Recently, HP Tuners rolled out an update to their interface, specifically within the “Security” tab. This update included a new function labeled “SKIM capable” Enable/Disable, sitting alongside the existing “SKIM” Enable/Disable function. This sparked hope that a straightforward bypass of the Security Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) system on vehicles like the 2013 Dodge Charger might finally be within reach. For those dealing with engine swaps or utilizing factory Powertrain Control Modules (PCMs) in custom builds, circumventing the SKIM system is often a crucial step. Eager to test this new feature, I decided to experiment on my own 2013 Dodge Charger.
My process began with a standard procedure to ensure a clean slate. First, I disconnected the PCM fuse to clear any pre-existing memory stored within the PCM. While the fuse was out, I physically disconnected the wiring harness from the SKIM module itself. After a brief period, I reinstalled the PCM fuse, ensuring power was restored to the computer without the SKIM directly connected.
Next, I launched the VCM Suite software from HP Tuners and navigated to the security settings. Here, I proceeded to disable both the newly added “SKIM capable” function and the original “SKIM” function. To apply these changes, I used the “Write Entire” function to flash the modified calibration back to the car’s PCM. This method is intended to overwrite the entire existing calibration with the new settings, ensuring a complete update.
With the flash completed, the moment of truth arrived. I attempted to start the Dodge Charger. The result? Complete failure. Absolutely nothing happened. No power was being sent to the starter motor; the engine wouldn’t even crank. To troubleshoot, I even reconnected the SKIM module, thinking perhaps its absence, despite the supposed disable in the software, was still preventing ignition. However, even with the SKIM module reconnected, the car remained unresponsive.
Undeterred, I reversed the changes. Reconnecting the SKIM module physically, I went back into the HP Tuners software and re-enabled both the “SKIM Capable” and “SKIM” functions. Once again, I used the “Write Entire” function to rewrite the calibration to the PCM. This effectively returned the system to its original configuration. Following this, the Dodge Charger started without issue and ran perfectly normally.
This experiment suggests that while HP Tuners’ inclusion of the “SKIM capable” function is a step in the right direction, a complete and reliable SKIM bypass for the 2013 Dodge Charger, at least through this method, is not yet achieved. It’s possible that a specific sequence or additional steps in enabling or disabling these security functions are required. Alternatively, the issue might lie deeper within the system’s architecture, requiring a more comprehensive approach to fully bypass the SKIM.
Further investigation is needed to fully understand how to effectively disable the SKIM system, which would be invaluable for various automotive projects. The ability to bypass the SKIM system via the OBD2 port and tuning software like HP Tuners would greatly benefit those undertaking complex modifications or repairs on vehicles like the 2013 Dodge Charger.
