Dodge Dakota (2011 year). Instruction

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

1. Place the shift lever in PARK.

2. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.

3. Remove the key from the ignition lock cylinder.

Ignition Key

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:

If you try to remove the key before you place the

shift lever in PARK, the key may become temporarily
trapped in the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the

key to the right slightly, then remove the key as de-
scribed. 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.

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
seriously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

• Do not leave children or animals inside parked

vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.

Ignition Switch Positions

1 — ACC

4 — ON/RUN

2 — LOCK

5 — START

3 — OFF

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!

An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove the key from the ignition and lock all the
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:

1. Press and hold the release button located between the
ignition switch and the instrument panel.

2. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.

3. Remove the key from the ignition lock cylinder.

Ignition Release Button

1 — ACC

4 — ON/RUN

2 — LOCK

5 — START

3 — OFF

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Locking Doors With A Key
You can insert the key into the door lock cylinder with
either side up. To lock the driver’s door, turn the key
rearward. To unlock the driver’s door, turn the key
forward. For external door lock lubrication, refer to
“Maintenance

Procedures”

“Maintaining

Your

Vehicle”.

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
approximately a half turn in either direction, and the key
is not in the ignition switch, the steering wheel will lock.

To Instructionly Lock The Steering Wheel
With the engine running, rotate the steering wheel one-
half revolution, 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.

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 ACC, or ON/RUN
position, and the brake pedal is pressed.

SENTRY KEY

姞 — IF EQUIPPED

The Sentry Key

威 prevents unauthorized vehicle opera-

tion 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 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 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 Key

威 Immobilizer 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

威 is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot

be programmed to any other vehicle.

CAUTION!

Always remove the Sentry Keys

威 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

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

威 Immobilizer

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

Customer Key Programming
If you have two valid Sentry Keys

威, you can program

new Sentry Keys

威 to the system by performing the

following steps:

1. Cut the additional Sentry Key

威 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

威 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

威 is 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 Key

威, 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.

VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM — IF EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security Alarm monitors the vehicle doors
and ignition for unauthorized operation. When the Ve-
hicle Security Alarm is activated it will provide both
audible and visible signals. The horn will sound repeat-
edly for the three minutes and the headlights, park lamps
and/or turn signals and Vehicle Security Light will flash
for an additional 15 minutes.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To Arm The System
The Vehicle Security 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 Vehicle Security Light in the
instrument cluster will flash rapidly for approximately
15 seconds to signal that the Vehicle Security Alarm is
arming. After the Vehicle Security Alarm is set, the
Vehicle Security Light will flash at a slower rate to
indicate that the Vehicle Security Alarm is armed.

NOTE:

If the Vehicle Security Light stays on continu-

ously during vehicle operation, have the Vehicle Security
Alarm checked by an authorized dealer.

To Disarm The System
Use the RKE transmitter to unlock the door. 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.

The Vehicle Security Alarm will also disarm if the vehicle
Sentry Key

威 in inserted into the ignition and turned to

ON/RUN. To exit alarming mode, press the RKE trans-
mitter UNLOCK button or start the vehicle with a
programmed Sentry Key

威.

The Vehicle Security Alarm is designed to protect your
vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the
Vehicle Security Alarm 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.

NOTE:

You may accidentally activate the Vehicle Secu-

rity Alarm (horn sounds and lights flash) by entering the
vehicle without using the RKE transmitter to unlock the
door(s). The Vehicle Security Alarm can be disarmed with
the RKE transmitter unlock button or by inserting a
programmed Sentry Key

威 into the ignition and turning

the key to the ON/RUN position.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

ILLUMINATED ENTRY

Vehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks
All interior lights will illuminate in the vehicle when the
doors are unlocked using the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter.

The interior lights will remain on for 30 seconds after the
last door is closed, or until all doors are closed and either
the ignition is turned to the ON/RUN position or a RKE
transmitter LOCK button is pressed.

There is also a battery saver feature that will turn the
interior lights off after eight minutes if the ignition is OFF
and a door is left open or the dimmer control is in the
interior lights ON position.

NOTE:

None of the courtesy lights will operate if the

dimmer control is in the “defeat” position (extreme
downward position), unless the overhead map/reading
lights are turned on instructionly.

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE)
This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors or
activate the Panic Alarm from distances up to approxi-
mately 66 ft (20 m) using a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter. The RKE transmitter does not need to be
pointed at the vehicle to activate the system.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:

The line of transmission must not be blocked

with metal objects.

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, and the
parking lights will flash twice.

The system can be programmed to unlock all the doors
upon the first unlock button press by using the following
procedure:

1. Press and hold the LOCK button on a programmed
RKE transmitter.

2. Continue to hold the LOCK button for at least 4 sec-
onds, but not longer than 10 seconds, then press and hold
the UNLOCK button. A single chime will sound to
indicate that this feature has changed.

3. Release both buttons at the same time.

4. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle by press-
ing the LOCK/UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter.

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 System activated will cause the alarm to
sound. Press the UNLOCK button to deactivate the
Vehicle Security Alarm System.

5. If the desired programming was not achieved, or 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Horn Chirp Programming
The horn chirp feature is shipped from the assembly
plant activated. If desired, this feature can be disabled by
using the following procedure:

1. Press and hold the LOCK button on the RKE trans-
mitter.

2. Continue to hold the LOCK button for at least 4 sec-
onds, but not longer than 10 seconds, then press and hold
the PANIC button. A single chime will sound to indicate
that this feature has changed.

3. Release both buttons at the same time.

4. To reactivate this feature, repeat the above steps.

5. Test the horn chirp feature while outside of the vehicle
by pressing the LOCK button on the RKE transmitter
with the ignition in the OFF position and the key
removed.

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 System.

6. If the desired programming was not achieved, or to
reactivate this feature, repeat the above steps.

Flash Lamps With Lock Programming

1. Press and hold the UNLOCK button on the RKE
transmitter.

2. Continue to hold the UNLOCK button for at least
4 seconds, but not longer than 10 seconds, then press and
hold the LOCK button. A single chime will sound to
indicate that this feature has changed.

3. Release both buttons at the same time.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

4. Test the Flash Lamps With Lock feature while outside
of the vehicle by pressing the LOCK button on the RKE
transmitter with the ignition in the OFF position and the
key removed.

NOTE:

Pressing the LOCK button on the RKE transmit-

ter while you are in 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 System.

5. If the desired programming was not achieved, or 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 headlights and parking
lights will flash, and the horn will sound.

To cancel the Panic mode, press and release the PANIC
button on the RKE transmitter a second time. Panic mode
will automatically cancel after three minutes, or if the
vehicle is started and or exceeds 15 mph (24 km/h).
During the Panic Mode, the door locks and RKE systems
will function normally. Panic mode will not disarm the
Vehicle 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If your RKE transmitter fails to operate from a normal
distance, check for these two conditions:

1. Weak battery in the RKE transmitter. The expected life
of a battery is five years.

2. Closeness to a radio transmitter such as a radio station
tower, airport transmitter, military base, and some mobile
or CB radios.

Programming Additional Transmitters
Refer to Sentry Key

威 “Customer Key Programming.”

If you do not have a programmed RKE transmitter,
contact your authorized dealer for details.

Battery Replacement
The recommended replacement battery is CR2032.

NOTE:

Perchlorate Material – special handling may

apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate

1. If the RKE transmitter is equipped with a screw,
remove the screw. With the RKE transmitter buttons
facing down, use a flat blade to pry the two halves of the
RKE transmitter apart. Make sure not to damage the
elastomer seal during removal.

Separating RKE Transmitter Halves

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 the 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 RKE transmitter case, snap the two
halves of the case together. Make sure there is an even
“gap” between the two halves. If equipped, install and
tighten the screw until snug. Test the RKE transmitter
operation.

REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED

This system uses the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter to start the engine conve-
niently from outside the vehicle while still
maintaining security. The system has a range of

approximately 300 ft (91 m).

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:

• Shift lever in PARK
• Doors closed
• Hood closed
• Hazard switch off
• Brake switch inactive (brake pedal not pressed)
• Ignition key removed from ignition switch
• Battery at an acceptable charge level
• RKE PANIC button not pressed

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

• Do not start or run an engine in a closed garage or

confined area. Exhaust gas contains Carbon Mon-
oxide (CO) which is odorless and colorless. Car-
bon Monoxide is poisonous and can cause serious
injury or death when inhaled.

• Keep Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitters

away from children. Operation of the Remote Start
System, windows, door locks or other controls
could cause serious injury or death.

To Enter Remote Start

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:

• The park lamps will turn on and remain on during

Remote Start mode.

• For security, power window and power sunroof op-

eration (if equipped) are disabled when the vehicle is
in the Remote Start mode.

• The 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/RUN
position before you can repeat the start sequence for a
third cycle.

Remote start will also cancel if any of the following occur:

• The engine stalls or RPM exceeds 2500
• Any engine warning lamps come on
• The hood is opened
• The hazard switch is pressed

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

• The transmission is moved out of PARK
• The brake pedal is pressed

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 unintentional 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 (if
equipped). 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:

The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN

position in order to drive the vehicle.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Dodge Dakota (2011 year). Instruction - part 1