I came across this listing on eBay for a full set of assemblies to change out a SKREEM, lock cylinders and 2 key fobs for $464.06 USD. It's from a vendor call foxriverparts, and they supposedly have 10 sets available.

The listing is titled Genuine Mopar OEM NEW Ignition Lock Set Assembly 2004-2008 Crossfire 5101014AA. My reference indicates that part # is only for a lock cylinder, but the listing has numerous pictures that show all the parts mentioned are included.

Although it would take some effort to swap out all the parts, it looks to be a much cheaper alternative than buying just a SKREEM or a single key fob. Might be worth contacting the seller to confirm what all is indeed included...

 

I bought this set.

 

And ............. ??????

 

If you can program that SKREEM to the ECM you are good to go.

IT LOOKS like all new parts, but there are conflicting stories of just what is programmable and by who.

 

I have it as a spare if needed for any one of my 3 Crossfires. I decided why use a one shot $500 item not needed at the moment to prove it works. I did offer before that if anyone wants to donate a kit, or share in the cost, I will follow through with the DRBIII programming procedure documenting the steps taken. I would say I believe I did save you $170-$250(Amazon Price) by going first on the Foxwell scanner purchase and test. Would you like to split the the SKREEM kit cost to help prove it works, or not? I also offered to help any local owner like svcrossfire in NJ who has a bad SKREEM now waiting for the January availability date.

 

Understood. Thanks for the quick response.
No on splitting the cost, I have 2 spare SKREEM modules and still waiting for Josh Chase to see if his mad genius can find a solution.

 

Sorry I was not paying enough attention to the post name, there was someone else that was going to buy the Foxwell that I was thinking of. It was not you. No problem and no pressure here. I'm not soliciting to do this. When I'm asked about it I explain what it would take for me to follow through. I would expect if there was that much concern about finding a solution that others might want to chip in on the cost to find out. I'm confident it will work, but of course, until I do go through the process following the documentation and on screen instructions on the scanner, I will not know for certain. I've spent thousands of dollars on these Chrysler scanners and special Crossfire cables, and share related information about them. I have and will help local owners with them. If I ever have a SKREEM failure, or even need to replace a second key, I will do it and will share the info with everyone.

 

My fingers have been crossed.

 

I'm willing to chip in on the cost to see if these kits are programmable. You said you'd need the whole car as you have to access the OBD port...understood. However, what if there was a "test mule" car available to you (like SOS Diagnostics has to verify their work) ...would you be able to plug in the subject car's ECU if sent to you and program the kit? Just looking for a way that folks can get their car up and running if not anywhere near you.

 

That's good to hear. I'm looking to have the kit cost split. Do we need others to chip in as well?

I'm willing to use one of my three Crossfire to run this test on the SKREEM kit. Swapping the ECU at the same time complicates that test and may invalidate the results.

 

Any updates on this yet? I am really curious if anyone has actually gotten this to work. I cannot see how it can, knowing that new SKREEM modules come pre-coded from the warehouse for your specific car and key data. How someone can have stock sitting on the shelf i do not know. I have found no factory manuals regarding this kit. The seller cannot confirm whether or not it has worked for anyone, only that no one has returned it so far. He suggests taking it to the dealer. I said if he can guarantee the dealer can do it, I'll spend my time and money to have it done (even though we have all tools and access the dealer does). I suggested that we have many people interested based on whether or not they are confirmed working, but he seems to be unwilling to help any further.

We can make these work (we can make a used one work too), but what I want to know is IF the dealer can do it. If they can, the programming will be much cheaper.

What I know so far, I bought one, plugged it into my fully functioning and running car and it would not start with the new keys provided.

I hooked up the DRBIII, went to the SKREEM special functions and chose "module replacement". The only thing it asks is what the country coding is (what the market is) and I chose USA/Canada. It completed and still no start.

 

There is a specific DRB manual for the Crossfire. 180 has one and I asked for a copy with no answer. Toolman might have one, I also asked and no reply either. You can give it a shot with both of them.

 

Oh thanks, I don't need a manual for the DRB. I did the only option available on it. What i would like is a manual for that kit that includes the SKREEM. I am guessing that kit also comes pre-coded from the factory. These were bought as overstock and will never work with dealer tools as they are not coded correctly (pre-coded).

 

The specific DRB manual for the Crossfire might have want you need. I am not talking about the DRB regular manual.

 

Found this in the service manual

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. Using the DRB III
scan tool, follow the on screen instructions to program the new PCM.
2. Using the DRB III
, follow the on screen instructions to program the new Sentry Key Remote Entry Module.
3. Replace all ignition keys and program them to the new Sentry Key Remote Entry Module.
ZH ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES - SERVICE INFORMATION 8E - 77
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, the DRB III
will program the secret key into the new PCM.
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/RUN 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 DRB III
, erase all ignition keys.
3. Program all of the ignition keys.
If ignition key programming is unsuccessful, the DRB III
will display a failure message.

 

OPERATION
The Sentry Key Remote Entry Module (SKREEM) has the following functions: receiving and evaluating the Radio
Frequency (RF) keyless entry remote signal, actuation of door locks in conjunction with the Central Locking Pump/
Security System Module, and enabling the vehicle theft security alarm with confirmation via the turn signals. When
the RKE transmitter is operated, an RF signal is transmitted. If the SKREEM recognizes the RF signal as valid, it
actuates the Central Locking Pump/Security System Module through the Body Control Module. The vehicle is then
locked or unlocked through the power locks system. Connected to the SKREEM is a Sentry Key Antenna Ring
which surrounds the ignition lock cylinder. When the ignition is switched on, the Sentry Key Antenna Ring is supplied
with power. A data block is transmitted inductively via the Sentry Key Antenna Ring to the SKREEM and then
on to the Powertrain Control Module. If the antenna ring data block content is invalid or if vehicle battery power is
too low to build up enough power for the antenna ring, the Powertrain Control Module will not receive the proper
signal. This is displayed with the message “Start Error” in the Instrument Cluster.
The SKREEM contains an RF transceiver and a microprocessor. The SKREEM transmits RF signals to and receives
RF signals from the ignition key transponder through a tuned Sentry Key Antenna Ring that is wired to the
SKREEM. If the Sentry Key Antenna Ring is not mounted properly around the ignition lock cylinder housing, communication
problems between the SKREEM and the ignition key may arise. These communication problems will
result in ignition key transponder-related faults. The SKREEM also communicates over the Controller Area Network
(CAN) data bus with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the Instrument Cluster, the Body Control Module (BCM),
and/or the DRB III
scan tool.
The SKREEM retains in memory the ID numbers of any ignition key transponder that is programmed into it. For
added system security each SKREEM is programmed with a unique secret key code. This code is stored in memory,
sent over the CAN data bus to the PCM, and is encoded to the transponder of every ignition key that is programmed
into the SKREEM.
In the event that a SKREEM replacement is required, the secret key code can be transferred to the new SKREEM
from the PCM using the DRB III
scan tool and the ignition key system replacement programming procedure.
Proper completion of the ignition key system initialization will allow the existing ignition keys to be programmed into
the new SKREEM so that new keys will not be required. In the event that the original secret key code cannot be
recovered, SKREEM replacement will also require new ignition keys. The DRB III
scan tool will alert the technician
during the key reprogramming procedure if new ignition keys are required.
The sentry key system performs a self-test each time the ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position and will
store fault information in the form of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) in SKREEM memory if a system malfunction
is detected. The SKREEM can be diagnosed and any stored DTCs can be retrieved using a DRB III
scan tool.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.

 

STANDARD PROCEDURE - TRANSMITTER PROGRAMMING
The Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter(s) can be programmed by the customer without special tools.
PROGRAMMING PROCEDURE
Transmitter programming by the customer is done by performing the following steps:
1. Insert the key into the ignition switch.
2. Press either the lock or unlock button momentarily twice.
3. Turn the key in the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position within 30 seconds.

 

SENTRY KEY VERIFICATION TEST
SENTRY KEY VERIFICATION TEST
1.
Turn the ignition off.
Disconnect all jumper wires and reconnect all previously disconnected components and connectors.
Note: If the SKREEM or the PCM was replaced, refer to the service information for proper programming
procedures.
With the DRB III
, erase all Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) from ALL modules. Operate all functions of the system
that caused the original complaint.
Perform 5 ignition key cycles leaving the key on for at least 90 seconds per cycle.
Turn the ignition off and wait 5 seconds. Turn the ignition on and using the DRB III
, read DTCs from ALL modules.
Are any DTCs present or is the original complaint still present?

 

Thank you maggy55 for providing this detailed excerpt regarding this critical and obscure process. Without it there is much guessing going on. Thanks!
After reading through it I think I realize now why my carfax shows that my ignition has been re-coded.

 

Unfortunately, none SKREEM programming info is correct. They tell you to program keys. There is no key programming. Keys come from the factory already programmed. Period.

The PCM on the other hand was a dealer stocked item and is not programmed at the warehouse. They come completely virgin and can learn the secret key from the SKREEM.

There is no secret key transfer from PCM to new SKREEM. The SKREEM comes with the secret key already programmed as stored in Mercedes database for that VIN. That is why, when you could get new ones, you just plug them in and the car started. That is also why you cannot plug a new one ordered by VIN into another car and have it work, because the secret key does not match the other car.

Unless we can find info specific to this kit being sold, I have to assume it was extra stock at the warehouse that they dumped to a wholesaler and cannot be programmed by a dealership or dealer tools. Please correct me, I'd love to see these work with dealer tools, but so far I don't think so. It will require a service like ours for programming used parts.

I assume this kit was available to dealers as an option when someone had a key stolen and wanted to change all the locks and remotes. If it was ordered, the warehouse would program it for the VIN and then ship.

Again, please correct me. The seller cannot.