SKIM Light

Mike92104 · **Posted:** Wed Jun 03, 2015 6:19 pm

Does the SKIM light blink after the key is turned to on, but turns off after engine start? I'm curious because I'm working on getting my tractor back together. The battery has been out of it for quite a while. I put the key in the ignition and switched it to ON to upload my new ecotune, but I noticed the skim light was flashing. I'm wondering if I'll need to get a new key programmed, or if the light will go out once the engine is started (which I'm not ready to do yet). The door lock buttons are not working even with a new battery. For all I know, the alarm could be going off, but I unplugged the horn before hooking up the battery just in case.

papaindigo · **Posted:** Thu Jun 04, 2015 8:01 am

When I insert the key with the lock/unlock fob and turn to on, but not start, the sentry light comes on and then goes out after few seconds. If the battery has been out for quite a while it may be low on charge which can make vehicle computer systems very unhappy.

Billwill · **Posted:** Thu Jun 04, 2015 9:36 am

Normally on the SKIS system a flashing light means that the ECM is not happy with the code sent to it from the SKIM module at the top of the steering column that reads the code from the chipped key. You should be able to start the vehicle but it will run for a few seconds then cut out.

I thought the 2005 onwards models used the SKREEM system which may be different!

I will read the 2005 KJ Manual to check this. :wink:

Mike92104 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 04, 2015 3:36 pm

Billwill wrote:

Normally on the SKIS system a flashing light means that the ECM is not happy with the code sent to it from the SKIM module at the top of the steering column that reads the code from the chipped key. You should be able to start the vehicle but it will run for a few seconds then cut out.

I thought the 2005 onwards models used the SKREEM system which may be different!

I will read the 2005 KJ Manual to check this. :wink:

I was reading the manual, and it seems like Papa is correct. I guess I'll have to look into getting a new set of keys programmed. The battery is new, and was fully charged.

papaindigo · **Posted:** Thu Jun 04, 2015 4:04 pm

I could be wrong but I do not think you need to purchase new keys. I think what has probably happened is that with the battery out for an extended period of time that the BCM (body control module) has forgotten how to recognize the keys you have therefore when you insert you original key the BCM "thinks" someone is trying to steal the vehicle. If that's the case then the proper tool, check with a good local locksmith, should be able to tell the BCM in effect "heh stupid the keys you already have are valid keys".

Mike92104 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 04, 2015 6:41 pm

papaindigo wrote:

I could be wrong but I do not think you need to purchase new keys. I think what has probably happened is that with the battery out for an extended period of time that the BCM (body control module) has forgotten how to recognize the keys you have therefore when you insert you original key the BCM "thinks" someone is trying to steal the vehicle. If that's the case then the proper tool, check with a good local locksmith, should be able to tell the BCM in effect "heh stupid the keys you already have are valid keys".

Will do! I was wondering if that might be the case.

KC-CRD · **Joined:** Wed Jan 28, 2015 2:20 pm **Posts:** 47

I'll echo the sentiment that it has probably lost the list of programmed keys. A locksmith may not be able to help though. I only had 1 key for my Jeep, and the locksmith needed at least 1 programmed key to be able to add additional keys.

If you program keys yourself you need two programmed keys. You insert one, then the other, then the new key you want it to accept. When the locksmith added my second key he connected his device to the OBDII port, then inserted my programmed key, then the new key. If that is the standard process, then you'll have to take it to a dealership. And that is going to increase the cost considerably. (I was quoted $200)

SKIM Light

Who is online