2008 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL Owners Manual

SENTRY KEYT
The Sentry KeytImmobilizer system prevents unautho-
rized 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 pro-
grammed 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, 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 willturn 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 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 KeytImmobilizer System is not compat-
ible with some aftermarket remote starting systems.
Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.
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²Exxon/Mobil SpeedpassŸ, additional Sentry Keyst,
or any other transponder-equipped components on
the same key chain willnotcause a key-related
(transponder) fault unless the additional part isphysi-
cally 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.
Replacement Keys
NOTE:Only keys that are programmed to the vehicle
electronics can be used to start and operate the vehicle.
Once a Sentry Keytis programmed to a vehicle, it cannot
be programmed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove the Sentry Keystfrom 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. Du-
plication of keys may be performed at an authorized
dealer or by following the customer key programming
procedure. 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 KeytImmobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to an
authorized dealer.
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Customer Key Programming
If you have two valid Sentry Keyst, you can program
new Sentry Keystto the system by performing the
following procedure:
1. Cut the additional Sentry KeytTransponder 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 three
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 10 seconds, a chime will sound. In addi-
tion, 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 Keytinto 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 Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will turn on
again for three seconds and then turn off.
The new Sentry Keytis programmed.The Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be pro-
grammed during this procedure.
Repeat this procedure to program up to eight keys. If you
do not have a programmed Sentry Keyt, contact your
authorized dealer for details.
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NOTE:If a programmed key is lost, see your authorized
dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the sys-
tem'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 repro-
grammed.
General Information
The Sentry Keytsystem complies with FCC rules Part 15
and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:
²This device may not cause harmful interference.
²This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.
STEERING WHEEL LOCK Ð IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering
wheel lock. This lock prevents steering the vehicle with-
out the ignition key. If the steering wheel is moved no
more than one-half turn in either direction and the key is
not in the ignition switch, the steering wheel will lock.
If You Wish 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.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
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 ON position, 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 visible signals. For the
first three minutes the horn will sound and the headlights
and security telltale will flash repeatedly. For an addi-
tional 15 minutes only, the headlights and security telltalewill flash. The engine will run only if a valid Sentry Keyt
is used to start the vehicle. Use of the Sentry Keytwill
disable the alarm.
Rearming of the System:
The Security Alarm System will rearm itself after the 15
additional minutes of headlights and security telltale
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 re-
maining doors and ignition.
To Set the Alarm
The 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 SECURITY light in the instrument cluster will
flash rapidly to signal that the system is arming. The
SECURITY light in the instrument panel cluster will flash
rapidly for about 16 seconds to indicate that the alarm is
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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 an
authorized dealer.
To Disarm the System:
Use the RKE transmitter to UNLOCK the door. If some-
thing has triggered the system in your absence, the horn
will sound three times when you unlock the doors and
the SECURITY light will flash for 30 seconds. Check the
vehicle for tampering.
The Security Alarm System will also disarm if the vehicle
is started with a programmed Sentry Keyt. If an unpro-
grammed Sentry Keytis used to start a vehicle, the
engine will run for two seconds and then the Security
Alarm will be initiated. To exit the alarming mode, press
the RKE UNLOCK button, or start the vehicle with a
programmed Sentry Keyt.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 RKE transmitter, the
alarm will sound when you pull the door handle to exit.
The door will be locked, but the Security Alarm System
will not arm.ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM Ð 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:
²The front courtesy overhead console and door cour-
tesy lights do not turn off if the dimmer control is in
the interior lights ON position (extreme top position).
²The illuminated entry system will not operate if the
dimmer control is in the extreme downward position.
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY Ð IF EQUIPPED
This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors from
distances up to about 23 ft (7 m) using a hand-held radio
transmitter. The transmitter need not be pointed at the
vehicle to activate the system.
Three-Button Transmitter
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To unlock the doors:
Press and release the UNLOCK button on the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter once to unlock only the
driver's door or twice to unlock all the doors. When the
UNLOCK button is pressed, the illuminated entry will
initiate, the parking lights will flash on twice and if
installed, the cargo lamp will turn on for 30 seconds.
The system can be programmed to unlock all the doors or
the driver's door only upon the first UNLOCK button
press by using the following procedure:
²For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), refer to ªPersonal Settings
(Customer Programmable Features)º under ªOver-
head Console with Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) ± If Equippedº in Section 3.
²For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the
following procedure:1. Perform this operation while standing outside the
vehicle.
2. Press and hold the LOCK button on your RKE trans-
mitter.
3. Continue to hold the LOCK button at least four
seconds, but no longer than 10 seconds, then press and
hold the UNLOCK button while still holding the LOCK
button.
4. Release both buttons at the same time.
5. This will enable you to unlock all doors on the first
press of the UNLOCK button.
6. To reactivate this feature, repeat the above steps.
22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE