I have an 04 crossfire, had a problem with a sticky key and got it fixed then the skreem module seemingly went bad. It started with my key fob not unlocking the car, the locksmith had to break in then when trying to start the car it started for a bit then stalled and wouldn't restart. After towing to a garage they used 5 different code readers and none worked so they didn't know the issue. A garage that does foreign cars then was called and the man said from what he heard that it was the skreem module but it was never taken there to be looked at. He recommended needswings for the repair like others on the forum. I am just wondering if it actually is the skreem or could it be something else. I have already put a few thousand into the car for other problems and just got a different vehicle. The car has 101000 miles. Is it worth it to pay the money for the skreem and then put it up for sale or would it be more beneficial to sell for parts?

 

If your car only has 10,100 miles on, you should get it repaired; low mileage cars are easy to sell.

 

If it tries to start three times and then nothing it is probably the screem. If you disconnect the negative side of the battery for a minute and then reconnect it should repeat the three tries then nothing again. If not it is probably the RCM, a cheap and easy fix.

 

oops sorry I meant 101,000

 

I agree with this prior post. If the car, however, does those 3 starts - there is a start error, it is not actual skreem problem. It is loss of syncronization between SKREEM and ECU. It usually has something to do with the battery voltage. Let me know if you need to get it fixed.

 

Digidog, I am confused. I bought a 05 limited convertible about a month ago and installed a new battery and switched over my key fob(the original had broken at the key chain attachment. I started developing skreem start symptoms intermittently about a week ago so I just popped in a new RCM after reading that RCM might cause intermittent start issues. This did not fix the car. Symtoms are the random 2 start and die, then try to start and nothing. However if I wait about 3 minutes(without disconnecting the battery) she starts right up and typically I can run a few errands starting and stopping without the symptoms. Then randomly like the next morning, same skreem symptoms and, rinse and repeat. So I can drive her but intermittently she goes thru the no start sequence. I read your post regarding voltage potentially causing this not a bad SKREEM. Any ideas? Thanks, VinnytheB5

 

If you changed the key-shell, you would probably recall moving the little black plastic thing - the chip, which is actually responsible for the start (SKREEM reads the data of that chip using the plastic ring around ignition). I think your chip is not held where it supposed to be. I have not seen this happening, but I was told that this used to be an issue on W140s. When the chip "jumps" backwards, the ring does not read the data, and the vehicle does not recognize the key. It actually can go into a temporary start error stage, which is clears by itself soon as the vehicle "sees" the correct chip. Perhaps try to shake the key and see if you hear the chip jumping. I must say that it sounds more like an RCM issue. If you will ever develop an actual start error - contact me, I will fix it for you. 9366666650

 

Digidog, Thanks for getting back to me. Yes, the rfid chip is rattling in the key box. There doesn't seem to be a secure slot to hold it toward the front " red window " can I glue or tape it in place?? Any ideas? Thanks again, Vic

 

A small dab of glue would work. You can order a new spare from MSS, Mercedes Swap Shop. They are online.

 

Keeping fingers crossed, since gluing the chip... no skreem hiccups 🤞Yes I do need a complete second key fob, I'll contact MSS. Thx again!!!