DODGE RAM 2500 GAS 2008 3.G Owner's Manual

disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage
the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.
Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock System
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK. It also prevents shifting out of
PARK unless the key is in the ON positions, and the
brake pedal is depressed.
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM Ð IF EQUIPPED
This system monitors the vehicle doors and ignition for
unauthorized operation. When the alarm is activated, the
system provides both audible and visible signals. For the
first three minutes the horn will sound and the headlights
and security telltale will flash repeatedly. For an addi-
tional 15 minutes only, the headlights and security telltale
will flash. The engine will run only if a valid Sentry Keyt
is used to start the vehicle. Use of the Sentry Keytwill
disable the alarm.
Rearming of the System:
The Security Alarm System will rearm itself after the 15
additional minutes of headlights and security telltale
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 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 SECURITY light in the instrument cluster will
flash rapidly to signal that the system is arming. The
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 SECURITY light will
flash at a slower rate to indicate that the system is armed.
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NOTE:If the SECURITY light stays on continuously
during vehicle operation, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
To Disarm the System:
Use the RKE transmitter to UNLOCK the door. If some-
thing has triggered the system in your absence, the horn
will sound three times when you unlock the doors and
the SECURITY light will flash for 30 seconds. Check the
vehicle for tampering.
The Security Alarm System will also disarm if the vehicle
is started with a programmed Sentry Keyt. If an unpro-
grammed Sentry Keytis 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 UNLOCK button, or start the vehicle with a
programmed Sentry Keyt.
The Security Alarm System is designed to protect your
vehicle; however, you can create conditions where thesystem 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 Security Alarm System will not arm.
ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM Ð 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 about 30 seconds, or they
will immediately fade to off once the ignition switch is
turned ON.
NOTE:
²The 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).
²The illuminated entry system will not operate if the
dimmer control is in the extreme downward position.
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) Ð IF
EQUIPPED
The RKE system allows you to LOCK or UNLOCK the
doors from distances up to about 23ft (7m) using a
hand-held RKE radio transmitter. The RKE transmitter
need not be pointed at the vehicle to activate the system.
To Unlock The Doors
Press 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.
Three-Button Transmitter
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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 Doors
Press 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.
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.
22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 Alarm
To 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 headlamps 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 andremote keyless entry systems will function normally.
PANIC mode will not disarm the Security Alarm System
on vehicles so equipped.
General Information
This device complies with part 15 of FCC rules and with
RS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference that may be
received including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
NOTE:Changes or modifications not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
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If your Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter (RKE) fails to
operate from a normal distance, check for these two
conditions:
1. Weak batteries in transmitter. The expected life of the
batteries is from one to two years.
2. Closeness to a radio transmitter such as a radio station
tower, airport transmitter, and some mobile or CB radios.Transmitter Battery Service
NOTE:Perchlorate Material ± special handling may apply,
see www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate
The recommended replacement battery is CR2032.
RKE Transmitter Battery Replacement
24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:Do not touch the battery terminals that are on
the back housing or the printed circuit board.
1. With RKE transmitter buttons facing down, use a flat
blade or dime to pry the two halves of the transmitter
apart. Make sure not to damage the rubber gasket during
removal.
2. Remove and replace the battery. When replacing the
battery, match the + sign on battery to the + sign on the
inside of the battery clip, located on back cover. Avoid
touching the new battery with your fingers. Skin oils may
cause battery deterioration. If you touch a battery, clean it
with rubbing alcohol.
3. To reassemble the transmitter case, snap the two
halves of the case together. Make sure there is an even
ªgapº between the two halves. If equipped, install and
tighten the screw until snug. Test RKE transmitter opera-
tion.REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM Ð IF EQUIPPED
This system uses the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) trans-
mitter to start the engine conveniently from outside the
vehicle while still maintaining security. The system has a
targeted range of 328 ft (100 m).
Remote Start Button
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NOTE:The vehicle must be equipped with an auto-
matic transmission to be equipped with Remote Start.
How To Use Remote Start
All of the following conditions must be met before the
engine will remote start:
²Shift lever in PARK
²Doors closed
²Hood closed
²HAZARD switch off
²BRAKE switch inactive (brake pedal not pressed)
²Ignition key removed from ignition switch
²Battery at an acceptable charge level, and
²RKE PANIC button not pressed.
To Enter Remote Start Mode
Press and release the REMOTE START button
on the RKE transmitter twice, within five sec-
onds. 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.
NOTE:
²The park lamps will turn on and remain on during
Remote Start mode.
²For security, power window and power sunroof op-
eration (if equipped) are disabled when the vehicle is
in the Remote Start mode.
²The engine can be started two consecutive times (two
15-minute cycles) with the RKE transmitter. However,
the ignition switch must be cycled to the ON position
before you can repeat the start sequence for a third
cycle.
26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Remote start will also cancel if any of the following occur:
²If the engine stalls or RPM exceeds 2500.
²Any engine warning lamp turns on.
To Exit Remote Start Mode without Driving the
Vehicle
Press and release the REMOTE START button one time,
or allow the engine to run for the entire 15-minute cycle.
NOTE:To avoid inadvertent shut downs, the system
will disable the one time press of the REMOTE START
button for two seconds after receiving a valid Remote
Start request.
To Exit Remote Start Mode and Drive the Vehicle
Before the end of the 15-minute cycle, press and release
the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter to unlock
the doors and disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm (ifequipped). Then, prior to the end of the 15-minute cycle,
insert the key into the ignition switch and turn the switch
to the ON/RUN position.
NOTE:
²The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position
in order to drive the vehicle.
DOOR LOCKS
Manual Door Locks
Front and rear doors may be locked by moving the lock
plunger up or down.
All doors may be opened with the inside door handle
without lifting the lock plunger. Doors locked before
closing will remain locked when closed.
The ignition key will unlock all the locks on your vehicle.
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WARNING!
²For personal security and safety in the event of an
accident, lock the vehicle doors when you drive as
well as when you park and leave the vehicle.
²Never 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
seriously or fatally injured. Don't leave the key in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
Power Door Locks Ð If Equipped
A power door LOCK switch is on each front door trim
panel. Use this switch to lock or unlock the doors.If you press the power door LOCK switch while the key
is in the ignition, and any front door is open, the power
locks will not operate. This prevents you from acciden-
tally locking your keys in the vehicle. Removing the key
or closing the door will allow the locks to operate. A
Power Door Lock Switch Location
28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE