Dodge Caliber Owner's Manual

SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
5
STARTING AND OPERATING
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
.............................................................3
...............................9
................................... 155
.................................................225
...............................................297
...............................................311
..................................................361
..........................................369
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10
INDEX
....................................................................379
10
CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1
m Introduction ...........................4
m How To Use This Manual ..................4
m Warnings And Cautions ................... 6
m Vehicle Identification Number ...............6
m Vehicle Modifications/Alterations ............7
4 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

This manual has been prepared with the assistance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and various customer oriented documents. You are urged to read these publications carefully. Following the instruc­tions and recommendations in this manual will help assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni­cians and genuine Mopart parts, and is interested in your satisfaction.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

Consult the table of contents to determine which section contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout this owner’s manual:
INTRODUCTION 5
1
6 INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

This manual contains WARNINGS against operating procedures, which could result in an accident or bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures, which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do not read this entire manual, you may miss important information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the left front corner of the instrument panel, visible through the windshield. This number also appears on the vehicle registration or title.
Vehicle Identification Number

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS

WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and may lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or death.
INTRODUCTION 7
1

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS
m A Word About Your Keys ..................12
Ignition Key Removal ...................12
Locking Doors With The Key ..............14
Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................14
m Sentry Key ............................14
Replacement Keys ......................15
Customer Key Programming ..............16
General Information ....................17
2
m Steering Wheel Lock — Manual Transmission
Only .................................18
To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel .......18
To Release The Steering Wheel Lock .........18
m Door Locks ............................18
Manual Door Locks .....................18
Power Door Locks — If Equipped ..........20
“Child-Protection” Door Lock System
(Rear Doors) ..........................22
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
m Remote Keyless Entry — If Equipped .........24
To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate ..........24
To Lock The Doors And Liftgate ............25
Using The Panic Alarm ..................26
To Turn Off “Flash Lights With Lock” ........26
Programming Additional Transmitters ........27
General Information ....................28
Battery Replacement ....................29
m Security Alarm System — If Equipped .........30
To Set The Alarm ......................30
To Disarm The System ...................30
Security System Manual Override ...........31
m Liftgate ...............................31
m Power Windows— If Equipped ..............33
Power Window Switches .................33
Auto Down ..........................33
Window Lockout Switch .................34
m Occupant Restraints ......................34
Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................35
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ....40
Second Row Center Lap/Shoulder Belt
Operating Instructions ...................41
Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................44
Enhanced Driver And Seat Belt Reminder
System (BeltAlert) ......................45
Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............46
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag ............46
Child Restraint ........................58
m Engine Break-In Recommendations ...........67
m Safety Tips ............................68
Exhaust Gas ..........................68
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ..............................68
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ....................69
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12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS

The dealer that sold you your new vehicle has the key code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers can be used to order duplicate keys from your dealer. Ask your dealer for these numbers and keep them in a safe place.
Vehicle Key

Ignition Key Removal

Manual Transaxle
Turn the ignition switch to the ACC position, push the key and cylinder inward, rotate the key to the LOCK position, and remove the key.
Automatic Transaxle — If Equipped
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the ignition switch to the ACC position, push the key and cylinder inward, rotate the key to the LOCK position, and remove the key.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
inoperable. The engine can be started and stopped but the key cannot be removed until you obtain service.
Ignition Key Positions
NOTE: If you try to remove the key before you place the
lever in PARK, the key may become trapped temporarily in the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the key to the right slightly, then remove the key as described. If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the key in the ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety feature is
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be seri­ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys in the ignition. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always remove key from the ignition and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
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14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Locking Doors With The Key

You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the door, turn the key rearward, to unlock the door, turn the key forward. See Section 7 of this manual for door lock lubrication.

Key-In-Ignition Reminder

Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition, sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.
NOTE: With the driver’s door open, and the key in the ignition, both the power door locks and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) will not function.

SENTRY KEY

The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unautho­rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked or unlocked.
The system uses ignition keys, which have an embedded electronic chip (transponder), to prevent unauthorized vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro­grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two (2) seconds if someone uses an invalid key to start the engine.
NOTE: A key, which has not been programmed, is also considered an invalid key even if it is cut to fit the ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition switch, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will turn on for three (3) seconds for a bulb check. If the light remains on after the bulb check, it indicates that there is a problem with the electronics. In addition, if the light begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
someone used an invalid key to start the engine. Either of these conditions will result in the engine being shut off after two (2) seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light turns on during normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than 10 seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electronics. Should this occur, have the vehicle ser­viced as soon as possible.
NOTE:
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not compatible with some after-market remote starting systems. Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting prob­lems and loss of security protection.
Exxon/Mobil Speed Pass,™ additional Sentry Keys, or any other transponder-equipped components on the same key chain will not cause a key-related (transpon­der) fault unless the additional part is physically held against the ignition key being used when starting the
vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other RF electronics will not cause interference with this system.
All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have been programmed to the vehicle electronics.

Replacement Keys

NOTE: Only keys that are programmed to the vehicle electronics can be used to start and operate the vehicle. Once a Sentry Key is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot be programmed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove Sentry Keys from the vehicle and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided with a four-digit PIN number. Keep the PIN in a secure
2
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
location. This number is required for dealer replacement of keys. Duplication of keys may be performed at an authorized dealer or by using the Customer Key Pro­gramming procedure. This procedure consists of pro­gramming a blank key to the vehicle electronics. A blank key is one, which has never been programmed.
NOTE: When having the Sentry Key Immobilizer System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to the dealer.

Customer Key Programming

If you have two valid sentry keys, you can program new sentry keys to the system by performing the following procedure:
1. Cut the additional Sentry Key Transponder blank(s) to match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.
2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position for at least 3
seconds, but no longer than 15-seconds. Then, turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK” position and remove the first key.
3. Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position within 15 seconds. After ten seconds, a chime will sound. In addition, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will begin to flash. Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK” position and remove the second key.
4. Insert a blank Sentry Key into the ignition switch. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position within 60 seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound. In addition, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will stop flashing. To indicate that programming is complete, the indicator light will turn on again for 3 seconds and then turn off.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
The new Sentry Key is programmed. The Keyless Entry Transmitter will also be programmed during this pro­cedure.
Repeat this procedure to program up to 8 keys. If you do not have a programmed sentry key, contact your dealer for details.
NOTE: If a programmed key is lost, see your dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the systems memory. This will prevent the lost key from starting your vehicle. The remaining keys must then be repro­grammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to the dealer at the time of service to be reprogrammed.

General Information

The Sentry Key system complies with FCC rules part 15 and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following conditions:
This device may not cause harmful interference.
This device must accept any interference that may be received, including interference that may cause undes­ired operation.
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18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
STEERING WHEEL LOCK — MANUAL TRANSMISSION ONLY
Your manual transmission vehicle is equipped with a passive steering wheel lock. This lock prevents steering the vehicle without the ignition key. If the steering wheel is moved no more than 1/2 turn in either direction and the key is not in the ignition switch, the steering wheel will lock.

To Manually Lock the Steering Wheel

With the engine running, turn the steering wheel upside down, turn off the engine and remove the key. Turn the steering wheel slightly in either direction until the lock engages.

To Release the Steering Wheel Lock

Insert the key in the ignition switch and start the engine. If the key is difficult to turn, move the wheel slightly to the right or left to disengage the lock.
NOTE: If you turned the wheel to the right to engage the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.
DOOR LOCKS Manual Door Locks
Use the manual door lock plunger to lock the doors from inside the vehicle. If the plunger is down when the door is closed, the door will lock. Therefore, make sure the keys are not inside the vehicle before closing the door.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
WARNING!
Manual Door Lock Plunger
WARNING!
For personal security, and safety in the event of an accident, lock the vehicle doors as you drive as well as when you park and leave the vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle always remove the key from the ignition lock, and lock your vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause severe personal inju­ries and death.
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to thieves. Always remove the key from the ignition and lock all of the doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
2
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Power Door Locks — If Equipped
A door lock switch is located on the driver door panel. Press this switch to lock or unlock the doors.
Power Door Lock Switch Location
Power Door Lock Switches
Automatic Door Locks—If Equipped
The doors will lock automatically on vehicles with power door locks if all of the following conditions are met:
1. The Auto Lock feature is enabled.
2. The transmission is in gear.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21
3. All doors are closed.
4. The throttle is pressed.
5. The vehicle speed is above 15 mph (24 km/h).
6. The doors were not previously locked using the power door lock switch or remote keyless entry transmitter.
The Automatic Door Lock feature can be enabled or disabled. Refer to “Personal Settings” (Customer Pro­grammable Features) in the Electronic Vehicle Informa­tion Center (EVIC) — if equipped section of this manual for details.
For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC the Automatic Door Locks can be enabled or disabled by performing the following procedure:
1. Close all doors and place the key in the ignition.
2. Cycle the ignition switch between LOCK and ON and back to LOCK 4 times ending up in the LOCK position.
3. Depress the power door lock switch to lock the doors.
4. Verify reprogramming by driving the vehicle.
Auto Unlock
The doors will unlock automatically on vehicles with power door locks if:
1. The Auto Unlock feature is enabled.
2. The transmission was in gear and the vehicle speed returned to 0 mph (0 km/h).
3. The transmission is in NEUTRAL or PARK.
4. The driver door is opened.
5. The doors were not previously unlocked.
6. The vehicle speed is 0 mph (0 km/h). The Auto Unlock feature can be enabled or disabled.
Refer to “Personal Settings” (Customer Programmable
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22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Features) in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — if equipped section of this manual.
For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC the Auto Unlock Feature can be enabled or disabled by performing the following procedure:
1. Close all doors and place the key in the ignition.
2. Cycle the ignition switch between LOCK and ON and back to LOCK 4 times ending up in the LOCK position.
3. Depress the power door unlock switch to unlock the doors.
4. A single chime will indicate the completion of the programming.
NOTE: Use the Auto Door Locks and Auto Unlock features in accordance with local laws.
“Child-Protection” Door Lock System (Rear Doors)
Insert the tip of the ignition key into the lock and rotate to the lock or unlock position.
Child Protection Door Lock Location
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23
WARNING!
Inserting Ignition Key
Avoid trapping anyone in a vehicle in a collision. Remember that the rear doors can only be opened from the outside when the child protection locks are engaged.
NOTE: For emergency exit with the system engaged,
move the lock plunger up (unlocked position), roll down window and open the door with the outside door handle.
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24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY — IF EQUIPPED
This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors and liftgate or activate the panic alarm from distances a maximum of 66 feet (20 meters) using a hand held radio transmitter. The transmitter need not be pointed at the vehicle to activate the system.
Three Button Transmitter
NOTE: The line of transmission must not be blocked
with metal objects.

To Unlock the Doors and Liftgate

Press and release the UNLOCK button on the key fob once to unlock only the driver’s door or twice to unlock all the doors and liftgate. When the UNLOCK button is pressed, the illuminated entry will initiate, and the parking lights will flash on twice. The time for this feature is programmable on vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to “Turn Headlamps on with Remote Key Unlock” under “Personal Settings” in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) section of this manual for details.
NOTE: The system can also be programmed to unlock all doors on the first press of the UNLOCK button. On electronic vehicle information center (EVIC) equipped vehicles refer to “Remote Unlock Driver’s Door 1st”
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25
under “Personal Settings” in the EVIC section of this manual. On non EVIC – equipped vehicles perform the following steps:
The system can be programmed to unlock all the doors upon the first UNLOCK button press by using the following procedure:
1. Press and hold the LOCK button on a programmed key fob.
2. Continue to hold the LOCK button at least 4 seconds, but not longer than 10 seconds, then press and hold the UNLOCK button. A single chime will sound to indicate that this feature has changed.
3. Release both buttons at the same time.
4. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle, by pressing the LOCK/UNLOCK button on the keyfob.
NOTE: Pressing the LOCK button on the keyfob while you are inside the vehicle will activate the Security
Alarm. Opening a door with the Security Alarm activated will cause the alarm to sound. Press the UNLOCK button to deactivate the Security Alarm.
5. If the desired programming was not achieved or to reactivate this feature, repeat the above steps.

To Lock the Doors and Liftgate

Press and release the LOCK button on the transmitter to lock all doors. The turn signal lights will flash and the horn will chip once to acknowledge the lock signal. If desired, the “Sound Horn On Lock” feature can be turned on or off. On electronic vehicle information center (EVIC) equipped vehicles refer to “Personal Settings” in the “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” sec­tion of this manual. On non EVIC – equipped vehicles perform the following steps:
1. Press the LOCK button for 4 to 10 seconds.
2. While the LOCK button is pressed (after 4 seconds), press the PANIC button. Release both buttons.
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26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The “Sound Horn On Lock” and “Flash Lamps With Lock” feature can be reactivated by repeating this proce­dure.

Using The Panic Alarm

To turn the panic alarm feature ON or OFF, press and hold the PANIC button on the transmitter for at least one second and release. When the panic alarm is on, the headlights and park lights will flash, the horn will pulse on and off and the interior lights will turn on.
The panic alarm will stay on for 3 minutes unless you turn it off by pressing the PANIC button a second time or if the vehicle speed is 5 mph (8 km/h) or greater.
NOTE: When you turn off the panic alarm by pressing the PANIC button a second time, you may have to be closer to the vehicle due to the radio frequency noises of the system.
To Turn Off “Flash Lights With Lock”
NOTE: The Flash Lights With Lock feature can be turned on or off. On electronic vehicle information center (EVIC) equipped vehicles refer to 9Personal Settings9 in the EVIC section of this manual. On non EVIC - equipped vehicles perform the following steps:
1. Press the UNLOCK button for 4 to 10 seconds.
2. While the UNLOCK button is pressed, (after 4 sec­onds) press the LOCK button. Release both buttons.
3. Test the flash lamps with LOCK feature while outside of the vehicle, by pressing the LOCK button on the key fob with the ignition in the LOCK position, and the key removed.
NOTE: Pressing the LOCK button on the key fob, while you are in the vehicle, will activate the Security Alarm.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27
Opening a door with the Security Alarm activated will cause the alarm to sound. Press the UNLOCK button to deactivate the Security Alarm.
The “Flash Lights On Lock/Unlock” feature can be reactivated by repeating this procedure.

Programming Additional Transmitters

Vehicles will be shipped from the assembly plants with two key fob transmitters programmed only for that vehicle. A total of eight fobs can be programmed for your vehicle. Additional fobs can be programmed to your vehicle through the use of a currently programmed fob.
NOTE: When entering program mode using that fob, all other programmed fobs will be erased and you will have to reprogram them for your vehicle.
Use the Following procedure to program additional key fobs if the vehicle is not equipped with Sentry Key:
1. Enter your vehicle and close all doors.
2. Fasten your seat belt (Fastening the seatbelt will cancel any chiming that may confuse you during this program­ming procedure).
3. Place the key into the ignition.
4. Turn the ignition to the ON position ( Do not start the engine ).
5. Press and hold the UNLOCK button on the key fob.
6. After holding the UNLOCK button for four seconds, also press the PANIC button within 6 seconds.
7. When a single chime is heard release both buttons. The chime is an indication that you have successfully entered program mode. All fobs that are to be programmed must be done so within 60 seconds of when the chime was heard.
8. Using the fob to be programmed, press and release both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons, simultaneously.
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28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
9. A single chime will be heard.
10. Within four seconds of hearing the chime, press and release the UNLOCK button on the fob.
11. A single chime will be heard.
12. Repeat steps 8 through 10 to program up to six additional fobs.
13. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
14. Your vehicle will remain in program mode up to 60 seconds from when the original chime was heard. After 60 seconds, all programmed fobs function normally.
NOTE: If you do not have a programmed transmitter, contact your dealer for details.

General Information

This device complies with part 15 of FCC rules and with RS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference that may be received including interference that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE: Changes or modifications not expressly ap­proved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
If your Remote Lock Control fails to operate from a normal distance, check for these two conditions.
1. Weak batteries in transmitter. The expected life of batteries is five years.
2. Closeness to a radio transmitter such as a radio station tower, airport transmitter, military base, and some mobile or CB radios.

Battery Replacement

The recommended replacement battery is CR2032.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29
2
NOTE:
ply, See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.”
1. If the key fob is equipped with a screw, remove the screw. With the transmitter buttons facing down, use a flat blade to pry the two halves of the transmitter apart. Make sure not to damage the elastomer seal during removal.
Perchlorate Material – special handling may ap-
Separating Transmitter Halves
30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
2. Remove and replace the batteries. Avoid touching the new batteries with your fingers. Skin oils may cause battery deterioration. If you touch a battery, clean it with rubbing alcohol.
3. To assemble the transmitter case, snap the two halves together.
NOTE: If the key fob is equipped with a screw, reinstall and tighten the screw until snug.
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The system monitors the doors, hood, liftgate, and igni­tion switch for unauthorized operation.
If something triggers the alarm, the system will signal with the horn for 30 seconds and the lights for 60 seconds. If the triggering device is not deactivated the horn will sound again after a 5 second delay for another 30 seconds. If the trigger remains present this cycle will repeat for up to 5 minutes.

To Set the Alarm

1. Remove the keys from the ignition switch and get out of the vehicle.
2. Lock the door using either the power door lock switch, or the Keyless Entry Transmitter and close all doors.
3. The indicator light in the instrument cluster will flash rapidly for 16 seconds. This shows that the system is arming. During this period, if a door is opened, the ignition switch is turned ON, or the power door locks are unlocked in any manner, the system will automatically disarm. After 16 seconds the indicator light will flash slowly. This shows that the system is fully armed.

To Disarm the System

1. Press UNLOCK on the Keyless Entry Transmitter.
2. Starting the vehicle with a valid Sentry key will disarm the system. A valid key is one that is programmed
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