I have a 2005 crossfire convertible key destroyed lost Hurricane Ida want to bypass security system possibly push button starter Disabled Veteran Navy Diver

 

I'm very new to the community and I'm not quite 2 weeks into owning a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire. I think my SKREEM module is a problem. I want to completely bypass it and read a little bit about the SKREEMulator and don't know if it is a reality yet.

I have wondered if there is a way to program the ECU to ignore or bypass looking for SKREEM at all.

I'm still reading and learning, and I hope to make good connections within the community.

 

Elimination of the SKREEM is not an easy task, but Josh Chase at his "Mercedes Swap Shop" can help. The fix involves you sending him your SKREEM, ECU and Key.
When the items come back to you, the ECU is no longer asking the SKREEM for startup permission, but you still need the SKREEM, as that is your receiver for the keyfob's lock and unlock buttons.

Contact Josh directly at:
https://themercedesswapshop.com/

 

I’m not sure if someone else has found a long term “solution” for this ridiculous issue, but just got off the phone with Justin from MDP, and they stopped playing in this space about 4 years ago when they could no longer get parts for it from Chrysler.

I came to this forum a while ago, but actively returned to reading when my Crossfire started having SKREEM issues. I accidentally stumbled upon a guy, a Mercedes wiz, whose shop is literally 1.5 miles away from me. Twice now (in a 3 year span), my car has experienced the whole SKREEM immobilisation nightmare. It always starts because I use my key to unlock the car when the fob fails to open unlock anything. When key is turned in door and door is opened, alarm starts yelling. It turns off after about 20 seconds, allowing me to sit, turn ignition, start car and put in reverse. As soon as I shift into drive…. Starts yelling again. I can do this a few times, then it gets to a point where turning the key only yields 3 starts and it runs for 3 seconds, then the next attempt…. Nothing. Disconnecting the battery cable resets it enough to allow it to restart again 3 more times and then “the wheels on the bus go round and round”, in a circuitous vicious nightmare that has me calling AAA for the 1.5 mile flat bed of shame.

Here’s when the “magic” happens. Both times, within 12 hours (overnight) of dropping it off, I can drive it home, $600 lighter. I’m in Phoenix by the way. He only says, “I had to reprogram both keys.” I get my same keys back, I can’t see anything that indicates the dash was even taken apart to access the SKREEM module or anything else. So I’m confused.

if Josh is no longer doing anything, yet this forum seems to have stopped talking about the issue, has SOMEONE ELSE solved this problem? In the last 5 years has it just “gone away”, or have you all connected to the same “Crossfire Merlin”, that I have in Phoenix.

There is a corollary question and reason I’m asking this. I’m about to have the starter replaced, by a different mechanic and I don’t feel like spending ANOTHER $600 after the starter is replaced because this temperamental, obstreperous little Crossfire has decided that “Uncle Bad Touch”, played with her “No no spot”, when the starter was replaced, and starts kicking and screaming again.

if he simply pulls the battery terminals, will he be able to replace the starter without a hissy fit, or is there some “pat your head, while rubbing your belly and standing on one foot, speaking archaic Daimler incantations, to prevent this?

Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated on one or BOTH questions. I like all of you soups live this nightmare to be over. Perhaps it already is and I’ve just joined the forum too late to see it in casual conversation. My wife and I absolutely love and absolutely despise this beautiful vehicle in equal parts some days.

thank you

 

Are you saying MSS, Mercedese Swap Shop, no longer repairs the screem?

 

These guys.

 

Go to post #63 there is a link for Mercedes Swap Shop (MSS).

 

They are the best, IMO.

 

I’m not looking for repair (which is circuitous and never ending), I’m talking about replacing without the need. DELETE service.

 

Just spoke to Rob. I like him. Thanks guys

 

1) That is easy, the lock cylinder is not grounding the "unlock" line as you rotate the key in the lock, so of course the alarm goes off. Why are you taking the car to someone who does not understand basic troubleshooting? (I can tell you why, because electronic troubleshooting is not being taught ANYWHERE In the USA anymore!)

2) Just call the MSS. Josh and James will get you fixed up in a mater of days.


As to the entire mess....... the complexity is DESIGNED IN. Back around 2000 or so, cars were disappering off European streets at an awful rate. The industry responded with, in our cars, an integrated handshake that the PTCM and SKREEM do to insure the person starting the car is authorized to do so. Once the Diamler/Chrysler divorce happened, tech support disappeared, there is no easy way to talk to those in the know about how the system works.

Guys like Josh dug in and learned on their own. But this takes TREMENDOUS component-level and software level knowledge, those two skills in ONE PERSON are RARE.

There is NO easy fix for this, as the coding in the PTCM expects a response from the SKREEM in the short time allowed by the code. If the SKREEM is dead or if the FOB does not reply to the SKREEM properly, the SKREEM is not going to tell the PTCM to start the car. PERIOD.

 

Thanks pizzaguy, I couldn’t agree with you more on those points, as well as about a thousand other things that aren’t taught anymore and don’t seem to be inherent in the last couple generations… logic, reason, common sense, integrity, respect… I could go on and on but I would bet we would be in violent agreement on many topics. So…I digress.

FYI, I spoke with MSS (Robert) about 2 hours ago.
He was very nice, very knowledgeable and very informative. He is steering me down the correct path.

Thank you for your valuable knowledge and commitment to helping us find answers. I “spoke” with you about 3 years ago when my top was acting help. Learned a lot and very appreciative.

have a great day

 

Hi Wsmolich1,
Please remember to come back and tell us what you finally did to resolve your issue. I know many of us are just hoping the SKREEM lasts until something else takes the car out.
-Jerry