Jeep acts like key is not detected

Aviatortroy

Aviatortroy

TJ Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 19, 2019
Messages
230
Location
Colorado
Hey guys I’m in a major pickle. I’m sure I’m going to eat crow on this but I had a charging problem last week and rebuilt the alternator. I did have the battery disconnected for a couple days. Seemed 100% fixed and charging fine now. I drove it all around town today running errands. The last place we stopped, the jeep would not start. Lights test on dash, but the key light stays on. Does not crank. Is there an easy way to get this thing bypassed so I can get it home?
 
I sure don't know of a way to bypass the SKIM system that checks that the proper key was installed. Do you have a second SKIM key at home?
 
No I don’t. It only came with 1 key.

Will the ignition system work if it gets started? I could get it rolling and pop the clutch but my fear is the security system disables the starter and spark so that wouldn’t work
 
So I Ubered home and got my tools and went back with my truck. Just for S and Gs I put the key in the ignition and cranked it and it started right up. Got to love jeep electrical problems. So now I have an unreliable vehicle that I cannot take anywhere and trust that it will start again. But at least I got at home where I can take a look at everything.
 
Aviatortroy said:
So I Ubered home and got my tools and went back with my truck. Just for S and Gs I put the key in the ignition and cranked it and it started right up. Got to love jeep electrical problems. So now I have an unreliable vehicle that I cannot take anywhere and trust that it will start again. But at least I got at home where I can take a look at everything.
Click to expand...

One option you may have is to give Mark @Wranglerfix a call. You can send him your PCM and he can remove the SKIM key functionality.
 
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To make a very long and complicated story short, after checking everything on the jeep, one by one, I eventually found the large plug in the wiring harness on the firewall behind the head had a bad connection somewhere. Hosed it down with contact cleaner and firmly popped it together, nary a problem since.
 
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Aviatortroy said:
To make a very long and complicated story short, after checking everything on the jeep, one by one, I eventually found the large plug in the wiring harness on the firewall behind the head had a bad connection somewhere. Hosed it down with contact cleaner and firmly popped it together, nary a problem since.
Click to expand...

I had a similar issue with my TJ, where it would crank but not start. Similar to you it ended up being a bad connection at the ignition coil plug that connects to the PCM wires. Pulled it apart, cleaned it and she fired right up.
 
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