Dodge RAM TRUCK, RAM TRUCK 2009 Owner's Manual

RAM TRUCK

OWNER’S MANUAL

2009

VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA

With respect to any Vehicles Sold in Canada, the name
Chrysler LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and the
name Chrysler Canada Inc. used in substitution therefor.

DRIVING AND ALCOHOL

Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes of
accidents.

Your driving ability can be seriously impaired with blood
alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you are
drinking, don’t drive. Ride with a designated non-drinking
driver, call a cab, a friend, or use public transportation.

WARNING!

Driving after drinking can lead to an accident. Your
perceptions are less sharp, your reflexes are slower,
and your judgment is impaired when you have been
drinking. Never drink and then drive.

This manual illustrates and describes the operation of
features and equipment that are either standard or op­tional on this vehicle. This manual may also include a
description of features and equipment that are no longer
available or were not ordered on this vehicle. Please
disregard any features and equipment described in this
manual that are not on this vehicle.

Chrysler LLC reserves the right to make changes in
design and specifications, and/or make additions to or
improvements to its products without imposing any
obligation upon itself to install them on products previ­ously manufactured.

Copyright © 2008 Chrysler LLC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

1

INTRODUCTION

.............................................................3

2

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

...............................9

3

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

...............................79

4

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

................................... 209

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

.................................................293

6

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

...............................................405

7

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

...............................................425

8

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

..................................................477

9

IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

..........................................493

10

INDEX

....................................................................503

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

10

INTRODUCTION

CONTENTS

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

1

INTRODUCTION

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
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 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 the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Mopar威 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 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:

4 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION 5

1

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against op­erating procedures that could result in an accident 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.

6 INTRODUCTION

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.

NOTE: It is illegal to remove the VIN.

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.

Vehicle Identification Number

INTRODUCTION 7

1

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

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

▫ Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) —

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

▫ Integrated Ignition Key ................. 13

▫ Ignition Key Removal .................. 14

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

䡵 Sentry Key威 .......................... 15

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

▫ General Information ................... 19

䡵 Vehicle Security Alarm — If Equipped ........ 19

▫ Rearming Of The System ................ 19

▫ To Set The Alarm ..................... 19

▫ To Disarm The System ................. 20

䡵 Illuminated Entry System — If Equipped ...... 20

䡵 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) — If Equipped . . . 21

▫ To Unlock The Doors .................. 22

▫ To Lock The Doors .................... 23

2

▫ Express Down Window Feature —

If Equipped ......................... 24

▫ Using The Panic Alarm ................. 25

▫ Programming Additional RKE Transmitters . . . 25

▫ RKE Transmitter Battery Service ........... 25

▫ General Information ................... 26

䡵 Remote Starting System — If Equipped ....... 26

▫ How To Use Remote Start ............... 27

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

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

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

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

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

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

▫ Wind Buffeting ....................... 37

䡵 Rambox Safety Warning .................. 37

▫ Safety Warning ....................... 37

䡵 Occupant Restraints ..................... 39

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

▫ Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage . . . 47

▫ Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) Mode –

If Equipped ......................... 48

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

▫ Seat Belt Pretensioners ................. 49

▫ Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System

(BeltAlert威) ......................... 49

10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 51

▫ Seat Belt Extender ..................... 51

▫ Driver And Right Front Passenger

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) –

Airbag ............................. 51

▫ Event Data Recorder (EDR) .............. 60

▫ Child Restraint ....................... 62

䡵 Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 74

䡵 Safety Tips ........................... 74

▫ Transporting Passengers ................ 74

▫ Exhaust Gas ......................... 75

▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The

Vehicle ............................. 76

▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make

Outside The Vehicle ................... 77

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

2

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) with Integrated Ignition
Key — If Equipped

Your vehicle may use a keyless ignition system. This
system consists of a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) trans­mitter with integrated ignition key and a Wireless Igni­tion Node (WIN) with integral ignition switch. You can
insert the double-sided integrated key 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 LOCK, ACC, and ON. The START position is a
spring-loaded momentary contact position. When re­leased from the START position, the switch automatically
returns to the ON position.

12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Integrated Ignition Key

The Integrated Key operates the ignition switch. It also
contains the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter and
a Valet Key, which stores in the rear of the RKE transmit­ter.

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

Wireless Ignition Node (WIN)

1 — LOCK
2 — ACC (ACCESSORY)
3—ON
4 — START

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

2

To remove the Valet Key from the RKE transmitter, slide
the mechanical latch at the top of the RKE transmitter
sideways with your thumb and then pull the key out
with your other hand.

NOTE: You can insert the double-sided valet key into
the lock cylinder with either side up.

Ignition Key Removal

Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the key to the LOCK
position and then remove the key.

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 LOCK 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
LOCK position. Opening either front door will cancel
this feature. The time for this feature is programmable.
Refer to “Key Off Power Delay,” under “Customer­Programmable Features (SETUP)” in the “Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC),” in Section 4.

Valet Key Removal

14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 key 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 the key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.

Key-In-Ignition Reminder

If you open the driver’s door and the key is in the
ignition, a chime will sound to remind you to remove the
key.

NOTE: The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds
when the ignition key is placed in the LOCK or ACC
position.

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.

The system uses ignition keys that 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
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to try to start the
engine.

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

2

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
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 to try to start the engine. Either of these conditions
will result in the engine being shut off after two seconds.

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.

NOTE:

•

The Sentry Key威 Immobilizer System is not compat­ible with some aftermarket remote starting systems.
Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.

•

Exxon/Mobil Speedpass™, additional Sentry Keys威,
or any other transponder-equipped components on
the same key chain will not cause a key-related
(transponder) fault unless the additional part is physi-
cally 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.

16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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威 is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot
be programmed to any other vehicle.

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 keys. Du­plication of keys can be performed at an authorized

dealer. This procedure consists of programming a blank
key to the vehicle electronics. A blank key 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.

•

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

2

Customer Key Programming

If you have two valid RKE transmitters with integrated
keys, you can program new RKE transmitters to the
system by performing the following steps:

1. Insert the first valid integrated key into the ignition
switch and turn the ignition switch to the ON position for
at least three seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds.
Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and
remove the first key.

2. Insert the second valid integrated key and turn the
ignition switch to the ON position within 15 seconds.
After 10 seconds, a chime will sound and the Vehicle
Security Light will begin to flash. Turn the ignition switch
to the LOCK position and remove the second key.

3. Insert a blank integrated key into the ignition switch
and turn the ignition switch to the ON position within
60 seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound

and the Vehicle Security Light will stop flashing, turn the
ignition switch ON again for three seconds, and then turn
it OFF.

The new integrated key is programmed. The Remote

Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be pro­grammed during this procedure.

Repeat the above steps to program up to eight keys. If
you do not have a programmed RKE transmitter with
integrated key, contact your authorized for details.

NOTE: If a programmed key is lost, see your authorized
dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the sys­tem’s 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 an
authorized dealer at the time of service to be
reprogrammed.

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, the system provides
both audible and visible signals. For the first three
minutes the horn will sound and the headlights and
security light will flash repeatedly. For an additional
15 minutes only, the headlights and 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 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 Set the Alarm

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 cluster will flash rapidly to signal that the
system is arming. The Vehicle Security Light in the
instrument panel cluster will flash rapidly for about

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19

2

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.

The Vehicle Security Alarm is designed to protect your
vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the
system will arm unexpectedly. If you remain in the
vehicle and lock the doors with the RKE transmitter, the
alarm will sound when you pull the door handle to exit.
The door will be locked, but the Vehicle Security Alarm
will not arm.

ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM — 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 about 30 seconds, or they
will immediately fade to off once the ignition switch is
turned ON.

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,
activate the Panic Alarm or Remote Start the vehicle (if
equipped) from distances up to approximately 66 ft
(20 m) using a handheld radio transmitter with inte­grated key. The transmitter does not need to be pointed at
the vehicle to activate the system.

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

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

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter with

Integrated Key

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21

2

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 “RKE
Unlock Sequence” under “Customer-Programmable
Features (SETUP)” in the “Electronic Vehicle Informa­tion Center (EVIC),” in Section 4 of this manual.

•

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
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 LOCK 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.

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 “Flash
Lamps Lock” under “Customer-Programmable Fea­tures (SETUP)” in the “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC),” in Section 4 of this manual.

•

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

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.

3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle by press­ing the LOCK/UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter with
the ignition switch in the LOCK 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.

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23

2

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 “Horn
Chirp” under “Customer-Programmable Features
(SETUP)” in the “Electronic Vehicle Information Cen­ter (EVIC),” in Section 4 of this manual.

•

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.

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

Express Down 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

24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

then immediately press and hold the UNLOCK button
until the windows lower to the level desired or until they
lower completely.

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 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 RKE Transmitters

Refer to Sentry Key威 “Customer Key Programming.”
If you do not have a programmed RKE transmitter,

contact your authorized dealer for details.

RKE Transmitter Battery Service

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25

2

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

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 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.

•

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
maintaining security. The system has a range of
328 ft (100 m).

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

26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

•

RKE PANIC button not pressed

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27

2

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
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.

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 into the ignition switch and
turn the switch to the ON/RUN position.

NOTE:

•

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

28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE