DODGE RAM 2500 GAS 2008 3.G User Guide
Manufacturer: DODGE, Model Year: 2008, Model line: RAM 2500 GAS, Model: DODGE RAM 2500 GAS 2008 3.GPages: 554, PDF Size: 9.93 MB
Page 11 of 554

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys..................12
NIgnition Key Removal...................12
NLocking Doors With The Key..............14
mSentry Keyt...........................15
NReplacement Keys......................16
NCustomer Key Programming..............17
NGeneral Information....................18
mSteering Wheel Lock Ð If Equipped..........18NIf You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering
Wheel..............................18
NTo Release The Steering Wheel Lock.........18
NAutomatic Transmission Ignition Interlock
System..............................19
mSecurity Alarm System Ð If Equipped.........19
NRearming Of The System.................19
NTo Set The Alarm......................19
NTo Disarm The System...................20
2
Page 12 of 554

mIlluminated Entry System Ð If Equipped.......20
mRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) Ð If Equipped.....21
NTo Unlock The Doors...................21
NTo Lock The Doors.....................22
NUsing The Panic Alarm..................23
NGeneral Information....................23
NTransmitter Battery Service...............24
mRemote Starting System Ð If Equipped........25
NHow To Use Remote Start................26
mDoor Locks............................27
NManual Door Locks.....................27
NPower Door Locks Ð If Equipped..........28
NChild Protection Door Lock...............31mWindows.............................32
NPower WindowsÐIf Equipped.............32
NWind Buffeting........................34
mOccupant Restraints......................34
NLap/Shoulder Belts.....................35
NAdjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage....43
NAutomatic Locking Retractors (ALR) Mode ±
If Equipped..........................44
NCenter Lap Belts.......................45
NSeat Belt Pretensioners Ð If Equipped.......45
NEnhanced Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlertt) ..........................46
NSeat Belts And Pregnant Women............47
NSeat Belt Extender......................47
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 13 of 554

NDriver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)ÐAirbags...........48
NEvent Data Recorder (EDR)...............60
NChild Restraint........................62
mEngine Break-In Recommendations...........76
mSafety Tips............................77NTransporting Passengers.................77
NExhaust Gas..........................78
NSafety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle..........................79
NSafety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle..........................79
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2
Page 14 of 554

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The authorized dealer that sold you your vehicle has the
key code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers
can be used to order duplicate keys from your authorized
dealer. Ask your authorized dealer for these numbers
and keep them in a safe place.
Ignition Key Removal
Automatic Transmission
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the ignition switch to
the LOCK position, and remove the key.
Ignition Key
Ignition Switch Positions
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 15 of 554

NOTE:If you try to remove the key before you place the
lever in PARK, the key may become trapped temporarily
in the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the key to the
right slightly, then remove the key as described. 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.
NOTE:The power window switches, radio, power
sunroof (if equipped), and power outlets will remain
active for 10 minutes after the ignition switch is turned
OFF. Opening either front door will cancel this feature.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 key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2
Page 16 of 554

Manual TransmissionÐIf Equipped
When the steering wheel is in the LOCK position, the
steering and ignition systems are locked to provide
anti-theft protection for your vehicle. It may be difficult
to turn the key from the LOCK position when starting
your vehicle. Move the steering wheel left and right
while turning the key until it turns easily. To remove the
key, depress and hold the release button located between
the ignition switch and the instrument panel. Turn the
ignition key to LOCK and remove the key.
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. See Section 7 of this manual for door lock
lubrication.
Ignition Key Release Button
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 17 of 554

SENTRY KEYT
The Sentry KeytImmobilizer 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 threeseconds 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
seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electron-
ics. Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon
as possible.
NOTE:
²The Sentry KeytImmobilizer 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
2
Page 18 of 554

²Exxon/Mobil SpeedpassŸ, additional Sentry Keyst,
or any other transponder-equipped components on
the same key chain willnotcause a key-related
(transponder) fault unless the additional part isphysi-
cally held against the ignition keybeing used when
starting the vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other RF
electronics will not cause interference with this system.
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 Keytis programmed to a vehicle, it cannot
be programmed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove the Sentry Keystfrom the vehicle
and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle
unattended.
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 KeytImmobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to an
authorized dealer.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 19 of 554

Customer Key Programming
If you have two valid Sentry Keyst, you can program
new Sentry Keystto the system by performing the
following procedure:
1. Cut the additional Sentry KeytTransponder 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 addi-
tion, 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 Keytinto 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 Secu-
rity Light will turn on again for three seconds and then
turn off.
The new Sentry Keytis 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 Keyt, contact your
authorized dealer for details.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2
Page 20 of 554

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 repro-
grammed.
General Information
The Sentry Keytsystem complies with FCC rules Part 15
and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:
²This device may not cause harmful interference.
²This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.
STEERING WHEEL LOCK Ð 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 no
more than one-half turn in either direction and the key is
not in the ignition switch, the steering wheel will lock.
If You Wish 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
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE