SKIM/SKIS malfunction/faulty

Tiny
MRDJ61
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 3.3L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 93,180 MILES
Hello. I am having very serious issues with the SKIM/SKIS unit in column area. The unit is activating/malfunction at complete random, triggering the immobilizer unit constant. I and another mechanic friend had original thought it was the ECM unit causing problems. Wrong. A brand new ECM was programmed and installed on July 23. Made no difference. SKIM unit still activates immobilizer at full random. There isn't anywhere in my county I haven't been stranded because of this faulty SKIM unit. My priority question is just this: Can I fully remove this malfunctioned SKIM unit, completely wipe and erase the new ECM memory to pre-install, use a non-chip blank Dodge key instead of transponder chip key. Will the car start and run without any SKIM unit? I will greatly appreciate any professional auto tech help and answers to my serious car issue. Thank you with regards.
Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:19 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
The short answer is no. You cannot replace this unit with a non transponder unit. The PCM is programmed to get the valid key code from the key and SKIM then it allows the start. If you don't have one, the PCM will never get the signal and never start the engine. Have you replaced the SKIM?

If not, I would think this and a new key would be my next step. Let me know and we can go from there. Thanks
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 2:19 PM
Tiny
MRDJ61
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
2 major transponder/locksmith companies in this area have already guaranteed me it is not my current transponder key that is at issue. It would have to be broken or damaged, what I was told by both locksmith companies! I have already spent a fortune trying to resolve this problem. Can't afford to pay for new SKIM unit or for expensive cost labor. Now what am I supposed to do here with this malfunctioned SKIM unit?
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 3:26 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Normally when you get a SKIM it comes with new keys so it may not be the key but it sounds like the SKIM issue so I would just get keys with it. Unfortunately there is not much you can do with it. There is no way to repair it as it is a part that just has to be replaced if faulty. Plus you are not able to bypass it so if this is malfunctioning then you have to replace it. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Let me know what questions you have with this. Thanks
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 7:20 PM
Tiny
MRDJ61
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Can the ECM be re-flashed and re-programmed, having the security chip removed and deactivating all security from ECM, unplugging the SKIM unit permanent, saving me money and more problems. This is a 2002 Dodge vehicle with 93+ thousand miles by the way. It has no monetary value so I don't give a darn about its security or possibly being jacked and taken. No one would want it period where I reside. There is one auto shop in my town that will re-flash and program ECM's at much less cost. Thank you for your help and assistance with this issue.
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Wednesday, August 5th, 2020 AT 9:40 AM
Tiny
MRDJ61
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Go to garretttuning. Com Don't even begin to tell me that security deletion and ECM re-program can't be done. There are hundreds of companies that will do full security deletion/de-activation on PCM-ECM Sir. Thank you.
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Wednesday, August 5th, 2020 AT 1:42 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
I hope this works out for you. I have heard of people doing this but not this specific website. The few people that I have heard try, it has not worked. Hopefully you have different luck. Thanks for the update.
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Wednesday, August 5th, 2020 AT 7:20 PM

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