2011 DODGE NITRO Owners Manual

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 LOCK or ACC
position.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unauthor-
ized 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.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
CAUTION!
The Sentry KeyImmobilizer system is not compat-
ible with some after-market remote starting systems.
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.
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
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

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.
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 ON/RUN 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/RUN 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/RUN 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.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 repro-
grammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to an authorized
dealer at the time of service to be reprogrammed.
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 unde-
sired operation.
VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM — IF EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security Alarm monitors the vehicle doors,
liftgate, and ignition for unauthorized operation. When
the Vehicle Security Alarm is activated, interior switches
for door locks are disabled. The alarm provides both
audible and visual signals, the horn will sound repeat-
edly for three minutes, while the headlights, park lamps
and/or turn signals will flash for an additional 15 min-
utes.
NOTE: The Panic and Security alarms are quite differ-
ent. Please take a moment to activate the Panic and
Security modes to hear the differences in the horn. In case
one should go off in the future, you will need to know
which mode has been activated in order to deactivate it.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

To Arm The System
Remove the keys from the ignition switch and exit the
vehicle. Lock the doors and liftgate by pressing the
power door LOCK switch or the LOCK button on the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. Close all the
doors.
The Vehicle Security Light (located in the instrument
cluster) will flash rapidly for about 16 seconds to signal
that the Vehicle Security Alarm is arming. During this
16-second pre-arm period, opening any door or the
liftgate will cancel the arming process. If the Vehicle
Security Alarm arms successfully, the Vehicle Security
Light will flash at a slower rate to indicate the alarm is
set. Manually locking the doors with the door lock
plunger (located on the inside of the doors) or the
driver’s door key lock cylinder will not arm the Vehicle
Security Alarm.
To Disarm The System
Either press the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter
or insert a valid Sentry Keyinto the ignition lock
cylinder and turn the key to the ON/RUN position.
The Vehicle Security Alarm is designed to protect your
vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the
Vehicle Security Alarm will give you a false alarm. If the
previously described arming sequence has occurred, the
Vehicle Security Alarm will arm regardless of whether
you are inside or outside the vehicle. If you remain inside
the vehicle and open a door, the alarm will sound. If this
occurs, disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm. Manually
unlocking the doors with the door lock plunger (located
on the inside of the doors) or the driver’s door key lock
cylinder will not disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Tamper Alert
If something 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.
ILLUMINATED ENTRY
The courtesy lights will turn on when you use the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to unlock the
doors or open any door.
This feature also turns on the approach lighting in the
outside mirrors (if equipped). Refer to “Mirrors” in
“Understanding The Features Of Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.The lights will fade to off after approximately 30 seconds
or they will immediately fade to off once the ignition
switch is turned to ON/RUN from the OFF position.
NOTE:
•The front courtesy overhead console and door cour-
tesy lights do not turn on if the dimmer control is in
the
Dome ON position (extreme top position).
•The Illuminated Entry system will not operate if the
dimmer control is in the “Dome defeat” position
(extreme bottom position).
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE)
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 your Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter. The RKE transmitter does not
need to be pointed at the vehicle to activate the system.NOTE:•For the remote starting feature (if equipped), refer to
“Remote Starting System” for further information.
•Your vehicle’s RKE transmitter may have three or four
buttons depending on the optional features purchased
with your vehicle.
To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate
Press and release the UNLOCK button on the RKE
transmitter once to unlock the driver’s door or twice to
unlock all doors and the liftgate. The parking lights will
flash to acknowledge the unlock signal. The illuminated
entry system will also turn on.
Three Button RKE transmitter
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 and the liftgate on the first
press of the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter. To
change the current setting, proceed as follows:
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, refer to “Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC)/Personal Settings (Customer-
Programmable Features)” in “Understanding Your In-
strument Panel” for further information.
On non-EVIC equipped vehicles, perform the following
steps:
1. Press and hold the LOCK button on a programmed
(i.e., functional) RKE transmitter for at least four seconds,
but not longer than 10 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 from outside the vehicle by pressing
the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the RKE transmitter.
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. Opening a door with the Vehicle
Security Alarm activated will cause the alarm to sound.
Press the UNLOCK button to deactivate the Vehicle
Security Alarm.
To Lock The Doors And Liftgate
Press and release the LOCK button on the RKE transmit-
ter to lock all doors and the liftgate. If the ignition is OFF
when the doors are locked, the parking lights will flash
once and the horn will sound a single chirp.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21