Chrysler Sebring, Stratus sedan, Sebring Convertible. Manual - part 321
recovered, new ignition keys will be required. The
scan tool will alert the technician if key replacement
is necessary. Another security code, called a PIN, is
used to gain secured access to the SKIM for service.
The SKIM also stores in its memory the Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN), which it learns through
a bus message from the assembly plant tester. The
SKIS scrambles the information that is communi-
cated between its components in order to reduce the
possibility of unauthorized SKIM access and/or dis-
abling.
OPERATION
When the ignition switch is moved to the RUN
position, the SKIM transmits an RF signal to the
transponder in the ignition key. The SKIM then
waits for a response RF signal from the transponder
in the key. If the response received identifies the key
as valid, the SKIM sends a
9valid key9 message to
the PCM over the PCI bus. If the response received
identifies the key as invalid or no response is
received from the transponder in the ignition key, the
SKIM sends an
9invalid key9 message to the PCM.
The PCM will enable or disable engine operation
based upon the status of the SKIM messages. It is
important to note that the default condition in the
PCM is
9invalid key.9 Therefore, if no response is
received by the PCM, the engine will be immobilized
after two (2) seconds of running.
The SKIM also sends indicator light status mes-
sages to the BCM to operate the light. This is the
method used to turn the light ON solid or to flash it
after the indicator light test is complete to signify a
fault in the SKIS. If the light comes ON and stays
ON solid after the indicator light test, this signifies
that the SKIM has detected a system malfunction
and/or that the SKIS has become inoperative. If the
SKIM detects an invalid key OR a key-related fault
exists, the indicator light will flash following the
indicator light test. The SKIM may also request an
audible chime if the customer key programming fea-
ture is available and the procedure is being utilized.
Refer to Electrical, Vehicle Theft Security, Transpon-
der Key, Standard Procedure - Transponder Program-
ming.
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY OR DEATH.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
remote cable.
(2) Remove knee bolster (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT
PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL
ASSEMBLY - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the steering column upper and lower
shrouds (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
STEERING
COLUMN
OPENING
COVER
-
REMOVAL).
(4) Disengage the steering column wire harness
from the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM).
(5) Remove the two screws securing the SKIM
module to the top of the steering column.
(6) Rotate the SKIM and its mounting bracket
upwards and then to the side away from the steering
column to slide the SKIM antenna ring from around
the ignition switch lock cylinder housing.
(7) Remove the SKIM from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) If the SKIM is replaced with a new unit, a scan
tool MUST be used to initialize the new SKIM and to
program at least two Sentry Key transponders.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/VEHICLE THEFT SECU-
Fig. 8 SKIM Remove/Install
1 - IGNITION KEY CYLINDER
2 - STEERING COLUMN
3 - SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER MODULE (SKIM)
4 - SKIM CONNECTOR
5 - SKIM ANTENNA
JR
ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES
8E - 13
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER MODULE (Continued)