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Troubleshooting & Technical Questions & ModificationsHave technical or modification questions about the Crossfire?
Find out the answer, or give advice in here!
FYI - This is the way the system works now. No need to contact this group - I'm following up with them and will post all info learned here.
Sprinter / Crossfire Module & Lock Parts Group Update
If you have installation or programing issues, please go to Dealer Connect and / or call your Tech Advisor. They will provide assistance. STCMW only deals with shipping and or part verification.
When a dealer places a part order for Sprinter / Crossfire key, Key cylinders, Key lock modules, SKREEM / Gateway modules or WSP modules within GPOP or Dealer Connect, a confirmation statement of order and an estimated shipping date is received. At this point, the dealer order is transmitted to the Daimler Order / Paragon system for the Daimler key and cylinder parts.
Once the order is placed the order CANNOT BE CANCELLED .The dealer will be billed for the order. Please make sure that the part is needed as at this time the order WILL be processed and shipped.
Unfortunately, the message concerning the actual shipping status provided by GPOP or Dealer Connect is inaccurate on MBUSA / Daimler Parts and does not represent the actual status of the order.The Daimler Order / Paragon SAP system does not have the ability to “communicate” back to GPOP orDealer Connect, once the order is received on their end and/or provide an actual order status. These parts are usually shipped within (24 hours).
These specific locking type parts are usually programmed and/or cut during the same day the order is transmitted to the Daimler Order / Paragon SAP system. Orders received by 11:00am (Eastern Time) usually ship the same day. The estimated arrival time on these orders is 24 hours for domestic and 48 hours for international, Canada & Mexico, dependent upon there being no issues with the initial order.
If at any time you do not receive your order within these estimated times, please direct your inquiry to the Sprinter / Crossfire Module & Lock Parts Group at STCMW@chrysler.com . This group will verify and monitor the dealer order, as well as communicate with Daimler regarding the order. The group will then provide feedback to the customer regarding their order.
DO NOT RE-ORDER or attempt to contact the Expediting Hot Line. They do not have access to the Daimler Order System and will forward all dealer requests back to this email address.
So I guess you all understand that. Yes, repeat no. Good thing I speak German.
These security parts are NOT RETURNABLE.
If there is an issue with the part, example wrong cut or not coded correctly DO NOT RE-ORDER as you will be billed once again and you may receive a wrong coded or cut part again. Daimler / MBUSA willNOT PROVIDE CREDIT on any part once the order has been processed even if the part is coded wrong.
You only have (2) WEEKS to place verification claim once the order is received. MBUSA has the right to decline any claims after (2) WEEKS. Contact STCMW as soon as possible for claim process.
This is from the link I posted and this is how things used to be done not anymore. Like you said and I suspected Chrysler and MB have no relationship at all.
I can guess what MBUSA is but some of the others I have no clue what they are. This post is just like what Padgett did at times until he realized we had no idea what he was talking about.
Today's adventure: I found a link to a department at FCA and emailed them to ask some questions. Amazingly a nice young man called me back in a few minutes and told me he is the one that has been involved in this situation for several years. He explained to me what is going on - roughly as follows:
Mercedes wants nothing to do with Crossfires - as we know. They -he says - control the system because the coding of the SKREEMS is done on some system - hardware and proprietary software - and they don't want to let Chrysler use it anymore. When SKREEMS were ordered in the past, the orders came to this young man, and he sent the part and or the code - which is proprietary and controlled solely by Chrysler - to someone at Mercedes who did it - then sent it back. I don't think was an actual physical transfer of the actual SKREEM module, but somehow done online because I think he said it was done in Stuttgart! (See the messy situation we are in?) Benz won't sell the parts from their inventory to Chrysler. He said he only has a Skreem case he uses for a paperweight on his desk - no real ones. He said - because this unit is used in the Sprinter vans where they fail too, he has 600 vehicles on his list that need and have ordered one - but can't do anything for them as he has no parts to allocate.
He told me he has been in meetings about this issue constantly. LAWYERS for both sides are arguing about it - MB has the system rights sewed up but Chrysler controls the codes - as I thought. He realizes it is bad for customers - wants to solve it, and has what he called an important meeting about it tomorrow, but didn't want to say anything about it together my hopes up. I felt he really cares since he called me right back within minutes of my email, but nothing too hopeful and no promises. He said Chrysler was trying to get modules from another supplier, but the hangup was Mercedes not allowing their proprietary system to be used, Discouraging, at best.
However, within an hour of my sending the stuff about getting Michael Moore involved and trailering my car up there to shoot a video, I got a call from my other contact, the gent I believe was assigned by Manley to deal with this. He did not seem to be aware of how this antediluvian system has been working, but has been back in touch with the dealer I wrote about yesterday. He said that when he called the dealer the Parts Manager said, "Yes, he (me) was here yesterday but did not order the part." I told him what the dealer said - as have all the other dealers I contacted - that I could order the part, must pay for it, about $540., non-refundable, and no estimate of when it would be provided. I told him I had already done that with Needswings, but that the ETA for the parts kept moving forward - now mid-January - and I was not going to pay up front to a dealership for some part they know nothing about and can't tell me when they will have it.
He said, he would call the dealers parts manager back and tell him to order the part for me from Chrysler and he would pay for it! And that he would get back to me about further news. I don't know if he understands what the system or the bottleneck is, but we'll see what happens.
You know what I know. I'm trying to solve this. Today was better than yesterday, because at least I know a little more about how this works. Trying to unravel this nightmare.
One last thought. If this doesn't get fixed so that the 600 plus waiting for a properly coded SKREEM have the confidence that if another unit malfunctions they can get their vehicles fixed both Sprinters and crossfires have sharply diminished values. I know the people who don't have a problem may not be impressed with the immediate seriousness of our situation, but the truth is, without access through the dealer network to these properly coded modules, any of our vehicles are living precarious lives. Values of the Crossfires are already depressed, perhaps Sprinters as well - I don't know that market. But knowing what I now know, I wouldn't be interested in buying one. Who would.
Chrysler has had similar problems with the 2.7 V6 motor. The design has some serious flaws that have caused catastrophic engine failures in hundreds or thousands of cars and are well documented. My own Sebring convert with that engine just went over 100K, a point where many of them have had water pump failure that causes coolant to enter the engine and ruins the timing chain system, causing the engines to self destruct. When this happens you need a new $6000 engine and the coin to get it installed. On older cars it is usually not worth fixing, so those owners need another car. If you want to preemptively do a new water pump, you need to do the timing chain setup as well - so the bill is about $3-4,000. Situations like this destroy a manufacturers reputation - just look at the comments online about that engine. But in a way, our situation is even worse, because, at least those situations are fixable. The Skreem situation is not. Maybe we are lucky that the Sprinters are also being infected with this bug, and that volume of sales may cause them to fix this - somehow. I'll keep you informed as to what transpires. I can't afford to just junk my flowerpot, and I assume many others are in the same situation. I need this fixed now - as I am not getting any younger or newer. So far, my recovery from the colon situation is going great, but still, I'm pushing the actuarial stats. FYI, my father came home from his Pharmacy, took a lie down while my mom was fixing dinner, and twenty minutes later she found him dead. Massive coronary He was 38 and I was nine. So you never know. I do't want to and will not leave this issue unresolved.
Be careful some on this site don't want to hear about our cars being junk as I got a private message from a person here not to discourage the car and people who own it . I got warned so perhaps you will also !!!
I can guess what MBUSA is but some of the others I have no clue what they are. This post is just like what Padgett did at times until he realized we had no idea what he was talking about.
These are the instructions sent to dealers telling them how to order the enumerated "vehicle specific parts." One of these "departments" is at Daimler (MB) and the others are at Chrysler, now FCA. If you own a fleet of Sprinters for a delivery service, for instance, and a driver loses the key, this is what a dealer has to go through to get a new one. If it's an MB version, the MB dealer sends the order to their guy, in Stuttgart, I think. If it's a Dodge version, Chrysler dealers send it to the Chrysler department, at FCA, but they have to have it coded with the software that is proprietary to MB, using the codes that Chrysler (or FCA) owns.
