Dodge 5500 Chassis Cab (2008 year). Instruction

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is found on the
left front corner of the instrument panel, visible through
the windshield. This number also appears on the Auto-
mobile Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window
on your vehicle, the vehicle registration and title.

NOTE:

It is illegal to remove the VIN.

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS

WARNING!

Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or
death.

Vehicle Identification Number

INTRODUCTION

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

m A Word About Your Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

▫ Ignition Key Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
▫ Locking Doors With The Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

m Sentry Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

▫ Replacement Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
▫ Customer Key Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

m Steering Wheel Lock — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . .18

▫ If You Wish To Instructionly Lock The Steering

Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

▫ To Release The Steering Wheel Lock . . . . . . . . .18
▫ Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock

System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

m Security Alarm System — If Equipped . . . . . . . . .19

▫ Rearming Of The System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
▫ To Set The Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
▫ To Disarm The System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

m Illuminated Entry System — If Equipped . . . . . . .20

m Remote Keyless Entry — If Equipped . . . . . . . . .21

▫ To Unlock The Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
▫ To Lock The Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
▫ Using The Panic Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
▫ Transmitter Battery Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

m Remote Starting System — If Equipped . . . . . . . .26
m Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

▫ Instruction Door Locks — If Equipped . . . . . . . . .27
▫ Power Door Locks — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . .28
▫ Child Protection Door Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

m Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

▫ Power Windows – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

▫ Power Sliding Rear Window – If Equipped . . . .34
▫ Sliding Rear Window – If Equipped . . . . . . . . .34
▫ Wind Buffeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

m Occupant Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
▫ Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage . . . .43
▫ Automatic Locking Restraint (ALR) Mode –

If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

▫ Center Lap Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
▫ Seat Belt Pretensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
▫ Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System

(BeltAlert) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women . . . . . . . . . . . .47
▫ Seat Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Driver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental

Restraint System (SRS)—Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . .47

▫ Event Data Recorder (EDR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
▫ Child Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

m New Engine Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

▫ 5.7L Gas Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
▫ 6.7L Diesel Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

m Safety Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

▫ Transporting Passengers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
▫ Lock Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
▫ Exhaust Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The

Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Outside

The Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS

The dealer that sold you your new vehicle has the key
code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers can
be used to order duplicate keys from your dealer. Ask
your dealer for these numbers and keep them in a safe
place.

Ignition Key Removal

Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the ignition switch to
the LOCK position, and remove the key.

Ignition Key

Ignition Switch Positions

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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:

For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic

Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), the power window
switches, radio, hands–free system (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.

For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC), the power window switches,
radio, hands–free system (if equipped), and power out-
lets will remain active for up to 10 minutes after the

ignition switch is turned off. Opening either front door
will cancel this feature. The time for this feature is
programmable. For details, refer to “KEY OFF POWER
DELAY > OFF” under “Personal Settings (Customer
Programmable Features),” under “Electronic Vehicle In-
formation Center (EVIC)” in Section 3 of this instruction.

WARNING!

Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR 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.

Instruction Transmission — If Equipped
When the steering wheel is in the LOCK position, the
steering and ignition systems are locked to provide
antitheft 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 igni-
tion 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 instruction for door lock
lubrication.

Ignition Key Release Button

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

SENTRY KEY

The Sentry Key Immobilizer 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, which 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 (2)
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to start the
engine.

NOTE:

A key, which 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 Alarm Indicator Light will

turn on for three (3) 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 start the engine. Either of
these conditions will result in the engine being shut off
after two (2) seconds.

If the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator 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 ser-
viced as soon as possible.

NOTE:

• The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not compatible

with some after-market remote starting systems. Use
of these systems may result in vehicle starting prob-
lems and loss of security protection.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

• Exxon/Mobil Speed Pass,™ additional Sentry Keys, or

any other transponder-equipped components on the
same key chain will not cause a key-related (transpon-
der) fault unless the additional part is physically held
against the ignition key

being 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 Key is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot
be programmed to any other vehicle.

CAUTION!

Always remove Sentry Keys from 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 PIN number. Keep the PIN in a secure
location. This number is required for dealer replacement
of keys. Duplication of keys may be performed at an
authorized dealer or by using the Customer Key Pro-
gramming procedure. This procedure consists of pro-
gramming a blank key to the vehicle electronics. A blank
key is one, which has never been programmed.

NOTE:

When having the Sentry Key Immobilizer

System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to the
dealer.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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” position for at least 3
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 ten seconds, a chime will sound. In
addition, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator 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” position within 60
seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound. In
addition, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will
stop flashing. To indicate that programming is complete,
the indicator light will turn on again for 3 seconds and
then turn off.
The new Sentry Key is programmed. The Keyless Entry
Transmitter will also be programmed during this pro-
cedure.
Repeat this procedure to program up to 8 keys. If you do
not have a programmed sentry key, contact your dealer
for details.

NOTE:

If a programmed key is lost, see your dealer to

have all remaining keys erased from the systems
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 the dealer at
the time of service to be reprogrammed.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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.

STEERING WHEEL LOCK — 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 1/2 turn in either direction and the key is not
in the ignition switch, the steering wheel will lock.

If You Wish To Instructionly 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
disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage
the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 — IF EQUIPPED

This system monitors the vehicle doors and ignition for
unauthorized operation. When the alarm is activated, the
system provides both audible and visual signals. For the
first 3 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 Key
is used to start the vehicle. Use of the Sentry Key will
disable the alarm.

Rearming of the System:

The security system will rearm itself after the 15 addi-
tional 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 remaining doors
and ignition.

To Set the Alarm:

The alarm will set when you use the power door locks, or
use the Keyless Entry 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:

If the SECURITY light stays on continuously

during vehicle operation, have the system checked by
your dealer.

To Disarm the System:

Use the Keyless Entry transmitter to unlock the door. If
something has triggered the system in your absence, the
horn will sound three times when you unlock the doors
and the security lamp will flash for 30 seconds. Check the
vehicle for tampering.
The Security system will also disarm, if the vehicle is
started with a programmed Sentry Key. If an unpro-
grammed Sentry Key is used to start a vehicle, the engine
will run for 2 seconds and then the security alarm will be
initiated. To exit alarming mode, press the transmitter
Unlock button, or start the vehicle with a programmed
Sentry Key.
The Security Alarm System 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 transmitter, the alarm
will sound when you pull the door handle to exit. The
door will be locked but the Security Alarm will not arm.

ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED

The courtesy lights will turn on when you use the keyless
entry 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:

• The front courtesy overhead console, door courtesy

lights do not turn off if the dimmer control is in the
interior lights ON position (extreme top position).

• The illuminated entry system will not operate if the

dimmer control is in the “defeat” position (extreme
downward position).

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY — IF EQUIPPED

This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors from
distances up to about 23 feet (7 meters) using a hand held
radio transmitter. The transmitter need not be pointed at
the vehicle to activate the system.

To unlock the doors:

Press and release the UNLOCK button on the key fob
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
drivers door only upon the first UNLOCK button press
by using the following procedure:

• For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle

Information Center (EVIC), refer to “Remote Key
Unlock,” under “Personal Settings (Customer Pro-
grammable Features),” under “Electronic Vehicle In-
formation Center (EVIC)” in Section 3 of this instruction
for details.

• For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the

following procedure:

Three Button Transmitter

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

1. Perform this operation while standing outside the
vehicle.

2. Press and hold the LOCK button on your key.

3. Continue to hold the LOCK button at least 4 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 enable 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 transmitter 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.

• For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle

• For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the

following procedure:

The horn chirp feature will be shipped from the assembly
plants 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 LOCK button on a programmed
(i.e. functional) key fob.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

3. Continue to hold the LOCK button, wait at least 4
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.

Vehicles will be shipped from the assembly plants with
the park lamp flash feature activated. If desired, this
feature can be disabled by using the following procedure:

• For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle

• For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform 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) key fob.

3. Continue to hold the UNLOCK button, wait at least 4
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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Dodge 5500 Chassis Cab (2008 year). Instruction - part 1