2009 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual

Refer to “Key Off Power Delay,” under “Customer-
Programmable Features (SETUP)” in the “Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC),” in Section 4.
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 key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove the key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver’s door and the key is in the
ignition, a chime will sound to remind you to remove the
key.
NOTE:
•The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds when the
ignition key is placed in the OFF or ACC position.
•If equipped with Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter (EVIC) the EVIC will display “Key In Ignition”.
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.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

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.
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 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 by an authorized dealer.
NOTE:
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not
compatible with some aftermarket remote starting sys-
tems. Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.
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 Key is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot
be programmed to any other vehicle.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Always remove the Sentry Keysfrom 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 can be performed at an authorized
dealer, 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 autho-
rized dealer.
•If a programmed key is lost, see your authorized
dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the
system’s memory. This will prevent the lost key from
starting your vehicle. The remaining keys must then
be reprogrammed.
Customer Key Programming
Programming of RKE transmitters may be performed at
an authorized dealer.
General Information
The Sentry Key system 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.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM — IF EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security Alarm monitors the vehicle doors
and ignition for unauthorized operation. When the Ve-
hicle Security Alarm is activated, the system provides
both audible and visible signals. For the first three
minutes the horn will sound and the headlights, park
lamps and/or turn signals will flash and Vehicle Security
Light will flash repeatedly. For an additional 15 minutes
only, the headlights, park lamps and/or turn signals and
Vehicle Security Light will flash. The engine will run only
if a valid Sentry Keyis used to start the vehicle. Use of
the Sentry Key will disable the alarm.
Rearming of the System
The Vehicle Security Alarm will rearm itself after the 15
additional minutes of headlights and Vehicle Security
Light 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 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
system 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 system is armed.
NOTE:If the Vehicle Security Light stays on continu-
ously during vehicle operation, have the system checked
by an authorized dealer.
To Disarm the System
Use the RKE transmitter to unlock the door. If something
has triggered the system in your absence, the horn will
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

sound three times when you unlock the doors and the
Vehicle Security Light will flash for 30 seconds. 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 run for two seconds and then the 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
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 Vehicle Security Alarm
will not arm.ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM — 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 approximately 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 right posi-
tion).
•The illuminated entry system will not operate if the
dimmer control is in the extreme left position.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) — IF
EQUIPPED
The RKE system allows you to lock or unlock the doors,
activate the Panic Alarm or Remote Start the vehicle (if
equipped) from distances up to approximately 66 ft
(20 m) using a hand-held radio transmitter with inte-
grated key. The transmitter does not need to be pointed at
the vehicle to activate the system.
NOTE:Inserting the RKE transmitter with integrated
key into the ignition switch disables all buttons on that
RKE transmitter; however, the buttons on the remaining
transmitters will continue to work. Driving at speeds
5 mph (8 km/h) and above disables all RKE transmitter
buttons for all RKE transmitters.
To Unlock the Doors
Press and release the UNLOCK button on the RKE
transmitter once to unlock the driver’s door, or twice
within five seconds to unlock all doors. The turn signal
lights will flash to acknowledge the unlock signal. The
illuminated entry system will also turn on.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
Transmitter with Integrated Key
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Remote Key Unlock, Driver Door/All Doors First
This feature lets you program the system to unlock either
the driver’s door or all doors on the first press of the
UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter. To change the
current setting, proceed as follows:
•For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, refer to “RKE
Unlock Sequence” under “Customer-Programmable
Features (SETUP)” in the “Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC),” in Section 4 of this manual.
•For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the
following procedure:
1. Press and hold the LOCK button on a programmed
RKE transmitter for at least four seconds, but no longer
than ten seconds. Then, press and hold the UNLOCK
button while still holding the LOCK button. 2. Release both buttons at the same time.
3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle by press-
ing the LOCK/UNLOCK buttons on the RKE transmitter
with the ignition switch in the OFF position and the key
removed.
4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.
NOTE:
Pressing the LOCK button on the RKE transmit-
ter while you are inside the vehicle will activate the
Vehicle Security Alarm System. Opening a door with the
Vehicle Security Alarm System activated will cause the
alarm to sound. Press the UNLOCK button to deactivate
the Vehicle Security Alarm System.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21

Flash Lamps with Remote Key Lock
This feature will cause the turn signal lights to flash when
the doors are locked or unlocked with the RKE transmit-
ter. This feature can be turned on or turned off. To change
the current setting, proceed as follows:
•For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, refer to “Flash
Lamps Lock” under “Customer-Programmable Fea-
tures (SETUP)” in the “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC),” in Section 4 of this manual.
•For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the
following procedure:
1. Press and hold the UNLOCK button on a programmed
RKE transmitter for at least four seconds, but no longer
than ten seconds. Then, press and hold the LOCK button
while still holding the UNLOCK button.
2. Release both buttons at the same time. 3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle by press-
ing the LOCK/UNLOCK buttons on the RKE transmitter
with the ignition switch in the OFF position and the key
removed.
4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.
NOTE:
Pressing the LOCK button on the RKE transmit-
ter while you are in the vehicle will activate the Vehicle
Security Alarm System. Opening a door with the Vehicle
Security Alarm System activated will cause the alarm to
sound. Press the UNLOCK button to deactivate the
Vehicle Security Alarm System.
To Lock the Doors
Press and release the LOCK button on the RKE transmit-
ter to lock all doors. The turn signal lights will flash and
the horn will chirp to acknowledge the signal.
22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE