Raider V6-3.7L SOHC (2006)
Keyless Entry Module: Description and Operation
MODULE - SENTRY KEY REMOTE ENTRY
DESCRIPTION
The Sentry Key REmote Entry Module (SKREEM) (1) is sometimes referred to as the Wireless Control Module (WCM). The SKREEM is the primary
component of the Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) and is also the receiver for the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system. The SKREEM is located
on the right side of the steering column, near the ignition lock cylinder housing and is concealed beneath the steering column shrouds. The molded black
plastic housing for the SKREEM has an integral molded plastic halo-like antenna ring (4) that extends from the bottom. When the SKREEM is properly
installed on the steering column, the antenna ring is oriented around the circumference of the ignition lock cylinder housing. A single integral connector
receptacle (3) is located just behind the antenna ring on the bottom of the SKREEM housing. An integral molded plastic mounting tab (2) on the rear
corner of the SKREEM housing has a hole in the center through which a screw passes to secure the unit to the steering column. The SKREEM is
connected to the vehicle electrical system through a single take out and connector of the instrument panel wire harness.
Two SKREEM modules are used: one for vehicles equipped with RKE only, and one for vehicles equipped with RKE and SKIS. The SKREEM cannot
be adjusted or repaired. If inoperative or damaged, the entire SKREEM unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
The Sentry Key REmote Entry Module (SKREEM) contains a Radio Frequency (R degrees F) transceiver and a microprocessor. The SKREEM
transmits RF signals to, and receives RF signals from the Sentry Key transponder through a tuned antenna enclosed within the molded plastic antenna
ring integral to the SKREEM housing. If this antenna ring is not mounted properly around the ignition lock cylinder housing, communication problems
between the SKREEM and the transponder may arise. These communication problems will result in Sentry Key transponder-related faults. The
SKREEM also serves as the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) RF receiver. The SKREEM communicates over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus
with the Electro Mechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC), the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), or the diagnostic scan tool.
The SKREEM retains in memory the ID numbers of any Sentry Key transponder that is programmed into it. A maximum of eight Sentry Key
transponders can be programmed into the SKREEM. For added system security, each SKREEM is programmed with a unique Secret Key code. This
code is stored in memory, sent over the CAN data bus to the PCM, and is encoded to the transponder of every Sentry Key that is programmed into the
SKREEM. Therefore, the Secret Key code is a common element that is found in every component of the Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS).
Another security code, called a PIN, is used to gain access to the SKREEM Secured Access Mode. The Secured Access Mode is required during service
to perform the SKIS initialization and Sentry Key transponder programming procedures. The SKREEM also stores the Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) in its memory, which it learns through a CAN data bus message from the PCM during SKIS initialization.
In the event that a SKREEM replacement is required, the Secret Key code can be transferred to the new SKREEM from the PCM using the diagnostic
scan tool and the SKIS initialization procedure. Proper completion of the SKIS initialization will allow the existing Sentry Keys to be programmed into
the new SKREEM so that new keys will not be required. In the event that the original Secret Key code cannot be recovered, SKREEM replacement will
also require new Sentry Keys. The diagnostic scan tool will alert the technician during the SKIS initialization procedure if new Sentry Keys are required.
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the SKREEM transmits an RF signal to the transponder in the ignition key. The SKREEM then
waits for an RF signal response from the transponder. If the response received identifies the key as valid, the SKREEM sends a valid key message to the
