Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

2004 crossfire
currently wont start, have power including the fan for the air conditioner. No starting problems for at least a year. Think it’s something I accidentally do related to the alarm when I start the car. Mechanic says I need a new Alarm Module and the programming from the dealership. The part alone they are quoting me $700.

I have had this problem before and the tow the tow truck driver fixed it 5 minutes. He said the alarm needed to be reset or something along those lines. He said they used to do it all the time with SLK’s. Does anyone know how to do the reset process? Can you share please!

If it doesn't work is the dealership really my only option?

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

We need more info than "currently car won't start" There are two major ways this can go.
First disconnect the battery for three minutes, reconnect and try to start. If you get three attempts, but car does not start you have a SKREEM problem. If car will not even turn the starter over, but the dash lights work OK you have a RCM problem.
Before we can help we need more specific info. It would help a lot also if you connect a scan tool and get the diagnostic trouble codes. DTC. GET THE NUMBER!! no something someone tells you it means. GET the number!

PS NEVER GO TO A DEALERSHIP!!!

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

Also, if the starter runs for like 30 seconds and the engine don't catch, then you have a fuel or CPS problem.
Another dash lights and no starter problem can be the pulse module.

There are 3 conditions :
1. no crank, no start. - RCM or pulse module
2. crank, no start - fuel or spark ( CPS sensor )
3. crank and start, but dies 2 times, then nuttin - SKREEM

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

As others have said, that tells us nothing.
Does the starter engage or not?

And a dealer is NEVER an option. See my sigline before I go off on you.

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

Thank you!!! In response to your comments plus some additional info. that may or may not help...

1. I don’t know what the mechanic did. I will call and ask.
2. I will also ask if he used a Scan tool and what codes came up.
3. I didn’t disconnect the battery cables before the tow truck driver came. I will ask mechanic if he did that.
4. Note that the headlights were flashing like the alarm was going off. The alarm button below the radio or on my key hadn’t been pressed.
5. I do not want to go to the dealer but where it is right now they are telling me I need a new alarm module and programming from the dealer but even the dealer doesn’t think I will. I was reading on this forum people just replaced the batteries in the alarm module. Couldn’t that just be the case?
6. When I turned the key all the lights would turn on, dash and exterior, and the air conditioning fan but it doesn’t start up. So no “rrrrmmmm....rmmmmm”, just turn, then complete silence other than the sound of the fan

Some questions maybe not necessary for now...
7. If it is a SKREEM issue then what? (will the DTC code tell me this)
8. If it is a RCM issue then what?will the DTC code tell me this)

Thanks Evette

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

Update:
man this really sucks.. that’s my update.. kidding

called mechanic
1. He said he already pulled the battery cables off waiting 3 minutes then tried to start and he said it tried to start but barely then went back to not turning over but still have all lights, etc working
2. He said the code is P2071
3. I was reading on here about removing fuse #9 to get it to start. Should I ask him to do that?

any more advice? Feeling helpless. Need to figure out my car situation this week.

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

a stored P2071 means that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an intake manifold tuning (IMT) valve that is stuck closed for engine bank two

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

Sounds like a dead SKREEM - two short starts, then nothing.
There are multiple threads on this forum that go into detail on SKREEM failures. Review them for background understanding.
IF you have a failed SKREEM, the cheapest replacement will cost $699.96 at Needswings.com
NeedsWings Performance Products. Crossfire SKREEM and Antenna Ring
The SKREEM is VIN dependent, so don't waste $$$ on a used one. It will not work.
(Or, you can spend thousands if you find a dealer still selling and installing SKREEMs)

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

Is the SKREEM and alarm module the same thing?

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

NO. The SKREEM ( Security Key Module ) is located in the dash behind the speedometer.
The alarm module is mounted outside under the wiper cowl about the center.

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

what does a p2071 code have to do with either 1 of those

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

Nothing that I know of. Sounds like another amazing "Dealer Diagnosis". :)

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

yes it sure does....ONCE AGAIN DEALERSHIP SHOULD BE LAST CHOICE TO TAKE THE CROSSFIRE TO

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

Delighton, Go ahead and try the fuse #9 removal; It can'y hurt anything. It is important that the battery be disconnected before you remove the #9 fuse, wait the three minutes, and then it may take a couple tries before the car will start. BUT, what the heck, you got nothing to loose for trying. If it doesn't work for you, simply replace the fuse and your back in the same old boat, but I would definitely give it a try if it were my car.

Where is your car? Independent shop or a dealership? Is your car a coupe or a convertible?

Something else you should check is to see if you have any water in the bottom of the rear of the car. Get under the rear carpet and remove the tools from the well in the styrofoam on the passenger side of the car. Use a screwdrive ( or drill a hole through the styrofoam) roll up a piece of newspaper and stick it through the hole. If it comes out wet, you have other problems. Dry is GOOD!

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

If you can explain exactly what is happening I may be able to help you. I'd suggest removing the battery cables and reconnecting. turn key to run position without starting. does the radiator fan come on? Try to start the engine if the radiator fan does not come on, does it start and run for 3 seconds then shut off? does the engine just crank and no start?

you mention that the tech says the engine tried to start after disconnecting the battery and reconnecting but "just barley, then it went back to nothing", what does that mean?

I'll try and help point you in the right direction but full disclosure, I AM a dealership tech :P

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

P2071 relates to messages not being received from the skreem module.

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

? stored P2071 means that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an intake manifold tuning (IMT) valve that is stuck closed for engine bank two....i havent had any problems with mine yet , but im starting to hate "skreem" more and more

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

where are you getting that info from?

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

i googled that code ....i really dont know

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

sarcasm?

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

how in the hell is that sarcasm , google is your friend also. IATN also has the same info (can you say its sarcasm on their part also)

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

whoa there chief, lets calm down a bit. i ask cause your previous replies to this thread lead to you thinking a dealership tech (that does not reply on google to diag cars for them) has misdiagnosed this man's problem. between your replies and some others on here if i were the OP and i took the info in this thread for face value i'd remove my car from the shop and go elsewhere, possibly telling the next shop what was said here.

straight up a p2071 code on a crossfire refers to the pcm not getting messages from the skreem module, end of story, i don't care what google says. the correct way to diag that code is by measuring can bus voltages at the pcm.

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

youre a fine example of why i wouldnt take my vehicle to a dealership for service, someone that would go against IATN lol

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

while i see the value of IATN if you're a tech and your way of diagnosing the customer's concern is googling the issue or code then you are doing a huge dis-service to your customer's. they pay a diag fee for you to put your knowledge to work, to use the resources you have at hand and actually diagnose and confirm the issue. to think that something like a search from IATN would trump the manufactures definition for a code is mind boggling to me. to sit here and bash dealerships is amazing, dealerships have way more info than you'll ever find outside of the manufacturer. are you going to find bad techs at dealerships, absolutely, i see them come and go (and sometimes stay) all the time. I'm telling you right now though, I have the information I need to properly diag the car in front of me and iI know how to use that information and apply it. when I come to a conclusion iI know it's because I found the issue based on the info that was afforded to me, i'm not out there charging people to guess or take some stranger on the internet's word.

OP if the tech that is working on your car needs guidance to diag that code, tell him to check bus communication between the pcm and the skreem module. there should be a total of 5 volts (usually around 2.3x on the can - and 2.6x on the can+. good luck getting the car back up and running on the first attempt.

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

ive posted my finding of the P2071 code where is the post of your finding to back up your meaning ? Once again i really dont know or care as far as that goes , i just posted what ive found on a few different sites, they cant all be wrong. But anyhow id like to see where you got your info from, it might be worth reading.

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

my finding for the definition of that code is from the manufacturer. even if i didn't have access to that it's not hard to find... on google: LMGTFY

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

ive been looking cant find anything could you plz post it , im curious now

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

Looks like this thread got a little crazy. Lol. But totally did what everyone said in this thread and in all the other threads and it still won’t turn over. They are saying $1400 with the diagnostics and for a new PCM module and key fob but no guarantee it will work and if it doesn’t work then a new SKREEM at $2700. So at this point I am giving up. Why? Because I am already up to $500 in car rental costs plus $400 in diagnostics pus I have 4 brand new tires. I just can’t keep doing this. Especially if stuff like this keeps happening. I love my Crossfire but I am getting a new car today and putting my car up on Craigslist to see if I can get anything. Sorry guys. All of your advice was really helpful and has helped me own 2 Crossfire’s and keep them running. You guys are awesome! Sorry I am giving up. I hate giving up. :(

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

major bummer, sorry to hear that.

Re: Told alarm module needs to be replaced - searching for reset trick used on SLK’s
 

im sure youre gonna feel lost without it, i know i would. Are you gonna replace it with another crossfire or going a different route