I have a 2005 convertible and one day I ran in the store, came back out to leave, it started then stalled, started back up again, stalled again, started back up, stalled and then did nothing. I sent the skreem module and ECU to have it re-programmed along with the key. Unfortunately that did not fix the problem. The car did start but stalled again. I had an expert named Brian that lives in Florida, and owns many crossfires come and look at it, but he did not bring his specialized diagnostic tool, so we were unable to check for any codes. He’s thinking it might be the central locking pump, because the key is not being recognized by the car, even though everything was reprogrammed. Is this a possibility? Also, the RCM was working fine. I’m at a loss. I want to get her back on the road but I have no idea where to go from here. The battery has been checked. The starter has been checked. Everything normal has been checked. The fuses have been checked . Please please help me.

 

Did you try putting the car in "Neutral" and see if it will start? "Might" be a back safety switch on/in the shifter assembly. Let me know as I'm having the same issues as you. Waiting for mine to fail to start again so I can check out my theory. Been going on for about a month now.

 

The key is recognized by the SKREEM and only the SKREEM. The ECU takes instruction from the SKREEM as to start or not start. The central locking pump won't prevent the starter from engaging OR the 'car not recognizing the key'.

Who did the 'reprogram" on hte SKREEM and ECU? What did they say they found? I ask, because the SKREEM fix is NOT to reprogram it but replace it with new SKREEM or do the 'delete' to where the SKREEM no longer reads the key.

NOW DO THIS: Get in car, turn key to start - does the starter engage or not?
IF NOT: Release key and let it go back to ON, wait 45 seconds. Does engine fan start running very fast and loud?
If fan runs fast, it aint your SKREEM.

THe go-to resource has become Josh Chase at the Mercedes Swap Shop. mercedesswapshop.com

I have asked several questions, if you respond to ME, please answer every question, failure to do so wastes my time and yours, we cant diagnose a car from a distance without detailed information.

 

1. Thank you for responding.
2. The SKREEM is not recognizing the key, I suppose. Josh Chase is the one who did the SKREEM/ECU/key back in May. . I believe he reprogrammed the key to the new SKREEM, but I can't say for sure that it was replaced. I was under the impression that it all just needed reprogrammed, but he does these fixes every day, so I'm assuming he knows what he's doing. I tried starting the car last night, but I'm pretty sure the battery is dead now, because neither the interior lights nor the radio would come on, where they used to work fine, even when the car wouldn't start. The engine fan never ran fast/loud during any point of trying to start the car. I'm at work at the moment, so I can't try to start it again until I get home, but I'll do the 45 second thing....I seriously doubt anything will work though.
Also, I should mention, the keyfob has never locked/unlocked the doors, ever....I always had to do it manually with the key...not sure if that makes a difference or not.

 

I did try that....still nothing

 

Also, I should mention, the keyfob has never locked/unlocked the doors, ever....I always had to do it manually with the key...not sure if that makes a difference or not.

 

I think Josh would test his work before he sends you all back. But like you describe the issue it sounds like a Skreem problem. What do Josh sayed as you mentions the fix he has done don't work?
I think you have only one keyfob? So that it can't locked/unlocked the doors that can have a few issues, first the batteries are empty, second they have to be synchronized with the Skreem, third the rf of the keyfob is dead or the rf of the Skreem is dead.
Maybe my Skreemulator project can help you? With the Skreemulator you will replace the original Skreem, get two RF controls to locked/unlocked the doors and can use simple mechanical keys. No transponder is needed in the keyfob any more.
The Skreemulator is available in the US right now, I will make a other post with all details later.
For a first look you can klick on the link in the bottom of my post.