2008 DODGE DAKOTA ECU

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys..................12
NIgnition Key Removal...................12
NLocking Doors With The Key..............14
mSentry Key............................14
NReplacement Keys......................16
NCustomer Key Programming..............16
NGeneral Information....................18
mSteering Wheel Lock Ð If Equipped..........18NIf You Wish To Manually Lock The
Steering Wheel........................18
NTo Release The Steering Wheel Lock.........18
NAutomatic Transmission Ignition
Interlock System.......................19
mSecurity Alarm System Ð If Equipped.........19
NTo Set The Alarm......................19
NTo Disarm The System...................19
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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
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 ser-
viced as soon as possible.NOTE:
²The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not compatible
with some after-market remote starting systems. Use
of these systems may result in vehicle starting prob-
lems and loss of security protection.
²Exxon/Mobil Speed Pass,Ÿ additional Sentry Keys, or
any other transponder-equipped components on the
same key chain willnotcause a key-related (transpon-
der) fault unless the additional part isphysically held
against the ignition keybeing 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.
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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
location. This number is required for dealer replacement
of keys. Duplication of keys may be performed at anauthorized dealer or by using the Customer Key Pro-
gramming procedure. This procedure consists of pro-
gramming 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 ªONº position for at least 3
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

seconds, but no longer than 15-seconds. Then, turn the
ignition switch to the ªLOCKº position and remove the
first key.
3. Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ªONº 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 ªLOCKº
position and remove the second key.
4. Insert a blank Sentry Key into the ignition switch. Turn
the ignition switch to the ªONº 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.The new Sentry Key is programmed.The Keyless Entry
Transmitter will also be programmed during this pro-
cedure.
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 repro-
grammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to the dealer at
the time of service to be reprogrammed.
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Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock System
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK. It also prevents shifting out of
PARK unless the key is in the ACC, or ON positions, and
the brake pedal is depressed.
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM Ð IF EQUIPPED
This system monitors the vehicle doors and ignition for
unauthorized operation. When the alarm is activated, the
system provides both audible and visual signals. The
horn will sound repeatedly for 3 minutes and the head-
lights and security light in the instrument cluster will
flash for an additional 15 minutes. The engine will not
run until the system is disarmed.
To Set the Alarm:
The alarm will set when you use the power door locks or
use the Keyless Entry transmitter to lock the doors. After
all the doors are locked and closed, the security light in
the instrument cluster will flash rapidly to signal that thesystem is arming. The security light in the instrument
panel cluster will flash rapidly for about 15 seconds to
indicate that the alarm is being set. After the alarm is set,
the security light will flash at a slower rate to indicate
that the system is armed.
NOTE:If the security light stays on continuously during
vehicle operation, have the system checked by your
dealer.
To Disarm the System:
Use the Remote Keyless Entry transmitter to unlock the
doors. If something has triggered the system in your
absence, the horn will sound three times when you
unlock the doors. Check the vehicle for tampering.
The security system will also disarm, if the vehicle is
started with a programmed Sentry Key. If an unpro-
grammed Sentry Key is used to start a vehicle, the engine
will start and run for 2 seconds and then shut down.
After six unsuccessful attempts at starting the engine, the
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system will shut down until the correct key is used. To
exit alarming mode, press the transmitter Unlock button
or start the vehicle with a programmed Sentry Key.
The security alarm system 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 transmitter, the alarm
will sound when you pull the door handle to exit.
NOTE:You may accidentally activate the security sys-
tem (horn sounds and lights flash) by entering the vehicle
without using the key fob to unlock the door(s). The
security system can be disarmed with the key fob's
UNLOCK button or by inserting a programmed Sentry
Key into the ignition and turning the key to the ON
position.ILLUMINATED ENTRY
Vehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks
All interior lights will illuminate in the vehicle when the
doors are unlocked using the key fob.
The interior lights will remain on for 30 seconds after the
last door is closed, or until all doors are closed and either
the ignition is turned to the ON position or a key fob
LOCK button is pressed.
There is also a battery saver feature that will turn the
interior lights off after 8 minutes if the ignition is OFF
and a door is left open or the dimmer control is in the
interior lights ON position.
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 transmitter.
NOTE:Pressing the LOCK button on the transmitter
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:
Press and release the LOCK button on the key fob to lock
all doors. If the ignition is OFF, when the doors are
locked, the parking lights will flash on once and the horn
will chirp once.
Horn Chirp Programming
The horn chirp feature will be shipped from the assembly
plants activated. If desired this feature can be disabled by
using the following procedure:
1. Press and hold the LOCK button on the transmitter.
2. After holding the LOCK button for four seconds, also
press the PANIC button within 6 seconds. A single chime
will sound to indicate that this feature has changed.
3. Release both buttons at the same time.
4. To reactivate this feature, repeat the above steps.
5. Test the horn chirp feature while outside of the ve-
hicle, by pressing the LOCK button on the transmitter
with the ignition in the OFF position and the key
removed.
NOTE:Pressing the LOCK button on the transmitter,
while you are inside the vehicle, will activate the Security
22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Alarm. Opening a door with the Security Alarm activated
will cause the alarm to sound. Press the UNLOCK button
to deactivate the Security Alarm.
6. If the desired programming was not achieved or to
reactivate this feature, repeat the above steps.
Flash Lamps with Lock Programming
1. Press and hold the UNLOCK button on the transmit-
ter.
2. After holding the UNLOCK button for four seconds,
also press the LOCK button within 6 seconds. A single
chime will sound to indicate that this feature has
changed.
3. Release both buttons at the same time.4. Test the flash lamps with LOCK feature while outside
of the vehicle, by pressing the LOCK button on the
transmitter with the ignition in the OFF position, and the
key removed.
NOTE:Pressing the LOCK button on the transmitter,
while you are in 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.
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