NOTE:If you try to remove the key before you place the
shift lever in PARK, the key may become trapped tem-
porarily in the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, rotate thekey to the right slightly, then remove the key as de-
scribed. If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the
key in the ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety
feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and
stopped but the key cannot be removed until you obtain
service.
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 seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
Ignition Switch Positions
1 — ACC 4 — ON/RUN
2 — LOCK 5 — START
3 — OFFTHINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
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CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Locking Doors With The Key
You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key rearward, to unlock the door, turn the
key forward. For external door lock lubrication, refer to
“Body Lubrication” in Section 7.
STEERING WHEEL LOCK — 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
approximately a half turn in either direction and the key
is not in the ignition switch, the steering wheel will lock.
To Manually Lock the Steering Wheel
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.
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 Transaxle Ignition Interlock System —
If Equipped
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK and the shift knob pushbutton
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
is out. It also prevents shifting out of PARK unless the
key is in the ON position and the brake pedal is
depressed.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry KeyImmobilizer 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 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 Vehicle Security 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 sec-
onds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electronics.
Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as
possible.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
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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 KeyImmobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to an
authorized dealer.
Customer Key Programming
If you have two valid Sentry Keys, you can program
new Sentry Keysto the system by performing the
following procedure:
1. Cut the additional Sentry KeyTransponder 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
addition, the Vehicle Security Light will begin to flash.
Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and
remove the second key.
4. Insert a blank Sentry Keyinto 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 Light will stop flashing.
To indicate that programming is complete, the Vehicle
Security Light will turn on again for three seconds and
then turn off.
The new Sentry Keyis programmed.The Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be pro-
grammed during this procedure.
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Repeat this procedure to program up to eight keys. If you
do not have a programmed Sentry Key, contact your
authorized dealer for details.
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
reprogrammed.
General Information
The Sentry Keysystem 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 undes-
ired operation.
VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM — IF EQUIPPED
This Vehicle Security Alarm monitors the vehicle doors,
liftgate, and ignition for unauthorized operation. When
the alarm is activated, the Vehicle Security Alarm pro-
vides both audible and visual signals. The horn will
sound repeatedly for three minutes and the headlights
and Vehicle Security Light in the instrument cluster will
flash for an additional 15 minutes. The engine will not
run until the Vehicle Security Alarm is disarmed.
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
closed and locked, the Vehicle Security Light in the
instrument cluster will flash rapidly to signal that the
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Vehicle Security Alarm is arming. The Vehicle 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 Vehicle Security Light will flash
at a slower rate to indicate that the Vehicle Security
Alarm is armed.
NOTE:If the Vehicle Security Light stays on continu-
ously during vehicle operation, have the Vehicle Security
Alarm checked by your authorized dealer.
To Disarm the System
Use the RKE transmitter to unlock the doors. If some-
thing has triggered the Vehicle Security Alarm in your
absence, the horn will sound three times when you
unlock the doors. Check the vehicle for tampering.
The Vehicle Security Alarm will also disarm if the vehicle
is started with a programmed Sentry Key. If an unpro-
grammed Sentry Keyis used to start a vehicle, the
engine will start and run for two seconds and then shutdown. After six unsuccessful attempts at starting the
engine, the Vehicle Security Alarm will shut down until
the correct key is used. To exit alarming mode, press the
RKE transmitter UNLOCK button or start the vehicle
with a programmed Sentry Key.
The Vehicle Security Alarm is designed to protect your
vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the
Vehicle Security Alarm 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 Vehicle Secu-
rity Alarm (horn sounds and lights flash) by entering the
vehicle without using the RKE transmitter to unlock the
door(s). The Vehicle Security Alarm can be disarmed with
the RKE transmitters unlock button or by inserting a
programmed Sentry Keyinto the ignition and turning
the key to the ON position.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
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ILLUMINATED ENTRY
Vehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks
All interior lights will illuminate in the vehicle when the
doors are unlocked using the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter.
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 RKE
transmitter LOCK button is pressed.
There is also a battery saver feature that will turn the
interior lights off after eight minutes if the ignition is OFF
and a door is left open or the dimmer control is in the
interior lights ON position.
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE)
NOTE:
•For the remote starting feature (if equipped), refer to
“Remote Starting System” in section 2.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter with Integrated
Key
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
•For the power liftgate feature (if equipped), refer to the
“Power Liftgate” in section 2.
•Your vehicle’s RKE transmitter may have three, four,
or five buttons (shown), depending on the optional
features purchased with your vehicle.
This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors and
liftgate or activate the panic alarm from distances up to
approximately 66 ft (20 m) using the RKE transmitter.
The RKE transmitter does not need to be pointed at the
vehicle to activate the system.
NOTE:The line of transmission must not be blocked
with metal objects.
To Unlock the Doors and Liftgate
Press and release the UNLOCK button on the RKE
transmitter once to unlock only the driver’s door or twice
to unlock all the doors and liftgate. When the UNLOCKbutton is pressed on the RKE transmitter, the illuminated
entry will initiate, and the parking lights will flash twice.
The system can be programmed to unlock all the doors
upon the first RKE transmitter UNLOCK button press by
following these procedures:
•For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), refer to “Personal Settings
(Customer Programmable Features)” under “Over-
head Console with Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) – If Equipped” in Section 3.
•For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC:
1. Press and hold the LOCK button on a programmed
RKE transmitter.
2. Continue to hold the RKE transmitter LOCK button at
least four seconds, but not longer than 10 seconds, then
press and hold the RKE transmitter UNLOCK button.
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