Immobilizer / SKREEM "Start Error" — No-Crank Condition

Symptoms

• "Start Error" message flashes on the instrument cluster when attempting to start the van [2].
• Engine will not crank while the Start Error message is displayed — the starter motor is inhibited by the immobilizer [2].
• The fault is intermittent for some owners; swapping between two RKE keys may temporarily allow a successful start [1].
• No-crank condition occurs immediately at key-on before any cranking attempt is made, pointing to an authentication rather than a mechanical failure [2].

Causes

• The SKREEM does not receive a valid transponder acknowledgement from the key within 1.5 seconds of key-on, triggering the Start Error message and preventing cranking [2].
• A faulty or marginal key transponder that fails to respond reliably, which is why swapping to a second key sometimes resolves the issue temporarily [1].
• A failing SKREEM module itself that cannot complete the handshake even with a known-good key [0].
• Poor or intermittent wiring/connector integrity at the SKREEM, which is located in the instrument panel [4].

Diagnosis

• Confirm the symptom is immobilizer-related: if the dash shows "Start Error" with no-crank (starter completely silent), the SKREEM handshake has failed [2].
• Turn the key off and back on to re-initiate the handshake; if the engine starts on a retry, the fault is intermittent and handshake-related [2].
• Try a second programmed RKE key — if one key starts the van and the other triggers Start Error, the transponder in the failing key is suspect [1].
• Connect a scan tool that supports the WSP immobilizer menu (e.g., AP200 or equivalent); navigate to WSP immobilizer and view live data for key transponder authentication during a Start Error event — this is listed as Number 6 WSP immobilizer / SKREEM in some scan tool menus [0].
• Physically locate the SKREEM in the instrument panel [4] and inspect its wiring connector for corrosion, backed-out pins, or chafed wires.
• Limited corpus coverage — try the chat for additional fault-code and SKREEM programming diagnostic guidance.

Repair

The SKREEM sits inside the instrument panel [4] and is the central node of the T1N immobilizer system. Repairs range from simply replacing a worn key transponder to replacing and reprogramming the SKREEM module itself. Module replacement requires programming the new unit to the vehicle's existing keys, which typically needs a dealer-level or compatible aftermarket scan tool. Most owners attempt key replacement first; SKREEM replacement and reprogramming is generally left to a shop with the correct programming equipment.

Parts

Plain part names — affiliate links and pricing are coming in a later update.

• Replacement RKE/transponder key (if key transponder is faulty)
• Sentry Key Remote Entry Module — SKREEM (instrument panel mounted) [4]

Related forum threads

• 19 ↳Intermittent Start Error, No Cranking when “Start Error” Flashing on Dash

From the manuals

• Workshop manual (2000–2003)

  "A molded plastic protective cover is installed over the ACM and secured with integral snap features to a flat metal base plate sandwiched between the bottom of the ACM and the mounting bracket on the floor panel (Fig. 7). This cover is designed to shield the ACM and its wire harness connection from other electrical components and wiring located within the seat riser area beneath the driver seat, and must always be reinstalled following service removal. Concealed within a hollow in the center of the die cast white metal ACM housing is the electronic circuitry of the ACM which includes a micropr"

• Workshop manual (2000–2003)

  "Refrigerant Pressure SensorEngine Compartment-Left Front3,4 Relay BlockUnder Driver Seat18 Remote Keyless Entry Antenna Near Remote Keyless Entry Module N/S Remote Keyless Entry Module Instrument PanelN/S Roof Fan MotorIn HeadlinerN/S S165Middle Of VehicleN/S Seat Belt SwitchDriver Seat Belt LockN/S Seat Belt Tensioner-DriverDriver Seat-Back16 Seat Belt TensionerPassenger Passenger Seat-Back16 Security System Module C1Instrument PanelN/S Security System Module C2Instrument PanelN/S Sentry Key Remote Entry Module (SKREEM) Instrument PanelN/S Shifter AssemblyCenter Console12 Side Marker Lamp Con"

• Workshop manual (2004–2006)

  "Fig. 5 16-Way Data Link Connector 1 - BOTTOM OF INSTRUMENT PANEL 2 - CONNECTOR COVER 3 - 16-WAY DATA LINK CONNECTOR 4 - DASH PANEL 5 - INSIDE HOOD RELEASE LEVER VARESTRAINTS 8O- 7 RESTRAINTS (Continued) AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE DESCRIPTION The Airbag Control Module (ACM) is secured with three screws to the top mounting surface of a stamped steel bracket that is welded onto the floor panel within the seat riser underneath the driver side front seat in the passenger compartment of the vehicle (Fig. 6). A molded plastic protective cover is installed over the ACM and secured with integral snap featur"

• Workshop manual (2004–2006)

  "INTRUSION SENSOR NO.3-BLACK CAVCIRCUITFUNCTION 120BRGROUND 2 20DG/WT/BLINTRUSION SENSOR 3 SIGNAL 3 20DG/YLINTRUSION SENSOR INTERFACE 4 20RD/DGFUSED B(+) KICK DOWN SWITCH - BLACK CAVCIRCUITFUNCTION 1 18BR/DGKICKDOWN SWITCH SIGNAL 2 18BR (EXCEPT OBD)SENSOR GROUND 2 18BR (OBD)GROUND LATERAL ACCELERATION SENSOR CAVCIRCUITFUNCTION 1 20YL/RDSENSOR SIGNAL 2 20YL/WTSENSOR SIGNAL 3 20RD/BLPOWER INPUT 4 20DG/YLSENSOR SIGNAL 5 20BK/DGSENSOR SIGNAL 620BRGROUND LICENSE PLATE LAMP NO. 1 CAVCIRCUITFUNCTION 1 16GY/DG/RDLAMP DRIVER 216BRGROUND LICENSE PLATE LAMP NO. 2 CAVCIRCUITFUNCTION 1 16GY/DG/RDLAMP DRIVER"

• Workshop manual (2004–2006)

  "When moisture accumulates on the windshield glass, much of the IR light is refracted away from the photocell receivers. This causes changes in the signal output of the rain sensor. The rain sensor control module monitors the signal output from the sensor and then controls the wiper motor speed and wipe intervals accordingly. It is important to note that the default condition for the wiper system is automatic wipers Off; therefore, if no message is received from the rain sensor by the rain sensor control module, the automatic wipers will be disabled. If automatic wipers are disabled, normal low"

• Workshop manual (2004–2006)

  "(8) Disconnect the sensor pigtail wire connector from the roof wire harness connector. CAUTION: Do not touch the gel-like surface of the rain sensor or the sensor function may be impaired and the sensor rendered unusable. (9) Remove the rain sensor from the center of the bracket. INSTALLATION WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supplemental restraint system before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt tensioner, or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (grou"

Sources