Dodge Avenger: Sentry key - Things to know before starting your vehicle - Dodge Avenger Owners ManualDodge Avenger: Sentry key

The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unauthorizedvehicle operation by disabling the engine. Thesystem does not need to be armed or activated. Operationis automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is lockedor unlocked.

The system uses ignition keys, which have an embeddedelectronic chip (transponder), to prevent unauthorizedvehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are programmedto the vehicle can be used to start and operatethe vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in twoseconds if someone uses an invalid key to start theengine.

NOTE: A key, which has not been programmed, is alsoconsidered an invalid key even if it is cut to fit theignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.

During normal operation, after turning the ignitionswitch, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on for threeseconds for a bulb check. If the Vehicle Security Lightremains on after the bulb check, it indicates that there isa problem with the electronics. In addition, if the VehicleSecurity Light begins to flash after the bulb check, itindicates that someone used an invalid key to start theengine. Either of these conditions will result in the enginebeing shut off after two seconds.

If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during normalvehicle 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 aspossible by an authorized dealer.

CAUTION:

• Always remove the Sentry Key from the vehicleand lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.

• The Sentry Key Immobilizer system is not compatiblewith some after-market remote startingsystems. Use of these systems may result in vehiclestarting problems and loss of securityprotection.

All of the keys provided with your new vehicle havebeen programmed to the vehicle electronics.

Replacement Keys

NOTE: Only keys that have been programmed to thevehicle electronics can be used to start the vehicle. Oncea Sentry Key has been programmed to a vehicle, itcannot be programmed to any other vehicle.

At the time of purchase, the original owner is providedwith a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).

This PIN is required for authorized dealer replacement ofkeys. Duplication of keys may be performed at anauthorized dealer or by using the Customer Key Programmingprocedure. This procedure consists of programminga blank key to the vehicle electronics. A blankkey is one which has never been programmed.

NOTE: When having the Sentry Key ImmobilizerSystem serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to anauthorized dealer.

Customer Key Programming

You can program new keys to the system if you have twovalid Sentry Keys 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. Turnthe ignition switch to the ON position for at least threeseconds, but no longer than 15 seconds. Then, turn theignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the firstkey.

3. Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch.

Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within15 seconds. After 10 seconds, a chime will sound. Inaddition, the Vehicle Security Light will begin to flash.

Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position andremove the second key.

4. Insert a blank Sentry Key into the ignition switch.

Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within60 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 VehicleSecurity Light will turn on again for three seconds andthen turn off.

The new Sentry Key is programmed. The RemoteKeyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be programmedduring this procedure.

Repeat this procedure to program up to eight keys. If youdo not have a programmed Sentry Key , contact yourauthorized dealer for details.

NOTE: If a programmed key is lost, see your authorizeddealer to have all remaining keys erased from the systemsmemory. This will prevent the lost key from startingyour vehicle. The remaining keys must then be reprogrammed.

All vehicle keys must be taken to an authorizeddealer at the time of service to be reprogrammed.

General Information

The Sentry Key system complies with FCC rules part 15and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation issubject to the following conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference.

• This device must accept any interference that may bereceived, including interference that may cause undesiredoperation.

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