Today was my worst day ever. Never a problem with my CRD, ever before.

I was preparing for a trip to Ft Leonardwood MO. Had to be there on Monday
and planned on leaving Sunday morning, driving my CRD.
Today, I was running around, trying to get a few little things done before
I leave. No hint of any problem, I get into it so I can get home for lunch.
Crank, crank, crank- No START! Little red light is ON on the dash. Owners
manual says that light indicated a problem with the immobilizer. Also, fuel
gauge shows empty, low fuel light on. I had just under half a tank! Whats
going on!

Called my wife so she could bring over the spare key and try that. Same,
no change!

Called the dealer, they say call a tow truck!

Finally get to the dealer at 1530. Dealer says they wont be able to even look
at it till Tuesday! What the F---!!!

_________________
U.S. Army Retired

As you probably know, your key contains a radio chip that in energized when in the cylinder. This transmits a frequency to an antenna in the cylinder. Unless the correct frequency is detected, the vehicle refuses to start.

Chances are that your SKIM (Sentry Key Immobilizer Module) is bad.
It happens. I have seen it twice on vehicles in the past year.

It is a small box attached to the steering column right by the key cylinder.

Unfortunately, this probably isnt what you wanted to hear.
Sorry for the bad timing for you.
I hope you make it to your obligations on time.
I assume this is for a military gig - if so - thanks for your service.

I don't know for sure, but when in doubt, check for a blown or cracked fuses with a 12volt test light. Volt meters will read a full voltage on a corroded connection, but a test light will be dimly lit and show there is a problem. Are you near the shore with salt air, wiggle the fuses, see if the problem goes away. Do you park near any fountains or lawn sprinklers, golf courses, water plants, waste water plants, or wash your Jeep around water that smells a little? Florida has a lot of native sulfur and is know for having hydrogen sulfide all over the place and this can corrode connections. I have had copper coins in my pocket go gray in a few hours around waste water plants. If you find corrosion on your electrical connections that are open to the air such as the fuses and relays in your fuse box, clean the corrosion off and get out the die-electric compound or other protective compound (there are many on the market) and put it on the connections like a Massachusetts Senator spending your tax money.

Good Luck

Steve

_________________
2006 Pearl Green CRD
Magnaflow 2 1/2" Cat Back
KJ Extra Leg Room Brackets, Carter Lift Pump, V6 Airbox, ORM
Fuel cooler, Oil Separator, Progard 7
Gauges EGT Boost Trans Temp Oil Pres, Michelin LXT AT2 245 70 R16
7,000# Draw Tight hitch, PML EX Deep Trans Pan
Centrifuge, SunCoast, Transgo, RAM TCM, InMotion Stage 2
Wife's 99 TDI VW Beetle

Update,

Wife picked up the CRD today, thank god!
They replaced the SKIM module and both keys.
Also told her that they ordered a MAF cause the CEL was on.
I told her not to worry about it.

I made it to FLW just fine, I drove her Caliber. She says she hates the Jeep
but I'm afraid she will start to like it while I'm here in MO for two months.

I really hated to leave her (and the baby) without a car, but she was ok with
it and it was only for a few days.

_________________
U.S. Army Retired

Glad to hear it worked out in the end.
I am not sure why they would have replaced the keys, though.
Was this under warranty? If not, they may have just been milking an extra $60-100 (dealer price) from you on two new keys.

As far as I know, the keys shouldnt have refused to reprogram. The SKIM can learn up to six keys - it basically learns what frequency code the keys transmit. I do not believe that the key remembers what SKIM has learned its code - there would be no need for that as the key is only going to fit one cylinder after it is cut.

I could be wrong, but it seems highly suspect.
Unless they also replaced the cylinder, it seems unnecessary.

Yeah, it was all under warranty.

On saturday, I drove my wifes car out to another dealership to get the
module. Just to expedite the process.

Later, the dealer informed me that the module was replaced but still wasn't
working. So I go back to the dealer so I can get all my stuff out of the Jeep.
I get to talk to the Tech and after he explains to me why he hates the CRD,
he trys programming the module/keys again. It wasnt working and kept
getting messages that the keys were incorrect and wouldn't program. I was
right there and saw it for myself.

He was dumbfounded too!

I'm just glad its back and running and my wife has a car.

I'm also glad he didn't have to investigate the PCM and discover my SEGR splicing.

_________________
U.S. Army Retired

Yeah, it was all under warranty.

On saturday, I drove my wifes car out to another dealership to get the
module. Just to expedite the process.

Later, the dealer informed me that the module was replaced but still wasn't
working. So I go back to the dealer so I can get all my stuff out of the Jeep.
I get to talk to the Tech and after he explains to me why he hates the CRD,
he trys programming the module/keys again. It wasnt working and kept
getting messages that the keys were incorrect and wouldn't program. I was
right there and saw it for myself.

He was dumbfounded too!

I'm just glad its back and running and my wife has a car.

I'm also glad he didn't have to investigate the PCM and discover my SEGR splicing.

_________________
U.S. Army Retired