An Aside: I would think a strong case could be made that I, as the owner of my Crossfire, which I bought from Chrysler, own the code, at least equally. It's my car, I paid for it, I deserve to own = at least co-equally - the codes required to operate it. Probably I should be, at least, guaranteed access to the MB hardware and software to help you guys, so I'm trying to do what I can with re as well, but you can see where all this goes ... legal fees. Sorry, I can't put up the dough for a law suit, but I'll do what I can with what I have. This has already taken a helluva lot of time.
Last edited by wolfstalker; Sep 19, 2019 at 09:01 PM.
Reason: additional material
You are a godsend to us. It NEVER occured to me that the Sprinter van would be affected in the same way as our cars, but it DOES make sense, now that you mention it.
Your posts above are fascinating and very educational.
Believe me, I don't like to see my choice of car disparaged, or it's value in the marketplace diminished. But you have to be realistic. Either FCA solves this supply problem or we are all at risk. My car is included too. I did nothing to cause this problem, and I am just as much a victim as anyone else. Anyone that knows about this situation and decides to get out has a choice. Tell the potential buyer or not. That's for each person to determine for himself. I took good care of my Crossfire, as I do and have done with all my cars. My Sebring convert, my daily driver, is a 2001, and still looks and drives very good. But I can read, I see what an SLK brings and what a same year Crossfire brings. SRT is another calculation. I am trying to protect my investment, and get my car back on the road where I can enjoy it. It is Chrysler and MB who have harmed us. Facing this situation and trying to get it fixed is, I think, a positive. If someone doesn't like it, TS.
These are the instructions sent to dealers telling them how to order the enumerated "vehicle specific parts." One of these "departments" is at Daimler (MB) and the others are at Chrysler, now FCA. If you own a fleet of Sprinters for a delivery service, for instance, and a driver loses the key, this is what a dealer has to go through to get a new one. If it's an MB version, the MB dealer sends the order to their guy, in Stuttgart, I think. If it's a Dodge version, Chrysler dealers send it to the Chrysler department, at FCA, but they have to have it coded with the software that is proprietary to MB, using the codes that Chrysler (or FCA) owns.
An Aside: I would think a strong case could be made that I, as the owner of my Crossfire, which I bought from Chrysler, own the code, at least equally. It's my car, I paid for it, I deserve to own = at least co-equally - the codes required to operate it. Probably I should be, at least, guaranteed access to the MB hardware and software to help you guys, so I'm trying to do what I can with re as well, but you can see where all this goes ... legal fees. Sorry, I can't put up the dough for a law suit, but I'll do what I can with what I have. This has already taken a helluva lot of time.
Wolfstalker,
Thank you sir what you have done for us all, we give you so much credit for trying to fix this and many problems with Skreem and key issuses. As you said we as the owner of the car should own all the codes pertaining to the car .Why would MB have the right to grab us all by the nads . As soon as the title is in your name you own the car and codes which can keep our cars road worthy with out breaking the bank Some of us are no as well off as others who own these cars and bought these cars unknowingly had all these issues. I got my tags temp tags today to get the car to be inspected which I know there are a few things that will not pass so hoping for the best this has been a yr long situation for me as well. So again Sir all the best to you and your health Hope I don't **** anyone off with this comment !! seems several here on this site don't like me for some strange reason . OH well such is life !!
You are a godsend to us. It NEVER occured to me that the Sprinter van would be affected in the same way as our cars, but it DOES make sense, now that you mention it.
Your posts above are fascinating and very educational.
I tip my hat to you, sir.
If you look at the Sprinter forums they says SOS Diagnostics can bypass the Skreem. Also, the Pacifica is affected too and in their forums they want the Skreem bypassed also.
Sorry I hope everyone sees who it is. I do appreciate the constructive discussion and valuable information provided in this thread. I've been on the forum for 10 years and value not only the problem solving, but the shared enjoyment of owning a Crossfire. I also would be very upset, and would take similar steps, if my Crossfire was garage bound because I couldn't get a replacement SKREEM. My daily driver is a Dodge Charger, but this past week I decided to drive my latest Crossfire purchase an 06 red coupe with only 4,700 miles on it (actually it's now up to 6,400) to work every day, and also for short trips at lunch. I enjoy the fun of driving the 6 speed manual, and seeing all the attention it gets. The styling design turns many heads.
