Sentry Key Immobilizer Module: Removal

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Remove the steering column opening cover from the instrument panel. (Refer to BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER - REMOVAL) .

Remove the screws that secure the lower steering column shroud to the upper shroud. See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Steering Column Shrouds Remove/Install

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - LEFT MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH

2 - UPPER SHROUD

3 - RIGHT MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH

4 - CLOCKSPRING

5 - IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING

6 - LOWER SHROUD

7 - SCREW (2)

If the vehicle is equipped with the optional tilt steering column, move the tilt steering column to the fully lowered position and leave the tilt release lever in the released (down) position.
Remove the upper and lower shrouds from the steering column.
On models equipped with a manual transmission, remove the screws that secure the multi-function switch assembly to the upper steering column housing.

Disconnect the cross body wire harness connector for the SKIM from the SKIM connector. See Fig 2.

Fig 2: Sentry Key Immobilizer Module - Typical

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - UPPER SHROUD

2 - STEERING COLUMN

3 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR

4 - SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER MODULE

5 - IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER

6 - SCREW

7 - LOWER SHROUD

8 - STEERING WHEEL

The SKIM mounting bracket features a clip that secures the SKIM to the inboard lower flange of the steering column jacket. Pull downward on the connector end of the SKIM mounting bracket to release this clip from the steering column jacket.
Rotate the SKIM and its mounting bracket downwards and then to the side away from the steering column to slide the SKIM antenna ring from around the ignition switch lock cylinder housing. On models with a manual transmission, lift the multi-function switch upward off of the upper steering column housing far enough to extract the SKIM antenna from between the ignition key release button and the right multi-function switch housing.
Remove the SKIM from the steering column.