SKIM is an abbreviation, which stands for Sentry Key Immobilizer System.

In the Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep vehicles, it prevents unauthorized operation of the vehicle by disabling the engine. The system will shut the engine down after 2 seconds of running if an invalid key is used to start the vehicle. This system utilizes ignition keys which have an electronic chip (transponder) embedded into them. Only keys that have been programmed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate the vehicle for more than the two second validation time period.

During normal operation, the Sentry Key Indicator light, located on the instrument panel upper cover, will come on for 3 seconds immediately after the ignition is turned on for a bulb check. Afterwards, if the bulb remains ON solid, this indicates a problem with the electronics. If the bulb begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that an invalid key has been used to start the vehicle or there is a communication failure between the transponder and the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module. Both of these lamp conditions will result in the engine being shut down after 2 seconds of running. Keep in mind that a key which has not been programmed is also considered an invalid key even if it is cut to fit the ignition for that vehicle.

If the Sentry Key Immobilizer System indicator light comes on during normal vehicle operation (it has been running for longer than 10 seconds) a fault has been detected in the electronics and the vehicle should be serviced as soon as possible.

The Theft Alarm Light, located on top of the instrument panel, will illuminate for about 3 seconds when the ignition switch is first turned to the ON position. If the vehicle electronics do not receive a valid signal from the ignition key, the theft alarm light will flash continuously to signal that the vehicle has been immobilized. If the Theft Alarm Light remains ON during vehicle operation, it indicates a fault in the system electronics.

A four digit PIN is needed to service the Sentry Key Immobilizer System. This number can be found on your customer invoice that you were given upon purchase of your vehicle. However, if you have lost your PIN Code, the Abrites Diagnostics for Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep can read it from the SKIM module

When you select Immobiliser “SKIM” special function a screen that you can see below will appear. At this moment you must select the appropriate vehicle. If you do not know which vehicle to choose you may check the Part Number of the SKIM module and select the vehicle whose Part Number matches. You may also select “ AUTODETECT ” and the software will try to detect which is the best match.

After you are ready with the selection you must press the button ‘Select’.

From this menu you have many options to continue, but this is the menu for the key programming. Here you have the option to program or erase a key, to read the PIN Code of the vehicle, to save the data to a file and write it.

Important: if you know the PIN Code of the vehicle you can enter it in the field “PIN Code:”. After this you can click the buttons “Program a Key” and “Erase Keys”. However, if you don’t know the PIN Code – you must press the button “Get Values”. The software will read the PIN Code from the SKIM module and will display it.