2009 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL Owners Manual

SENTRY KEYThe 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.
NOTE:
•
The Sentry Key
Immobilizer 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.THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
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•
Exxon/Mobil Speedpass™, additional Sentry Keys,
or any other transponder-equipped components on
the same key chain will notcause 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
Radio Frequency (RF) electronics will not cause inter-
ference with this system.
All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Replacement KeysNOTE: 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 the Sentry Keys from the vehicle
and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unat-
tended.
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 Key Immobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to an
authorized dealer.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Customer Key ProgrammingIf 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 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 Key
into 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 Key is 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 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
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
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reprogrammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to an
authorized dealer at the time of service to be
reprogrammed.General InformationThe 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 EQUIPPEDThis Vehicle Security Alarm monitors the vehicle doors
and ignition for unauthorized operation. When the alarm
is activated, the Vehicle Security Alarm provides both
audible and visible signals. For the first three minutes the
horn will sound and the headlights and Vehicle Security Light will flash repeatedly. For an additional 15 minutes
only, the headlights and Vehicle Security Light will flash.
The engine will run only if a valid Sentry Key
is used to
start the vehicle. Use of the Sentry Key will disable the
alarm.
Rearming of the SystemThe Vehicle Security Alarm will rearm itself after the 15
additional minutes of headlights and Vehicle Security
Light flashing, if the Vehicle Security Alarm has not been
disabled. If the condition which initiated the alarm is still
present, the Vehicle Security Alarm will ignore that
condition and monitor the remaining doors and ignition.To Set the AlarmThe 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
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 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 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 an authorized dealer.To Disarm the SystemUse the RKE transmitter to unlock the door. If something
has triggered the Vehicle Security Alarm in your absence,
the horn will sound three times when you unlock the
doors and the Vehicle Security Light will flash for 30 sec-
onds. 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 Key
is 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 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 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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
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ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPEDThe 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.
NOTE:•
The 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).
•
The Illuminated Entry system will not operate if the
dimmer control is in the extreme downward position.
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) — IF
EQUIPPEDThe system allows you to lock or unlock the doors from
distances up to approximately 66 ft (20 m) using a
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. The RKE trans-
mitter does not need to be pointed at the vehicle to
activate the system.
Three Button RKE Transmitter
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To Unlock the DoorsPress and release the UNLOCK button on the 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:
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 allow you to unlock all doors on the first
press of the UNLOCK button.
6. To reactivate this feature, repeat the above steps.
To Lock the DoorsPress and release the LOCK button on the RKE transmit-
ter 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.
The Horn Chirp feature is activated when shipped from
the assembly plant. If desired, this feature can be disabled
by using the following procedure:
1. Perform this operation while standing outside the
vehicle.
2. Press and hold the LOCK button on a programmed
(i.e., functional) RKE transmitter.THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21
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3. Continue to hold the LOCK button, wait at least four
seconds, but no longer than 10 seconds, then press and
hold the PANIC button. Release both buttons at the same
time.
4. To reactivate this feature, repeat the above steps.
This vehicle is shipped from the assembly plant with the
park lamp flash feature activated. If desired, this feature
can be disabled by using the following procedure:
1. Perform this operation while standing outside the
vehicle.
2. Press and hold the UNLOCK button on a programmed
(i.e., functional) RKE transmitter.
3. Continue to hold the UNLOCK button, wait at least
four seconds, but no longer than 10 seconds, then press
and hold the LOCK button. Release both buttons at the
same time.
4. To reactivate this feature, repeat the above steps.
Using the Panic AlarmTo activate the Panic Mode while the ignition is OFF,
press and release the PANIC button on the RKE trans-
mitter once. When the Panic Mode is activated, the
interior lights will illuminate, the headlights and parking
lights will flash, and the horn will sound.
To cancel the Panic Mode, press and release the PANIC
button on the transmitter a second time, after five sec-
onds. Panic Mode will automatically cancel after three
minutes, or if the vehicle is started and exceeds 15 mph
(24 km/h). During the Panic Mode, the door locks and
RKE systems will function normally. Panic Mode will not
disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm System on vehicles so
equipped.
22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE