are xj in the usa immobilised

I have a 97 xj here in the uk the immobiliser is a may and schoffield unit which as died leaving the jeep not running, I can not buy one in the uk and I need to find a way to get the xj running, any ideas would be greet thank alot

Whats an immobiliser?? Some sort of Security Device to combat Auto Theft??

Perhaps there is something in the US that is similiar, but we kinda of dislike the use of the word immobilise used in the context of vehicles, its a very negative thing, and conjures up images of damaged or disabled vehicle.

Rick Anderson said:

Whats an immobiliser?? Some sort of Security Device to combat Auto Theft??

Perhaps there is something in the US that is similiar, but we kinda of dislike the use of the word immobilise used in the context of vehicles, its a very negative thing, and conjures up images of damaged or disabled vehicle.

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If that's the gismo that detects keys having some sort of other gismo then yeah, it was an option.

what ever you want to calll it. It is a device which imobilises vehicles(hence called here an imobiliser)

immobilizer, i didnt get it at first sorry

rostron said:

I have a 97 xj here in the uk the immobiliser is a may and schoffield unit which as died leaving the jeep not running, I can not buy one in the uk and I need to find a way to get the xj running, any ideas would be greet thank alot

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If it's the same as the US anti-thieft system then you can just unplug it.

langer1 said:

If it's the same as the US anti-thieft system then you can just unplug it.

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Sorry, not that easy. Once the engine controller recognizes that the vehicle is equipped with the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module(SKIM), then it will never start without seeing a valid key messgae sent to the engine controller from the SKIM. You only have two options at this point, find a new SKIM module(used parts won't work, they are VIN coded) or replace your engine controller with a brand new unit, or possibly find a used engine controller from a simlar year vehicle that doesn't have the SKIM. You will need to disconnect or remove the SKIM before installing the new engine controller or you will be in the same boat as before. The SKIM is located near the ignition lock cylinder under the shroud.

Bryan

thanks bryan it is the same in the uk I was just hoping to find an easy way out the dealership here is saying this is only on uk models thank again.

The Senty Key System didn't arrive in the US until '99 and came optional in the XJ, WJ & TJ.
97 & 98 did not have the trandsponder key (sentry key) but a dealer installed immobilizer/alarm (Anti-Theft) system was available and it is a Mopar branded system. If the vehicle alarm is triggered, the alarm disables the ignition, immobilizing the vehicle. This is a completely different security system from the transponder ignition key option on the 99+.
ALL XJ'S WITH THE SENTRY KEY SYSTEM HAVE A GRAY OVAL KEY (built in transponder). Those 99+ XJ's without Senty Key have a black oval key. 97-98 XJ's have a triangle shaped key.

I'm pretty sure you are referring to the Mopar accessory Anti-Theft alarm and not the Sentry Key since it did not exist in a Jeep before the WJ which first appeared in 99 the world over.

The Anti-Theft system can just be unplugged or completely removed just like any other aftermarket alarm/security system.

I have the ATC system in my '93 and it only disconnects the starter. I jumpered it next to the battery to drive it till I got the electronic cleaner to get it mobile normally again. If you owe money on the vehicle, try asking your insurance company or the loan company to intervene. "If I can't drive it, I can't make money to pay for it!"

I "IMAGINE" that if the PCM has shut itself down, because it saw an invalid key from the SKIM, that you should be able to have the PCM Flashed to reset it, just like it was a brand new PCM. Instead of buying a new PCM.

The UK Dealer Should be able to do that for you, I can't imagine they would sell a car and not have that support available.

Have you tried to Reset the PCM by pulling a battery cable and waiting an hour or two? That usually dumps the entire memory in the PCM. Although, if it was a good "Anti-Theft" System, the PCM would store the command in Non-Volatile Memory, so that it would still be disabled even after reseting it or dumping the volatile memory.

Flashing the PCM, is litterally reprogramming it, the Dealer is suppossed to have equipment to do that, so that Software Updates and Upgrades can be done to the PCM, as well repairs that might require deleting stored codes or commands, like the SKIM shutting down the PCM. Its Firmware that is stored in an EPROM within the PCM, so you flash the new software, or reflash the old software to reset it with no stored codes/commands, like you flash firmware in computer EPROM's, like BIOS or other pieces of Hardware, like CDRW drives and such.

Just out of curiosity, and fun, how do UK'ers describe a direction of rotation that is opposite of the direction of rotation of clock hands, i.e. what is the opposite of CLOCKWISE.

As stated in post 9 by jeepzz I doubt it even has a SKIM able ECM is 97.

This is sort of like having a HAL 9000 on your vehicle.

"What are you doing, Dave...."

Rick Anderson said:

Just out of curiosity, and fun, how do UK'ers describe a direction of rotation that is opposite of the direction of rotation of clock hands, i.e. what is the opposite of CLOCKWISE.

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When viewed from the back or front of the clock?

TECH REFERENCE
Sentry Key Immobilizer System
(05/21/2005)
Beginning in 1998, selected Chrysler products began rolling off the assembly lines with a new advanced security system known as the Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS). Many newer Cherokees are equipped with this feature.

When you attempt to start a vehicle with this feature, the onboard computer sends out a RF signal that is read up by the electronic transponder chip embedded in the key. The transponder then returns a unique signal back to the vehicle's computer, giving it the ok for the vehicle to start and continue to run. This all happens in under a second, and is completely transparent to the vehicle driver. For additional security, two pre-programmed keys are needed in order to register additional keys into the system. In the event of the loss of all keys, special programming equipment is needed to register new keys into the system.

It is highly recommended that you get a spare third key made and programmed for your Jeep. It's a good idea to do this while you still have your two original keys. If you were to ever lose one of those keys, it's a lot more costlier to have a replacement made as you must go to the dealer or a specialty locksmith to have the programming done. With your own pair of original keys, you can easily program a new key yourself.

The Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) can be programmed to recognize up to a total of eight Sentry Keys. There are two possible methods to program the SKIM to recognize a new or additional valid key, the Customer Learn Method and the dealer-performed Secured Access Method. The Customer Learn programming feature is available only on U.S. vehicles and is detailed below. Note that once a Sentry Key has been programmed as a valid key to a given vehicle, it cannot be programmed as a valid key for use on any other vehicle.

Blank keys can be typically found from a few different vendors on the Ebay auction site for around $20 plus shipping. Any key shop or hardware store can cut the keys.


Programing Sentry keys:

1. Dealer-Programming additional Sentry Keys (requires ONE original key)

In situations where only one key is available, keys must be programmed by the dealer via the Secured Access Method. The Secured Access method applies to all vehicles. This method requires the use of a DRBIIIt scan tool and will also require that you have access to the unique four-digit PIN code that was assigned to the original SKIM. The PIN code must be used to enter the Secured Access Mode in the SKIM. This PIN number may be obtained from the vehicle owner, from the original vehicle invoice, or from the DaimlerChrysler Customer Center. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information for the proper Secured Access method programming procedures.


2. Self-Programming additional Sentry Keys (requires TWO original keys)

"A" through "G" below is a quick summary of the steps that are required for programming. Following this list, "1" through "6" takes you through the same process in greater detail.

Quick Steps:

A. Purchase a blank key and have it cut
B. Insert original key #1 into ignition and turn to On
C. Wait 5 seconds and turn key to off
D. Immediately insert original key # 2 into ignition and turn to on
E. Wait 10 seconds for SKIS indicator in dash starts to flash
F. Turn ignition off, insert new blank key and turn ignition back on
G. Once SKIS light stops flashing and turns off, your new key is programmed


Detailed steps:

(1) The first step of course is to acquire a blank transponder key. These can be purchased from your Jeep dealer or bought online. Online prices are usually around $20.00. You can then take the blank key along with one of your original keys to any key maker or locksmith and have it cut to match, just like with any other key.

(2) Insert one of the two valid Sentry Keys into the ignition switch and turn the ignition switch to the On position.

(3) After the ignition switch has been in the On position for longer than three seconds, but no more than fifteen seconds, cycle the ignition switch back to the Off position. Replace the first valid Sentry Key in the ignition switch lock cylinder with the second valid Sentry Key and turn the ignition switch back to the On position. The second valid Sentry Key must be inserted in the lock cylinder within fifteen seconds of removing the first valid key.

(4) About ten seconds after the completion of Step 3, the SKIS indicator in the instrument cluster will start to flash and a single audible chime tone will sound to indicate that the system has entered the Customer Learn programming mode.

(5) Within sixty seconds of entering the Customer Learn programming mode, turn the ignition switch to the Off position, replace the valid Sentry Key with a blank Sentry Key transponder, and turn the ignition switch back to the On position.

(6) About ten seconds after the completion of Step 5, a single audible chime tone will sound and the SKIS indicator will stop flashing, stay on solid for three seconds, then turn off to indicate that the blank Sentry Key has been successfully programmed. The SKIS will immediately exit the Customer Learn programming mode and the vehicle may now be started using the newly programmed valid Sentry Key.

Each of these steps must be repeated and completed in their entirety for each additional Sentry Key that is to be programmed. If the above steps are not completed in the given sequence, or within the allotted time, the SKIS will exit the Customer Learn programming mode and the programming will be unsuccessful. The SKIS will also automatically exit the Customer Learn programming mode if it sees a non-blank Sentry Key transponder when it should see a blank, if it has already programmed eight (8) valid Sentry Keys, or if the ignition switch is turned to the Off position for more than about fifty seconds.

NOTE: If an attempt is made to start the vehicle while in the Customer Learn mode (SKIS indicator flashing), the SKIS will respond as though the vehicle were being started with an invalid key. In other words, the engine will stall after about two seconds of operation.

NOTE: Once a Sentry Key has been programmed as a valid key to a vehicle, it cannot be programmed as a valid key for use on any other vehicle.



Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter

The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system transmitter is equipped with three buttons, labeled Lock, Unlock, and Panic. The operating range of the transmitter radio signal is up to 30 feet from the receiver. Each transmitter has a different vehicle access code, which must be programmed into the memory of the receiver in the vehicle in order to operate the system. Two transmitters are provided with the vehicle, but the receiver can store the access codes of up to four transmitters.

Transmitters for vehicles equipped with the optional Memory System are color-coded and have a number "1" or "2" molded into the case to coincide with the "Driver 1 (Black)" and "Driver 2 (Gray)" buttons of the memory switch on the driver side front door. These transmitters must also have their access codes programmed into the receiver so that they coincide with their matching buttons.




Programming:

Programming the RKE transmitter access codes requires the use of a DRBIII® scan tool, so if you need ro replace one or want a spare you'll need to visit your local dealer to have this done.


Battery replacement:

To replace the RKE transmitter batteries, use a thin coin to gently pry at the notch in the center seam of the transmitter case halves near the key ring until they pop apart. Replace both batteries with Panasonic model CR2016 (or equivalent). Be certain of course that the batteries are installed with their polarity correctly oriented.

NOTE: The RKE system uses rolling code security. This requires that synchronization be maintained between the transmitter and the receiver. Transmitter battery removal or replacement can cause a loss of sync. If the receiver fails to respond to the transmitter after battery removal or replacement, depress and release the RKE transmitter Unlock button repeatedly while listening carefully for the power door locks in the vehicle to cycle. After between five and eight presses of the Unlock button, the power door locks should cycle, indicating that re-synchronization has occurred.










Jeep Cherokee, Command-Trac, Selec-Trac, Jeep, the Jeep logo, and the Jeep grille are registered trademarks of DaimlerChrysler Corporation. Throughout this web site all the preceding marks & logos are used for identification purposes only. XJ JEEPS is an independent web site and is not affiliated with DaimlerChrysler Corporation. Other trademarks used throughout this web site are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.
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Hmmm, so I wonder if the guy has a grey key or not? I forgot aout the whole no SKIS or SKIM until 99 thing. :sad1:

For the record, flash programming a engine control module will reset only certain things in its memory. The theft security state isn't one of them.