No, it is not falling. I feel for those who have a SKREEM failure, but I would not hesitate to take my SE on a 3200 mile vacation and, in fact, my Graphite went on one 2200 mile trip and one 3200 mile trip in the time I owned it.
I've owned three Roadsters over ten years and 100,000 miles - never had an issue with the SKREEM, nor has anyone close to me had a SKREEM failure. It's bad when it happens, but with 77,000 cars on the road, only a handful have failed.
An Aside: I would think a strong case could be made that I, as the owner of my Crossfire, which I bought from Chrysler, own the code, at least equally. It's my car, I paid for it, I deserve to own = at least co-equally - the codes required to operate it. Probably I should be, at least, guaranteed access to the MB hardware and software to help you guys, so I'm trying to do what I can with re as well, but you can see where all this goes ... legal fees. Sorry, I can't put up the dough for a law suit, but I'll do what I can with what I have. This has already taken a helluva lot of time.
I work for JVCKenwood - we keep such information from even most employees. I think this falls under intellectual property rights laws, you actually purchase the right to use the code insofar as it keeps the product running, but not ACCESS to such code.
I think a patent or intellectual property rights lawyer could explain just what the law is, and how close to the truth my text above gets. Remember, your "ownership" of even real estate is tenuous at best, failure to pay taxes and eminent domain mean you can be booted from your property when the law says you can be booted. We, as individuals, own very little anymore.
I know nothing about how the Skreem works, so I don't advocate doing anything to it. I was told by the Chrysler gent who deals with these problems (and told me there are 600 people looking for SKREEM modules, that using the three lock kit shown on this forum would reroute in ending a new main computer and having the whole thing programmed to work together. If SOS in Oregon can reprogram old SKREEM modules or somehow "fix" them that's great. Buy their stock. Good luck to all who go that route. I was told that this MB/Siemens designed SKREEM was only used on two MB models and the Crossfire, other cars use a later generation. I don't know if that is accurate. I see on eBay that there are other modules, some called SKREEM, some not, being sold from scrappers, other sources. Maybe all cars with the "no key" entry system have similar - don't know. I'm just trying to get FCA to resume supplying and coding these units for those who want/need them. I would be doing this even if I was the only one stuck with a non-op vehicle. 600 is a real problem - I see recalls mandated for 15 accidents. I'm not trying to stick it to FCA - I just want a remedy for the situation I am in, and anyone else who has this problem.
We just need someone to compose a comprehensive question to this seller. They could potentially have 600 buyers.
I don't think this seller knows a thing about these kits other than he has them and he is selling them. IF they are plug-n-play how did they get your VIN (or any VIN). He is selling the kit, he doesn't say anything about its programing other than that it is the parts set for your crossfire car. Once you buy them, he ships them, and you receive them he is done with you in your dealings with the auction I doubt it will work without programming/activation. Ask the seller, I suggest he will tell you either he doesn't know (liability release) or you'll need to have it programmed (liability release). We here already know it takes specialized electronic equipment to properly install it into your vehicle (program by VIN). If you want to ask the seller, ask three simple questions. 1. Does it need to be programmed for a VIN? 2. Will you program it? Are these kits factory sealed? I doubt the seller will answer yes to 2 or more of these questions.
I don't think many more than 10 will get one if the seller does answer yes to at lease two questions unless he didn't list all the kits he has.
re: SKREEM Repair Infomation
re: SKREEM Repair Infomation
re: SKREEM Repair Infomation
I don't think this seller knows a thing about these kits other than he has them and he is selling them. IF they are plug-n-play how did they get your VIN (or any VIN). He is selling the kit, he doesn't say anything about its programing other than that it is the parts set for your crossfire car. Once you buy them, he ships them, and you receive them he is done with you in your dealings with the auction I doubt it will work without programming/activation. Ask the seller, I suggest he will tell you either he doesn't know (liability release) or you'll need to have it programmed (liability release). We here already know it takes specialized electronic equipment to properly install it into your vehicle (program by VIN). If you want to ask the seller, ask three simple questions. 1. Does it need to be programmed for a VIN? 2. Will you program it? Are these kits factory sealed? I doubt the seller will answer yes to 2 or more of these questions.