Issue with SKIM key and starting

[Clikrean]

I have an 2003 wrangler sport, 6 cylinder.

Unfortunately I have the standard gray skim key and I have been having trouble starting it occasionally. There are some mornings where it just won’t read my key and will kill the engine. I end up having to disconnect the battery and wait for the system to reset itself, then it’ll start up on the first/second try.

I originally thought the chip in my key was going out but even after replacing / programming my new key, I’m still having the same issues.

Besides this, my Jeep drives great and I only struggling getting it to start occasionally. Sadly this issue has been happening more frequently and I would like to have a better idea on what to do next.

Thanks

 

[CODE5]

I'm dealing with this and wondering if it is just old battery terminals or the ignition actuator... I can turn the headlights on/off run the radio etc but when I go to start my Jeep I can turn the key to prime the fuel pump and when I go to start all I get is a click and then the battery completely cuts power, no dash lights etc. I then have to go pull the positive terminal to allow the lights to function again...

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Since you already replaced the key it sounds like it could be caused by the SKIM key chip reader that's mounted adjacent to the ignition switch area.

 

[CODE5]

Since you already replaced the key it sounds like it could be caused by the SKIM key chip reader that's mounted adjacent to the ignition switch area.

Would it flash the orange key icon with a line through it when you try to crank? I know when I’ve used a non SKIM key it cranks but cuts off near 1 minute.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Would it flash the orange key icon with a line through it when you try to crank? I know when I’ve used a non SKIM key it cranks but cuts off near 1 minute.

Yes and that's how the SKIM system works. It'll allow the engine to start without the correct chip/defective reader but it quickly stops the engine with the amber key icon.

 

[Clikrean]

Since you already replaced the key it sounds like it could be caused by the SKIM key chip reader that's mounted adjacent to the ignition switch area.

Thank you for the reply! I’m still trying to narrow down the issue, but I’m really hoping it’s not my PCM unit.

Do you think it could still be my SKIM key reader if the issue doesn’t happen all the time? Currently my jeep hasn’t struggled reading my key for the last two weeks, but I know it’ll happen again. It’s truly irregular when it won’t read my key, which is not a great feeling lol.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

I'd suspect the reader before the PCM.

 

[GregBelleville]

I'd suspect the reader before the PCM.

Is there a best way to verify if a skim key is bad? I'm trying to verify if a crank no start issue is possibly due to a bad skim key.

I currently only have one key so I can't try another key. Is the only way to have another chipped key made by a locksmith?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

I don't know how a locksmith could duplicate a SKIM key if the original source key has a bad chip. The dealer certainly can though with your VIN # and proof of ownership.

 

[RangerTJ]

Is there a best way to verify if a skim key is bad? I'm trying to verify if a crank no start issue is possibly due to a bad skim key.

I currently only have one key so I can't try another key. Is the only way to have another chipped key made by a locksmith?

My local True Value hardware store was able to duplicate the SKIM key for my 2004 Grand Cherokee Overland.

I think it was $75

 

[GregBelleville]

I don't know how a locksmith could duplicate a SKIM key if the original source key has a bad chip. The dealer certainly can though with your VIN # and proof of ownership.

as I attempt to start the Jeep, you can see the skim key symbol illuminate then turn off as I turn the ignition on. Is it normal for the skim symbol to illuminate briefly and then go out like this or is this an indicator that my key isn't sending a signal?

 

[CODE5]

Another possibility I encountered this weekend. I did an oil change on my Jeep when I tried to crank it up to move it it wouldn’t turn over — only a click from the solenoid… Ended up calling my neighbor over and we discovered the starter connector was VERY loose. Previous owner had wrapped electrical tape around the connection and over time through bumps and rain it finally let go. Got a new connector and it cranks every time. Just something to check!

 

[Jerry Bransford]

as I attempt to start the Jeep, you can see the skim key symbol illuminate then turn off as I turn the ignition on. Is it normal for the skim symbol to illuminate briefly and then go out like this or is this an indicator that my key isn't sending a signal?

I don't know if the SKIM key symbol turns on & off with non-SKIM equipped TJs but mine has SKIM and that symbol turns on as part of the instrument cluster's self-test of all bulbs as I start the engine and then it turns off.

 

[mrblaine]

as I attempt to start the Jeep, you can see the skim key symbol illuminate then turn off as I turn the ignition on. Is it normal for the skim symbol to illuminate briefly and then go out like this or is this an indicator that my key isn't sending a signal?

Normal SKIM key function is to unlock the ignition lock cylinder so it rotates through all positions and then over to the crank to start the engine and then back to run for the engine to stay running. If the PCM does not get the signal from the SKIM module at that point that tells it all is fine, it will then shut the running engine off.

If you use a non SKIM key to crank and start, the signal can't be sent so the engine starts, runs for a few seconds and then is shut down by the PCM. The dash light will illuminate telling you that it was started with a non SKIM key.

 

[L J]

Is it normal for the skim symbol to illuminate briefly and then go out like this or is this an indicator that my key isn't sending a signal?

 

[TheGanzman]

View attachment 392828

Yes...