2023 RAM 1500 key battery

16
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
KEYS
KEY FOB
Your vehicle is equipped with a key fob which supports
Passive Entry, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE), Keyless
Enter ‘n Go™ (if equipped), remote air suspension
lowering (if equipped), and Remote Start (if equipped).
The key fob allows you to lock or unlock all doors, tailgate,
and the RamBox (if equipped) as well as activate the Panic
Alarm from distances up to approximately 66 ft (20 m). The key fob does not need to be pointed at the vehicle to
activate the system. The key fob also contains an
emergency key, which is stored in the rear of the key fob.
NOTE:
 The key fob’s wireless signal may be blocked if the key
fob is located next to a mobile phone, laptop, or other
electronic device. This may result in poor performance.
 If your vehicle is equipped with a Wireless Charging
Pad, the key fob may not be detected if it is placed
within 6 inches (15 cm) of the pad
Úpage 68.
 With the ignition in the ON position and the vehicle
moving at 2 mph (4 km/h), all RKE commands are
disabled.

Key Fob

In case the ignition switch does not change with the push
of a button, the key fob may have a low or fully depleted
battery. A low key fob battery can be verified by referring to
the instrument cluster display, which will display a
procedure to follow.
NOTE:A low key fob battery condition may be indicated by a
message in the instrument cluster display, or by the LED
light on the key fob. If the LED key fob light no longer
illuminates from key fob button pushes, then the key fob
battery requires replacement
Úpage 402.
To Lock/Unlock The Doors And Tailgate
All doors, liftgate, and RamBox (if equipped) can be
programmed to either unlock on the first push of the
unlock button, or for the first push to unlock only the
driver’s door, then twice within five seconds to unlock all
doors, liftgate, and RamBox (if equipped). To lock all the
doors, liftgate, and RamBox (if equipped), push the lock
button once.
When the doors are unlocked, the turn signals will flash
and the illuminated entry system will be activated. When
the doors are locked, the turn signals will flash and the
horn will chirp.
The horn chirp when the lock button is pushed can be
programmed on/off within Uconnect Settings
Úpage 191.
1 — LED Indicator Light
2 — Unlock
3 — Tailgate Lowering (If Equipped)
4 — Air Suspension Remote Lowering (If Equipped)
5 — Lock
6 — Remote Start (If Equipped)
7 — Panic
8 — Emergency Key

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE17
Using The Panic Feature
To turn the Panic feature on or off, push the Panic button
on the key fob. When the Panic feature is activated, the
turn signals will flash, the horn may pulse on and off
(if equipped with horn alarm), and the interior lights will
turn on.
The Panic feature will stay on for three minutes unless you
turn it off by either pushing the Panic button a second time
or driving the vehicle at a speed of 15 mph (24 km/h) or
greater.
NOTE:
The interior lights will turn off if you place the ignition in
the ON/RUN position while the Panic feature is
activated. However, the exterior lights and horn
(if equipped with horn alarm) will remain on.
 You may need to be less than 35 ft (11 m) from the
vehicle when using the key fob to turn off the Panic
feature due to the radio frequency noises emitted by
the system.
Key Left Vehicle Feature
If a valid key fob is no longer detected inside the vehicle
while the vehicle’s ignition system is in the ON/RUN or
START position, the message “Key Fob Has Left The
Vehicle” will be shown in the instrument cluster display
along with an interior chime. An exterior audible and visual
alert will also be activated to warn the driver.
The vehicle’s horn will rapidly chirp three times along with
a single flash of the vehicle’s exterior lights.
NOTE:
The doors have to be open and then closed in order for
the vehicle to detect a key fob; the Key Left Vehicle
feature will not activate until all of the doors are closed.
 These alerts will not be activated in situations where
the vehicle’s engine is left running with the key fob
inside.
Air Suspension (Remote Lowering Of The
Vehicle) — If Equipped
For easy entry and loading, your vehicle can be
lowered by pushing the key fob air suspension
lowering button two times. When air
suspension lowering is requested using the key
fob, the vehicle will send a series of chirps and flashes to
alert the customer that the operation has begun and will
continue these alerts until it successfully lowers.
The following conditions must be met for the vehicle to
lower remotely:
 The vehicle must not already be in Entry/Exit ride
height.
 The vehicle battery must be fully charged.
 All doors must be closed.
 The key fob must be out of the vehicle.
 Gear selector must be in PARK.
NOTE:Ensure the vehicle is clear of all objects, pets, and people
prior to remote lowering. Canceling Remote Lowering
Vehicle lowering can be canceled at anytime. When
vehicle lowering is canceled, the vehicle will raise to the
next defined level and lock out the remote lowering
feature for five seconds until a new request is made.
To cancel vehicle lowering, push the key fob air
suspension lowering button one time during the lowering
process. When vehicle lowering is canceled, the horn will
chirp two times and the turn signal lamps will flash four
times. Once raising is completed, the horn will chirp
one time.
NOTE:More information on air suspension is provided later in
this manual, see Úpage 134.
Replacing The Battery In The Key Fob
The replacement battery model is one CR2450 battery.
NOTE:

Customers are recommended to use a battery
obtained from Mopar®. Aftermarket coin battery
dimensions may not meet the original OEM coin battery
dimensions.
 Perchlorate Material — special handling may apply. See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate for
further information.
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18GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Do not touch the battery terminals that are on the back
housing or the printed circuit board.
 Do not replace the coin battery if the LED on the key fob
above the top row buttons blinks when a button is
pressed. The coin battery should last a minimum of
three years with normal vehicle usage.

1. Remove the emergency key (1) by pushing the emergency key release button (2) on the side of the
key fob, and pulling the emergency key out with your
other hand.

Emergency Key Removal

2. Hold the key fob with the button side facing down, and locate the small rectangular gap on the left side
between the housing and the back cover of the key
fob. Use a small screwdriver (or similar tool) to pry
open the left side of the fob cover while applying
pressure until the cover snaps open.
3. Next, locate the gap on the right side of the key fob, which is positioned farther to the edge than the left
side gap. Pry open the right side, and remove the
back cover.
4. Remove the battery by using your thumb to slide the battery downward and back toward the key ring.

Key Fob Battery Location

NOTE:
When replacing the battery, ensure the (+) sign on the
battery is facing upward. Avoid touching the new battery
with your fingers. Skin oils may cause battery deterio -
ration. If you touch a battery, clean it with rubbing alcohol. 5. Replace the battery by using your thumb to push
down and slide the battery under the small lip on the
top edge of the opening.

Key Fob Battery Replacement

6. To assemble the key fob case, line up the top edge of the back cover with the top of the fob, and press the
edges into the interlocking hinges until all edges snap
together with no large visual gaps.
7. Reinsert the emergency key until it locks into place.
NOTE:The key fob battery should only be replaced by qualified
technicians. If the battery requires replacement, see an
authorized dealer.
1 — Emergency Key
2 — Emergency Key Release Button

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE19
Programming And Requesting Additional
Key Fobs
Programming the key fob may be performed by an
authorized dealer.
NOTE:
Once a key fob is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot be
repurposed and reprogrammed to another vehicle.
 Only key fobs that are programmed to the vehicle elec -
tronics can be used to start and operate the vehicle. Duplication of key fobs may be performed at an authorized
dealer. This procedure consists of programming a blank
key fob to the vehicle electronics. A blank key fob 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.
 Keys must be ordered to the correct key cut to match
the vehicle locks.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer system prevents unauthorized
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 a key fob, keyless push button ignition
and a Radio Frequency (RF) receiver to prevent
unauthorized vehicle operation. Therefore, only key fobs
that are programmed to the vehicle can be used to start
and operate the vehicle. The system cannot reprogram a
key fob obtained from another vehicle. After placing the ignition in the ON/RUN position, 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 attempted to start the engine
with an invalid key fob. In the event that a valid key fob is
used to start the engine but there is an issue with the
vehicle electronics, the engine will start and shut off after
two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security 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 serviced as soon as possible
by an authorized dealer.
All of the key fobs provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics
Úpage 402.
NOTE:A key fob that has not been programmed is also
considered an invalid key.
WARNING!

The integrated key fob contains a coin cell battery.
Do not ingest the battery; there is a chemical burn
hazard. If the coin cell battery is swallowed, it can
cause severe internal burns in just two hours and
can lead to death.
 If you think a battery may have been swallowed or
placed inside any part of the body, seek immediate
medical attention.
 Keep new and used batteries away from children.
If the battery compartment does not close securely,
stop using the product and keep it away from
children.
WARNING!
Always remove the key fobs from the vehicle and lock
all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
 For vehicles equipped with Keyless Enter ‘n Go™
Ignition, always remember to place the ignition in the
OFF position when exiting the vehicle.
CAUTION!
The Sentry Key Immobilizer system is not compatible
with some aftermarket Remote Start systems. Use of
these systems may result in vehicle starting problems
and loss of security protection.
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20GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
IGNITION SWITCH
KEYLESS ENTER ‘N GO™ IGNITION
This feature allows the driver to operate the ignition switch
with the push of a button as long as the key fob is in the
passenger compartment.
The START/STOP ignition button has several operating
modes that are labeled and will illuminate when in
position. These modes are OFF, ACC, ON/RUN, and START.

Keyless Push Button Ignition

The push button ignition can be placed in the following
modes:
OFF
 The engine is stopped
 Some electrical devices (e.g. power locks, alarm, etc.)
are still available
ACC
 Engine is not started
 Some electrical devices are available
(e.g. power sunroof, power windows, etc.)
ON/RUN
 Driving position
 All electrical devices are available
(e.g. climate controls, heated seats, etc.)
START
 The engine will start (when foot is on the brake)
NOTE:If the ignition switch does not change the mode by pushing
the button, the key fob may have a low or depleted battery.
In this situation, a backup method can be used to operate
the ignition switch. Put the nose side (side opposite of the
emergency key) of the key fob against the START/STOP
ignition button and push to operate the ignition switch.

Backup Starting Method

1 — OFF
2 — ACC (Accessory)
3 — ON/RUN
WARNING!
When exiting the vehicle, always remove the key fob
from the vehicle and lock your vehicle.
 Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
 Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be seriously or fatally injured. Children should
be warned not to touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the gear selector.
 Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in
a location accessible to children, and do not leave
the Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ Ignition in the ON/RUN
position. A child could operate power windows, other
controls, or move the vehicle.
 Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehi -
cles in hot weather. Interior heat buildup may cause
serious injury or death.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE21
NOTE:
The key fob may not be detected by the vehicle Keyless
Enter ‘n Go™ system if it is located next to a mobile
phone, laptop or other electronic device; these devices
may block the key fob’s wireless signal and prevent the
Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ system from starting the vehicle.
 For more information on normal engine starting, see
Úpage 118.
 When opening the driver's door and the ignition is in
the ON/RUN position (engine not running), a chime will
sound to remind you to place the ignition in the OFF
position. In addition to the chime, the message “Igni-
tion or Accessory ON” will display in the cluster.
REMOTE START — IF EQUIPPED
This system uses the key fob to start the engine
conveniently from outside the vehicle while still
maintaining security. The system has a range
of approximately 328 ft (100 m).
Remote Start is used to defrost windows in cold weather
and to reach a comfortable climate in all ambient
conditions before the customer enters the vehicle.
NOTE:Obstructions between the vehicle and key fob may reduce
this range Úpage 402.
HOW TO USE REMOTE START
Push and release the Remote Start button on the key fob
twice within five seconds. The vehicle doors will lock, the
parking lights will flash, and the horn will chirp twice
(if programmed). Then, the engine will start, and the
vehicle will remain in the Remote Start mode for a
15 minute cycle.
Pushing the Remote Start button a third time shuts the
engine off. To drive the vehicle, push the unlock button, and place the
ignition in the ON/RUN position.
NOTE:

With Remote Start, the engine will only run for
15 minutes.
 Remote Start can only be used twice.
 If an engine fault is present or fuel level is low, the
vehicle will start and then shut down in 10 seconds.
 The parking lights will turn on and remain on during
Remote Start mode.
 For security, power window and power sunroof opera -
tion (if equipped) are disabled when the vehicle is in
the Remote Start mode.
 The ignition must be placed in the ON/RUN position
before the Remote Start sequence can be repeated for
a third cycle.
All of the following conditions must be met before the
engine will remote start:
 Gear selector in PARK
 Doors closed
 Hood closed
 Hazard switch off
 Brake switch inactive (brake pedal not pressed)
 Battery at an acceptable charge level
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation for thieves. Always
remove key fob from the vehicle and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
WARNING!
Do not start or run an engine in a closed garage or
confined area. Exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO) which is odorless and colorless.
Carbon monoxide is poisonous and can cause
serious injury or death when inhaled.
 Keep key fobs away from children. Operation of the
Remote Start system, windows, door locks or other
controls could cause serious injury or death.2

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE23
REMOTE START WINDSHIELD WIPER
D
E-ICER ACTIVATION — IF EQUIPPED
When Remote Start is active and the outside ambient
temperature is less than 33°F (0.6°C), the Windshield
Wiper De-Icer will activate. Exiting Remote Start will
resume its previous operation. If the Windshield Wiper
De-Icer was active, the timer and operation will continue.
REMOTE START ABORT MESSAGE
One of the following messages will display in the
instrument cluster display if the vehicle fails to remote
start, or exits Remote Start prematurely:
 Remote Start Canceled — Door Open
 Remote Start Canceled — Hood Open
 Remote Start Canceled — Fuel Low
 Remote Start Canceled — Too Cold
 Remote Start Canceled — Time Expired
 Remote Start Disabled — Start Vehicle to Reset
The message will stay active until the ignition is placed in
the ON/RUN position.
VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security system monitors the vehicle doors,
hood, tailgate, and the Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ Ignition for
unauthorized operation. While the Vehicle Security system
is armed, interior switches for door locks and tailgate
release are disabled. If something triggers the alarm, the
Vehicle Security system will provide the following audible
and visible signals: 
The horn will pulse.
 The turn signals will flash.
 The Vehicle Security Light, located in the lower right
corner of the instrument cluster display, will flash.
TO ARM THE SYSTEM
Follow these steps to arm the Vehicle Security system:

1. Make sure the vehicle’s ignition is placed in the OFF
position.

 For vehicles equipped with Keyless Entry, make
sure the vehicle’s keyless ignition system is OFF.
2. Perform one of the following methods to lock the vehicle:
 Push the lock button on the interior power door
lock switch with the driver and/or passenger door
open.
 Push the lock button on the exterior Passive Entry
door handle with a valid key fob available in the
same exterior zone
Úpage 25.
 Push the lock button on the key fob.
3. If any doors are open, close them.
TO DISARM THE SYSTEM
The Vehicle Security system can be disarmed using any of
the following methods:
 Push the unlock button on the key fob.
 Grab the Passive Entry door handle to unlock the door
Úpage 25.
 Cycle the ignition out of the OFF position to disarm
the system.
NOTE:
The driver's door key cylinder cannot arm or disarm the
Vehicle Security system. Use of the door key cylinder
when the system is armed will sound the alarm when
the door is opened.
 The Vehicle Security system remains armed when the
power tailgate (if equipped) is opened using the
tailgate button on the key fob.
 If Passive Entry (if equipped) is used to unlock the
tailgate, the Vehicle Security system is disarmed and
the rest of the vehicle doors will remain locked unless
all doors are set to unlock on first press within Ucon -
nect Settings.
 When the Vehicle Security system is armed, the interior
power door lock switches will not unlock the doors.
The Vehicle Security system is designed to protect your
vehicle. However, you can create conditions where the
system will give you a false alarm. If one of the previously
described arming sequences has occurred, the Vehicle
Security system will arm regardless of whether you are in
the vehicle or not. If you remain in the vehicle and open a
door, the alarm will sound. If this occurs, disarm the
Vehicle Security system.
If the Vehicle Security system is armed and the battery
becomes disconnected, the Vehicle Security system will
remain armed when the battery is reconnected; the
exterior lights will flash, and the horn will sound. If this
occurs, disarm the Vehicle Security system.
2

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE27
NOTE:DO NOT grab the door handle when pushing the door
handle lock button. This could unlock the door(s).

Do NOT Grab The Door Handle When Locking

NOTE:
 After pushing the door handle button, you must wait
two seconds before you can lock or unlock the doors,
using either Passive Entry door handle. This is done to
allow you to check if the vehicle is locked by pulling the
door handle without the vehicle unlocking.
 If Passive Entry is disabled using the Uconnect
Settings, the key protection described in
"Frequency Operated Button Integrated Key
(FOBIK-Safe)" remains active/functional. 
The Passive Entry system will not operate if the key fob
battery is depleted.
 The LED light on the key fob will not blink if the key
fob battery is low or fully depleted, but a low key
fob battery condition will still support the Passive
Entry system functionality. When the key fob
battery is low, the instrument cluster will display a
message indicating that the key fob battery is low
Úpage 402.
AUTOMATIC UNLOCK DOORS ON EXIT —
I
F EQUIPPED
The doors will unlock automatically on vehicles with power
door locks after the following sequence of actions:

1. The Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit feature is
enabled within the Uconnect system.

2. All doors are closed.
3. The gear selector was not in PARK, then is placed in PARK.
4. Any door is opened.
AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS —
I
F EQUIPPED
The auto door lock feature default condition is enabled.
When enabled, the door locks will lock automatically when
the vehicle's speed exceeds 15 mph (24 km/h). The auto
door lock feature is enabled/disabled in the Uconnect
Settings
Úpage 191.
CHILD-PROTECTION DOOR LOCK
S
YSTEM — REAR DOORS
To provide a safer environment for small children riding in
the rear seats, the rear doors are equipped with a
Child-Protection Door Lock system.
To use the system, open each rear door, use a flat-blade
screwdriver, and rotate the dial to the lock or unlock
position. When the system on a door is engaged, that door
can only be opened by using the outside door handle even
if the inside door lock is in the unlocked position.

Child Lock Control

2

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