and the SKREEM actually go through a series of revolving codes which change each time you start the car, thus making it necessary to have the correct key for your auto and that is why occasionally you may have to synchronize your key to the car. If I'm not correct on that exact sequence then I am sure someone else will speak up and get the correct info. Rob at Needswings knows this system very well and he will have the answers, and though you may not enjoy some of the info, he can get you up and running.
Also up on the right of the website there is a search box. Type in SKREEM, or any other needed info, and you will find threads from other owners who have had the same problems and hopefully with solutions.
You have a unique car. Enjoy the ride and try to make it to some of the XFire get-to-gethers. Woodward is not too far away and the fall Dragon or Eureka Springs are big annual gatherings that are enjoyed by many.

 

the zipster is correct on all he said, he just left out that the PCM energizes the engine relay in the RCM which in turn starts the fuel pump and supplies voltage for the injectors and sparky plugs.
BTW, that is a REALLY nice car you have, pristine wheels etc. ( wish mine were as nice ).
Good luck with the fix, - also zip left out the St. Francisville Louisiana GTG.

 

This thread has a lot of misinformation in it. NeedsWings does not program SKREEM modules as far as I know, they order them from somewhere and they are sent from that place to you. That is why they arrive with no instructions for the installation. That is what I gather from previous posts.
Someone should write the definitive thread on this subject.
This forum is getting filled with false info, a sad sign of the times I guess.

 

Thank you for the clarification 180. I'm sure I knew that, but when trying to dissuade a new member of this forum from servicing his Xfire at a Chrysler dealer and to simplify a lengthy discussion a simple explanation is just a whole lot easier AND it gives the new member the opportunity to learn at his own understanding by talking and asking question on the phone to a knowledgable individual.

 

The SKREEM problem is bad news when it happens to you. I would like to know what fails most of the time. Trouble is it is a programmed item and a specialist would be required to troubleshoot it, good money to be made by someone in the know.

 

Sounds like you need to either find someone who knows either Chrysle Crossfires or Mercedes SLK320s (same drivetrain). Can download a .pdf of the service manual and it has wiring diagrams of the starting circuits. The starting system is in section 8F and anti-theft in 8Q of the 2004 SM.

 

thanks everyone..

I really like learning new things and thanks to you all I'm learning a lot... I was able to get the hood to latch... ordered a new latch and it still didn't catch.. just couldn't get the hood post low enough. I put a couple washers under the receiver mount and all is well using the old part.

Now I just need to get this thing running. I've never driven one before.. lol, feels weird saying that.. but It was an auction for a charity and I've always like how they look... there.. now I feel justified..

Update:

I was able to get the history report and send it on the Rob at NeedsWings. He refereed me to someone in Chicago that rebuilds ECUs. My new question is this. I've seen complete Crossfire PCU/Skreem/ingintion/key/doorlock packages on Ebay.
All taken off a donor car in the 300-500 dollar range. I'm still learning here but my logic brings me to the idea that if all that was working on the donor and I bolted it in, It might just work.
Obviously it would need to be an automatic one like the car I have...

 

Has anyone attempted reflowing the solder on the circuit board to resurrect a bad SKREEM module? If not, it might be worth trying.

 

 

What did Needswings say? If you buy a package like that, your creating alot of work for yourself. And the potential to break something unnecessarily.

 

I think the problem is a defective crankshaft

Bosch 0261210170 Original Equipment Crankshaft Position Sensor It Will state that it won’t fit a crossfire but it does. Same as Mercedes SLK 320. I’ve bought two of them.

positioning sensor. Amazon: