2004 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS Owners Manual

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys..................11
NKey-In-Ignition Reminder................11
NSentry Key Ð If Equipped................11
mIgnition And Steering Lock.................14
NManual Transmissions...................14
NAutomatic Transmissions.................15
mDoor Key.............................16
mDoor Locks............................16
NManual Locks.........................16NPower Door Locks Ð If Equipped..........17
NChild Protection Door Lock...............21
mRemote Keyless Entry Ð If Equipped.........22
NTo Unlock The Doors...................23
NTo Lock The Doors.....................24
NUsing The Panic Alarm..................25
NProgramming Additional Transmitters........26
NGeneral Information....................27
NTransmitter Battery Service...............28
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mSecurity Alarm System Ð If Equipped.........29
NRearming Of The System.................29
NTo Set The Alarm......................29
NTo Disarm The System...................30
mWindows.............................31
NPower WindowsÐIf Equipped.............31
NSliding Rear WindowÐIf Equipped.........32
NWind Buffeting........................33
mOccupant Restraints......................33
NLap/Shoulder Belts.....................34
NAdjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage....41
NAutomatic Locking Mode (If Equipped)......41
NCenter Lap Belts.......................42
NSeat Belt Pretensioners...................42NEnhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert)...........................43
NSeat Belts And Pregnant Women............44
NSeat Belt Extender......................44
NDriver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)ÐAirbag............45
NChild Restraint........................55
mEngine Break-In Recommendations...........67
mSafety Tips............................68
NTransporting Passengers.................68
NLock Your Vehicle......................69
NExhaust Gas..........................69
NSafety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle..............................70
NSafety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle..............................70
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The double sided keys may be inserted into the locks
with either side up. The keys for your new vehicle are
enclosed in a plastic bag with a bar code label affixed to
the front. The bar code can be used to order duplicate
keys from your dealer or a locksmith. If you received
your keys without the bag, ask your dealer to give you
the number.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver's door when the key is in the
ignition switch, a chime will sound to remind you to
remove the key.
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to thieves.
Always remove the key from the ignition and lock
all the doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
SENTRY KEY Ð IF EQUIPPED
With this system, an electronically coded ignition key
sends a signal to the vehicle electronics. If the electronics
recognizes the signal, the vehicle will start and continue
to run. If the system does not recognize the signal the
vehicle will start and run for a maximum of 2 seconds
after the initial key ON. After six unsuccessful attempts
at starting, the system will shut down until the correct
key is used.
NOTE:The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not
compatible with remote starting systems. Use of these
systems may result in vehicle starting problems and a
loss of security protection. Additional Sentry Keys or
Mobil Speed-passŸ devices held against or immediately
adjacent to the ignition key when starting the engine may
cause vehicle starting problems. If a problem occurs,
remove the Sentry Key from the key-ring and attempt to
start the vehicle again. Pagers, cell phones, walkman, etc.
will have no effect on this system.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

The9Security Light9, located in the instrument cluster,
will illuminate for about 2 seconds when the ignition
switch is first turned to the ON position. If the vehicle
electronics do not receive a valid signal from the ignition
key, the9Security Light9will flash continuously to signal
that the vehicle has been immobilized. If the9Security
Light9remains on during vehicle operation, it indicates a
fault in the system electronics. If this option was ordered,
all of the keys provided with your new vehicle have been
programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE:Only keys that have been programmed to the
vehicle electronics can be used to start the vehicle. Once
a Sentry Key has been programmed to a vehicle, it cannot
be programmed to any other vehicle.At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four digit PIN number. 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 and needs to be cut.
NOTE:When having the Sentry Key System serviced,
bring all vehicle keys to the dealer.
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Customer Key Programming
You can program new keys to the system if you have two
valid keys by doing the following:
1. Insert the first valid key into the ignition and turn the
ignition to the ON position for at least 3 seconds but no
longer than 15 seconds. Turn the ignition back to the OFF
position and remove the first key.
2. Insert the second valid key and switch the ignition to
the ON position within 15 seconds. After 10 seconds the
9Security Light9will begin to flash. Turn the ignition back
to the OFF position and remove the second key.
3. Insert a blank Sentry Key into the ignition and switch
the ignition to the ON position within 60 seconds of
having removed the second key. After 10 seconds the
9Security Light9will stop flashing, then turn on for 3
seconds; then turn off.The new Sentry Key has been programmed. Repeat this
process to program up to an additional 6 keys. A maxi-
mum of 8 keys can be programmed to the system,
including the original keys provided with the vehicle.
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 ap-
proved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

IGNITION AND STEERING LOCK
Manual Transmissions
When the steering wheel is in the LOCK position, the
steering and ignition systems are locked to provide
antitheft protection for your vehicle. It may be difficult to
turn the key from the LOCK position when starting your
vehicle. Move the steering wheel left and right while
turning the key until it turns easily. To remove the key,
depress and hold the release button located between the
ignition switch and the instrument panel. Turn the igni-
tion key to LOCK and remove the key.
Manual Transmissions
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Automatic Transmissions
In the LOCK position, the steering and ignition systems
are locked to provide antitheft protection for your ve-
hicle. It may be difficult to turn the key from the LOCK
position when starting your vehicle. Move the steering
wheel left and right while turning the key until it turns
easily. The key can be inserted or withdrawn only in the
LOCK position. Push in on the key in the ignition lock
cylinder to rotate to the LOCK position.
NOTE:The steering wheel will the lock when the key is
removed, and the steering wheel is turned around 115
degrees from center clockwise and around 65 degrees
counter-clockwise.
NOTE:On vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission, the key cannot be turned to LOCK until the
selector is in the PARK position. Do not attempt to pull
the shift lever out of PARK after the key is in the LOCK
position.
Automatic Transmissions
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

DOOR KEY
The same key used to start the vehicle is also used to
unlock the doors. To unlock the vehicle doors, insert the
key into the lock and turn.
To lock the doors, insert the key and turn.
DOOR LOCKS
Manual Locks
Front and Rear doors may be locked, by moving the lock
plunger up or down.
All doors may be opened with the inside door handle
without lifting the lock plunger. Doors locked before
closing will remain locked when closed.
The ignition key will unlock all the locks on your vehicle.
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.
WARNING!
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 inju-
ries and death.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE