Dodge Ram 1500 2011, Ram 3500 2011 User Manual

RAM TRUCK

2 0 1 1

O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L

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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

............................. 87

..................................197

................................................299

............................................. 481

..............................................513

.................................................573

........................................ 591

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

INDEX

...................................................................601

10

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1

䡵 Introduction ........................... 4

䡵 How To Use This Manual .................. 4

䡵 Warnings And Cautions ................... 6

䡵 Van Conversions/Campers ................. 6

䡵 Vehicle Identification Number .............. 7

䡵 Vehicle Modifications/Alterations ............ 7

4 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on selecting your new Chrysler Group
LLC vehicle. Be assured that it represents precision
workmanship, distinctive styling, and high quality - all
essentials that are traditional to our vehicles.

This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis­tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet,
located on the DVD, and various customer-oriented
documents. Please take the time 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 referencing 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 authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has factory-trained tech­nicians and genuine MOPAR威 parts, and cares about
your satisfaction.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.

Since the specification of your vehicle depends on the
items of equipment ordered, certain descriptions and
illustrations may differ from your vehicle’s equipment

The detailed index at the back of this Owner’s 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 Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against op­erating procedures that could result in a collision or
bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against proce­dures that 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.

VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS

The Manufacturer’s Warranty does not apply to body
modifications or special equipment installed by van
conversion/camper manufacturers/body builders. Refer
to the Warranty information book, Section 2.1.C. Such
equipment includes video monitors, VCRs, heaters,
stoves, refrigerators, etc. For warranty coverage and
service on these items, contact the applicable manufac­turer.

Operating instructions for the special equipment in­stalled by the conversion/camper manufacturer should
also be supplied with your vehicle. If these instructions
are missing, please contact your authorized dealer for
assistance in obtaining replacement documents from the
applicable manufacturer.

For information on the Body Builders Guide refer to:
www.dodgebodybuilder.com. This website contains di­mensional and technical specifications for your vehicle. It
is intended for Second Stage Manufacturer’s technical
support. For service issues, contact your authorized
dealer.

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

The 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 Auto­mobile Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window
on your vehicle, the vehicle registration and title.

Vehicle Identification Number

INTRODUCTION 7

NOTE: It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS

WARNING!

Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to a collision resulting in serious injury or
death.

1

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

䡵 A Word About Your Keys ................. 12

▫ Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) —

If Equipped ......................... 12

▫ KeyFOB ........................... 13

▫ Removing Key FOB From Ignition ......... 14

▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder ............... 15

䡵 Sentry Key威 .......................... 16

▫ Replacement Keys ..................... 17

▫ Customer Key Programming ............. 17

2

▫ General Information ................... 18

䡵 Vehicle Security Alarm — If Equipped ........ 18

▫ Rearming Of The System ................ 18

▫ To Arm The System ................... 18

▫ To Disarm The System ................. 19

䡵 Illuminated Entry — If Equipped ........... 19

䡵 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) — If Equipped . . . 20

▫ To Unlock The Doors .................. 20

▫ To Lock The Doors .................... 22

10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Remote Open Window Feature — If

Equipped ........................... 23

▫ Using The Panic Alarm ................. 24

▫ Programming Additional Transmitters ...... 24

▫ Transmitter Battery Replacement .......... 24

▫ General Information ................... 25

䡵 Remote Starting System — If Equipped ....... 25

▫ How To Use Remote Start ............... 26

䡵 Door Locks ........................... 29

▫ Manual Door Locks ................... 29

▫ Power Door Locks — If Equipped ......... 30

䡵 Windows ............................ 34

▫ Power Windows – If Equipped ............ 34

▫ Wind Buffeting ....................... 38

䡵 Occupant Restraints ..................... 38

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 40

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .... 47

▫ Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage . . . 48

▫ Center Lap Belts ...................... 48

▫ Energy Management Feature ............. 49

▫ Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) Mode –

If Equipped ......................... 49

▫ Child-Protection Door Lock .............. 33

▫ Seat Belts In Passenger Seating Positions ..... 50

▫ Seat Belt Pretensioners — If Equipped ...... 51

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

▫ Event Data Recorder (EDR) .............. 67

▫ Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System

(BeltAlert威) ......................... 51

▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 53

▫ Seat Belt Extender ..................... 53

▫ Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) –

Airbags ............................ 54

▫ Airbag System Components .............. 55

▫ Advanced Front Airbag Features .......... 56

▫ Airbag Deployment Sensors And Controls . . . 61

▫ Child Restraints ...................... 68

䡵 Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 81

䡵 Safety Tips ........................... 82

▫ Transporting Passengers ................ 82

▫ Exhaust Gas ......................... 83

▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The

Vehicle ............................. 84

▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make

Outside The Vehicle ................... 86

2

12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS

Key Fob with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) — If
Equipped

Your vehicle uses a keyless ignition system. This system
consists of a Key Fob with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter and a Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) with
integral ignition switch. You can insert the Key Fob into
the ignition switch with either side up.

Standard Blade Ignition Key — If Equipped

Your vehicle may use a standard blade key ignition
system. The authorized dealer that sold you your vehicle
has the key code numbers for your vehicle locks. These
numbers can be used to order duplicate keys from your
authorized dealer. Ask your authorized dealer for these
numbers and keep them in a safe place. You can insert the
double-sided standard blade key into the ignition switch
with either side up.

Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) — If Equipped

The Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) operates similar to an
ignition switch. It has four operating positions, three with
detents and one that is spring-loaded. The detent posi­tions are OFF, ACC, and ON/RUN. The START position
is a spring-loaded momentary contact position. When
released from the START position, the switch automati­cally returns to the ON/RUN position.

Wireless Ignition Node (WIN)

1 — OFF
2 — ACC (ACCESSORY)
3 — ON/RUN
4 — START

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

Key Fob

The Key Fob operates the ignition switch. It also contains
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter and an
emergency key, which stores in the rear of the Key Fob.

The emergency key allows for entry into the vehicle
should the battery in the vehicle or the RKE transmitter
go dead. You can keep the emergency key with you when
valet parking.

2

14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To remove the emergency key, slide the mechanical latch
at the top of the Key Fob sideways with your thumb and
then pull the key out with your other hand.

Emergency Key Removal

NOTE: You can insert the double-sided emergency key

into the lock cylinder with either side up.

Removing Key Fob From Ignition

Place the shift lever in PARK (if equipped with an
automatic transmission). Turn the Key Fob to the OFF
position and then remove the Key Fob.

NOTE:

•

For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power window
switches, radio, power sunroof (if equipped), and
power outlets will remain active for 10 minutes after
the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position.
Opening either front door will cancel this feature.

•

For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, the power
window switches, radio, power sunroof (if equipped),
and power outlets will remain active for up to 10 min­utes after the ignition switch is turned to the OFF
position. Opening either front door will cancel this
feature. The time for this feature is programmable.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center

(EVIC)/Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable
Features)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel”
for further information.

WARNING!

•

Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle 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.

•

Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

CAUTION!

An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove the key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.

Key-In-Ignition Reminder

Opening the driver’s door when the Key Fob is in the
ignition and the ignition switch position is OFF or ACC,
sounds a signal to remind you to remove the Key Fob.

NOTE:

•

The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds when the
Key Fob is placed in the OFF or ACC ignition position.

•

If equipped with Electronic Vehicle Information Cen­ter (EVIC) the EVIC will display “Key In Ignition”.

2

16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

SENTRY KEY姞

The Sentry Key威 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.

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 someone used an invalid
Key Fob to try to start the engine. Either of these
conditions will result in the engine being shut off after
two seconds.

The system uses a Key Fob with a factory-mated Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter and Wireless Ignition
Node (WIN) to prevent unauthorized vehicle operation.
Therefore, only Key Fobs that are programmed to the
vehicle can be used to start and operate the vehicle. The
system will not allow the engine to crank if an invalid
Key Fob is used to start and operate the vehicle.

NOTE: A Key Fob that has not been programmed is also
considered an invalid key.

During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on for three
seconds for a bulb check. If the light remains on after the

If the Vehicle Security 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 by an authorized dealer.

CAUTION!

The Sentry Key威 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.

All of the Key Fobs provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.

Replacement Keys

NOTE: Only Key Fobs that are programmed to the
vehicle electronics can be used to start and operate the
vehicle. Once a Key Fob is programmed to a vehicle, it
cannot be programmed to any other vehicle.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

Duplication of Key Fobs may be performed at an autho­rized dealer, this procedure consists of programming a
blank Key Fob to the vehicle electronics. A blank Key Fob
is one that has never been programmed.

NOTE:

•

When having the Sentry Key威 Immobilizer System
serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to an autho­rized dealer.

2

CAUTION!

Always remove the Sentry Keys威 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 Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Keep the PIN in a secure location. This number is
required for authorized dealer replacement of Key Fobs.

•

If a programmed Key Fob is lost, see your authorized
dealer to have all remaining Key Fobs erased from the
system’s memory. This will prevent the lost Key Fobs
from starting your vehicle. The remaining Keys Fobs
must then be reprogrammed.

Customer Key Programming

Programming Key Fobs or RKE transmitters may be
performed at an authorized dealer.

18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

General Information

The Sentry Key威 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.

VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM — IF EQUIPPED

The Vehicle Security Alarm monitors the vehicle doors
and ignition for unauthorized operation. When the Ve­hicle Security Alarm is activated, interior switches for
door locks are disabled. The system provides both au­dible and visible signals, for the first three minutes the
horn will sound and the headlights, park lamps and/or
turn signals will flash and Vehicle Security Light will
flash repeatedly. For an additional 15 minutes only, the
headlights, park lamps and/or turn signals and Vehicle

Security Light will flash. The engine will run only if a
valid Sentry Key威 is used to start the vehicle. Use of the
Sentry Key威 will disable the alarm.

Rearming of the System

The Vehicle Security Alarm will rearm itself after the 15
additional minutes of headlights and Vehicle Security
Light flashing, if the system has not been disabled. If the
condition which initiated the alarm is still present, the
system will ignore that condition and monitor the re­maining doors and ignition.

To Arm the System

The Vehicle Security Alarm will set when you use the
power door locks, or use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter to lock the doors. After all the doors are
locked and closed, the Vehicle Security Light in the
instrument panel cluster will flash rapidly for about
16 seconds to indicate that the alarm is being set. After
the alarm is set, the Vehicle Security Light will flash at a
slower rate to indicate that the system is armed.

NOTE: If the Vehicle Security Light stays on continu­ously during vehicle operation, have the system checked
by an authorized dealer.

To Disarm the System

Use the RKE transmitter to unlock the door. If something
has triggered the system in your absence, the horn will
sound three times when you unlock the doors and the
Vehicle Security Light will flash for 30 seconds. Check the
vehicle for tampering.

The Vehicle Security Alarm will also disarm if the vehicle
is started with a programmed Sentry Key威. If an unpro­grammed Sentry Key威 is used to start a vehicle, the
engine will run for two seconds and then the alarm will
be initiated. To exit the alarming mode, press the RKE
transmitter UNLOCK button, or start the vehicle with a
programmed Sentry Key威.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19

The Vehicle Security Alarm is designed to protect your
vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the
system will give you a false alarm. If one of the previ­ously described arming sequences has occurred, the
Vehicle Security Alarm will arm regardless of whether
you are in the vehicle or not. If you remain in the vehicle
and open a door, the alarm will sound. If this occurs,
disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm.

ILLUMINATED ENTRY — IF EQUIPPED

The courtesy lights will turn on when you use the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or open the
doors. This feature is only available if you have Remote
Keyless Entry.

The lights will fade to off after approximately 30 seconds,
or they will immediately fade to off once the ignition
switch is turned to ON/RUN.

2

20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:

•

The front courtesy overhead console and door cour­tesy lights do not turn off if the dimmer control is in
the interior lights ON position (extreme right posi­tion).

•

The illuminated entry system will not operate if the
dimmer control is in the extreme left position.

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) — IF EQUIPPED

The RKE system allows you to lock or unlock the doors
and activate the Panic Alarm from distances up to
approximately 66 ft (20 m) using a hand-held radio
transmitter with integrated key. The transmitter does not
need to be pointed at the vehicle to activate the system.

NOTE: Inserting the Key Fob with RKE transmitter into
the ignition switch disables all buttons on that RKE
transmitter; however, the buttons on the remaining RKE

transmitters will continue to work. Driving at speeds
5 mph (8 km/h) and above disables all RKE transmitter
buttons for all RKE transmitters.

Key Fob With Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter

To Unlock the Doors

Press and release the UNLOCK button on the RKE
transmitter once to unlock the driver’s door, or twice

within five seconds to unlock all doors. The turn signal
lights will flash to acknowledge the unlock signal. The
illuminated entry system will also turn on.

Remote Key Unlock, Driver Door/All Doors First

This feature lets you program the system to unlock either
the driver’s door or all doors on the first press of the
UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter. To change the
current setting, proceed as follows:

•

For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, refer to “Elec­tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Customer­Programmable Features (System Setup)” in “Under­standing Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.

•

For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the
following procedure:

1. Press and hold the LOCK button on a programmed
RKE transmitter for at least four seconds, but no longer

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21

than ten seconds. Then, press and hold the UNLOCK
button while still holding the LOCK button.

2. Release both buttons at the same time.

3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle by press­ing the LOCK/UNLOCK buttons on the RKE transmitter
with the ignition switch in the OFF position and the key
removed.

4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.

NOTE: Pressing the LOCK button on the RKE transmit­ter while you are inside the vehicle will activate the
Vehicle Security Alarm System. Opening a door with the
Vehicle Security Alarm System activated will cause the
alarm to sound. Press the UNLOCK button to deactivate
the Vehicle Security Alarm System.

2

22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Flash Lamps with Remote Key Lock

This feature will cause the turn signal lights to flash when
the doors are locked or unlocked with the RKE transmit­ter. This feature can be turned on or turned off. To change
the current setting, proceed as follows:

•

For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, refer to “Elec­tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Customer­Programmable Features (System Setup)” in “Under­standing Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.

•

For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the
following procedure:

3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle by press­ing the LOCK/UNLOCK buttons on the RKE transmitter
with the ignition switch in the OFF position and the key
removed.

4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.

NOTE: Pressing the LOCK button on the RKE transmit­ter while you are in the vehicle will activate the Vehicle
Security Alarm System. Opening a door with the Vehicle
Security Alarm System activated will cause the alarm to
sound. Press the UNLOCK button to deactivate the
Vehicle Security Alarm System.

1. Press and hold the UNLOCK button on a programmed
RKE transmitter for at least four seconds, but no longer
than ten seconds. Then, press and hold the LOCK button
while still holding the UNLOCK button.

2. Release both buttons at the same time.

To Lock the Doors

Press and release the LOCK button on the RKE transmit­ter to lock all doors. The turn signal lights will flash and
the horn will chirp to acknowledge the signal.

Sound Horn with Remote Key Lock

This feature will cause the horn to chirp when the doors
are locked with the RKE transmitter. This feature can be
turned on or turned off. To change the current setting,
proceed as follows:

•

For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, refer to “Elec­tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Customer­Programmable Features (System Setup)” in “Under­standing Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.

•

For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the
following procedure:

1. Press the LOCK button on a programmed RKE trans­mitter for at least four seconds, but no longer than ten
seconds. Then, press the PANIC button while still hold­ing the LOCK button.

2. Release both buttons at the same time.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23

3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle by press­ing the LOCK button on the RKE transmitter with the
ignition switch in the OFF position and the key removed.

4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.

NOTE: Pressing the LOCK button on the RKE transmit­ter while you are in the vehicle will activate the Vehicle
Security Alarm System. Opening a door with the Vehicle
Security Alarm System activated will cause the alarm to
sound. Press the UNLOCK button to deactivate the
Vehicle Security Alarm System.

Remote Open Window Feature — If Equipped

This feature allows you to remotely lower both front door
windows at the same time. To use this feature, press and
release the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter and
then immediately press and hold the UNLOCK button
until the windows lower to the level desired or until they
lower completely.

2

24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Using the Panic Alarm

To turn the Panic Alarm feature ON or OFF, press and
hold the PANIC button on the RKE 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 three minutes unless
you turn it off by either pressing the PANIC button a
second time or drive the vehicle at a speed of 15 mph
(24 km/h) or greater.

NOTE:

•

The interior lights will turn off if you turn the ignition
switch to the ACC or ON/RUN position while the
Panic Alarm is activated. However, the exterior lights
and horn will remain on.

•

You may need to be less than 35 ft (11 m) from the
vehicle when using the RKE transmitter to turn off the
Panic Alarm due to the radio frequency noises emitted
by the system.

Programming Additional Transmitters

If you do not have a programmed RKE transmitter,
contact your authorized dealer for details.

Transmitter Battery Replacement

The recommended replacement battery is one CR2032
battery.

NOTE:

•

Perchlorate Material — special handling may apply.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate

•

Do not touch the battery terminals that are on the back
housing or the printed circuit board.

1. With the RKE transmitter buttons facing down, use a
flat blade screwdriver to pry the two halves of the RKE
transmitter apart. Make sure not to damage the seal
during removal.

2. Remove and replace the battery. Avoid touching the
new battery with your fingers. Skin oils may cause
battery deterioration. If you touch a battery, clean it with
rubbing alcohol.

3. To assemble the RKE transmitter case, snap the two
halves together.

General Information

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules and
RSS 210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:

•

This device may not cause harmful interference.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25

•

This device must accept any interference 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 RKE transmitter fails to operate from a normal
distance, check for these two conditions:

1. A weak battery in the RKE transmitter. The expected
life of the battery is a minimum of three years.

2. Closeness to a radio transmitter such as a radio station
tower, airport transmitter, and some mobile or CB radios.

REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED

This system uses the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter to start the engine conve­niently from outside the vehicle while still

2

26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

maintaining security. The system has a range of approxi­mately 300 ft (91 m).

NOTE: The vehicle must be equipped with an auto­matic transmission to be equipped with Remote Start.

•

RKE PANIC button not pressed

•

Fuel meets minimum requirement

WARNING!

How To Use Remote Start

All of the following conditions must be met before the
engine will remote start:

•

Shift lever in PARK

•

Doors closed

•

Hood closed

•

HAZARD switch off

•

BRAKE switch inactive (brake pedal not pressed)

•

Ignition key removed from ignition switch

•

Battery at an acceptable charge level

•

Do not start or run an engine in a closed garage or
confined area. Exhaust gas contains Carbon Mon­oxide (CO) which is odorless and colorless. Car­bon Monoxide is poisonous and can cause serious
injury or death when inhaled.

•

Keep Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitters
away from children. Operation of the Remote Start
System, windows, door locks or other controls
could cause serious injury or death.

Remote Start Abort Message on Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC) — If Equipped

The following messages will display in the EVIC if the
vehicle fails to remote start or exits remote start prema­turely:

•

Remote Start Aborted - Door Ajar

•

Remote Start Aborted - Hood Ajar

•

Remote Start Aborted - Fuel Low

•

Remote Start Aborted - System Fault

The EVIC message stays active until the ignition is turned
to the ON/RUN position.

To Enter Remote Start Mode

Press and release the REMOTE START button
on the RKE transmitter twice, within five sec­onds. The parking lights will flash and the horn

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27

will chirp twice (if programmed). Once the vehicle has
started, the engine will run for 15 minutes.

NOTE:

•

The park lamps will turn on and remain on during
Remote Start mode.

•

For security, power window and power sunroof op­eration (if equipped) are disabled when the vehicle is
in the Remote Start mode.

•

The engine can be started two consecutive times (two
15-minute cycles) with the RKE transmitter. However,
the ignition switch must be cycled to the ON/RUN
position before you can repeat the start sequence for a
third cycle.

To Exit Remote Start Mode without Driving the
Vehicle

Press and release the REMOTE START button one time or
allow the engine to run for the entire 15-minute cycle.

2

28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE: To avoid unintentional shut downs, the system
will disable the one time press of the REMOTE START
button for two seconds after receiving a valid Remote
Start request.

To Exit Remote Start Mode and Drive the Vehicle

Before the end of the 15-minute cycle, press and release
the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter to unlock
the doors and disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm System
(if equipped). Insert the Key Fob into the ignition switch
and turn the switch to the ON/RUN position.

message “Turn To On” will flash in the EVIC until you
turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position.

Remote Start Comfort Systems — If Equipped

When remote start is activated, the heated steering
wheel, and driver heated seat features will automatically
turn on in cold weather. In warm weather, the driver
vented seat feature will automatically turn on when the
remote start is activated. These features will stay on
through the duration of remote start or until the ignition
switch is turned to the ON/RUN position.

NOTE:

•

The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position
in order to drive the vehicle.

•

For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the message “Insert Key/
Turn To On” will flash in the EVIC until you insert the
Key Fob into the ignition swich. Once inserted, the

The Remote Start Comfort System can be activated and
deactivated through the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC). For more information on Remote Start
Comfort System operation refer to “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Customer-Programmable
Features (System Setup)” in “Understanding Your Instru­ment Panel”.

DOOR LOCKS

Manual Door Locks

Front and rear doors may be locked by moving the lock
knob down or unlocked by moving the lock knob up.

Front doors may be opened with the inside door handle
without lifting the lock knob.

Doors locked before closing will remain locked when
closed.

The emergency key will unlock the driver door lock on
your vehicle.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29

WARNING!

•

For personal security and safety in the event of an
accident, lock the vehicle doors when you drive as
well as when you park and leave the vehicle.

•

Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the key in
the ignition. A child could operate power win­dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

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