Kevin Hubbell

I got a matched PCM off the parts hotline, but it won't recognize my coded key, the motor starts but only runs for 2 seconds and cuts off with the keycode light in the dash illuminated. Can I program the new PCM to my key, or get a new key for that PCM?

dave1123

I believe the dealer has to reprogram the SKIM or Security Key Identification Module. The codes are stored in the SKIM and the PCM monitors everything. Which means it has to be towed to the dealer, of course.

Kevin Hubbell

I plugged the old module back in and am driving it, can they program in out of the truck, or will I have to change it out in the lot?

dave1123

You're going to have to talk to the dealer service manager on that one. IDK where you're from, but the dealership near me is in a rich suburb and doesn't like working on anything older than 5 years. They will, but they give you an attitude every time. The PARTS guy is the nicest guy you'd ever want to meet and knows his stuff, but the service manager is a stuck up SOB. My friend took his lifted XJ in for something and the service manager told him they don't work on "modified" jeeps! They sent him all the way over to the west side of the city to another dealership that couldn't be nicer. What he wanted was an alignment.

Kevin Hubbell

I live in a farming community, and the dealership in this area is full of Ram Truck Rednecks. I wonder if I can program it myself using my Snap-On scanner/programmer? Or disable the SKIM completely, I leave the keys in the truck most of the time anyway. Thanks for the info.

dave1123

I seriously doubt you can do either of those options. If you are good with computers and can write code, maybe, but you need to know the system in the first place. These are programs already installed on the dealership's diagnostic computer. I doubt even the dealer service guys know how to manipulate them.

The only thing I can think of is to install a new SKIM with it's own new keys. Even then the PCM may need to be programmed to recognize it. This stuff is WAY beyond my knowledge. I can understand the HARDWARE, but not the SOFTWARE. The 99 and newer jeeps work on a CAN-BUS system where all the modules talk to each other. The PCM does random checks on all the modules. I've been sitting waiting for the doors to open at the newspaper distribution warehouse, idling for over an hour, and the ABS light would pop on. WTF! I never even touched the brake! Shut it off, wait 10 minutes, fire it up, no light.

94zj318

AFAIK you're going to have to reprogram your keys... key reprogramming can be done without a trip to the dealer, given that you have at least two (2) original keys available.

You're also going to have to reprogram your remotes, which HAS to be done at a dealer or locksmith that has the right tools, unfortunately.

dave1123

Contrary to popular belief, the code is built into the remote and the RKE receiver has to recognize it. The receiver has to be programmed, not the remote. With the keys, the SKIM has to accept the code built into the new key by adding it to it's memory, but won't do that unless the 2 original keys are present beforehand. Each module will store up to 6 codes.

My WJ came with 2 keys, one grey and one brown. Replacement keys are black. Or so they tell me.

Confused yet? I'm telling you, this stuff gets complicated quickly! That's why if anything differs from these procedures, the dealer must reprogram it with his equipment.

BLKXJ 96

The SKIM module and the PCM will need to be reconfigured using a DRB III scan tool so they can match the four digit SKIM code to the new PCM. It will have to be done at the dealer, as no other scan tool will work for this application. Pretty easy.....I've done it quite a bit when I worked at the dealer. All the keys and fobs you have should still work, just be sure to take them all with you when you go to get the work done.

dave1123

Thank you voice of experience! You just confirmed everything I've been told is correct! OBD III scan tool, huh?