Dodge Caliber (2012 year). Manual

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS

The authorized 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. Ask your
authorized dealer for these numbers and keep them in a
safe place.

Ignition Key Removal

1. Place the shift lever in PARK (if equipped with an
automatic transmission).

2. Turn the ignition switch to the ACC (Accessory)
position.

3. Push the key and cylinder inward and rotate the key to
the LOCK position.

4. Remove the key from the ignition switch lock cylinder.

Vehicle 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 trapped tem-
porarily in the ignition switch cylinder. If this occurs,
place the shift lever in PARK, rotate the key to the right

slightly, then remove the key as described. If a malfunc-
tion 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!

• Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking

brake, shift the transmission into PARK, and re-
move the key fob from the ignition. When leaving
the vehicle, always lock your vehicle.

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

access to an unlocked vehicle.

(Continued)

Ignition Switch Positions

1 — LOCK

3 — ON/RUN

2 — ACC (ACCESSORY)

4 — START

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)

• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is

dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, and

do not leave the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN
position. A child could operate power windows,
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.

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.

Locking Doors With A Key

You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key to the right. To unlock the door, turn
the key to the left. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.

Key-In-Ignition Reminder

Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition
and the ignition position is LOCK or ACC, sounds a
signal to remind you to remove the key.

NOTE:

With the driver’s door open and the key in the

ignition, the power door locks will not lock and Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will not function.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

SENTRY KEY

姞

The Sentry Key

威 Immobilizer System prevents unauthor-

ized 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 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 Vehicle Security 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

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 procedure:

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

General Information

The Sentry Key

威 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 unde-
sired operation.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM — IF EQUIPPED

This Vehicle Security Alarm monitors the doors, liftgate,
and ignition switch for unauthorized operation.

When the alarm is activated, the interior switches for
door locks are disabled. The Vehicle Security Alarm
provides both audio and visual signals, the horn will
sound, the headlights, park lamps and/or turn signals
will flash repeatedly for three minutes. If the disturbance
is still present (driver’s door, passenger door, other doors,
ignition) after three minutes, the parking lights and tail
lights will flash for an additional 15 minutes.

To Arm The System

1. Remove the key from the ignition switch and get out
of the vehicle.

2. Lock the door using either the power door LOCK
switch or the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
and close all doors.

3. The Vehicle Security Light in the instrument cluster
will flash rapidly for approximately 16 seconds. This
shows that the Vehicle Security Alarm is arming. During
this period, if a door is opened, the ignition switch is
turned to ON/RUN, or the power door locks are un-
locked in any manner, the Vehicle Security Alarm will
automatically disarm. After approximately 16 seconds,
the Vehicle Security Light will flash slowly. This shows
that the Vehicle Security Alarm is fully armed.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Rearming The System

If something triggers the alarm, and no action is taken to
disarm it, the Vehicle Security Alarm will turn off the
horn after three minutes, turn off all of the visual signals
after 15 minutes, and then the Vehicle Security Alarm will
rearm itself.

To Disarm The System

Press UNLOCK on the RKE transmitter, or insert the key
into the ignition switch and turn the ignition switch to
the ON/RUN position.

If something has triggered the Vehicle Security Alarm in
your absence, the horn will sound three times and
exterior lights blink three times when you unlock the

doors. Check the vehicle for tampering. 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,
once the Vehicle Security Alarm is armed (after 16 sec-
onds), when you pull the door handle to exit, the alarm
will sound. If this occurs, press the UNLOCK button on
the RKE transmitter to disarm the Vehicle Security
Alarm.

Vehicle Security Alarm Manual Override

The Vehicle Security Alarm will not arm if you lock the
doors using the manual door lock plunger.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) — IF
EQUIPPED

This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors and
liftgate or activate the Panic Alarm from distances up to
approximately 66 ft (20 m) using a hand-held Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. The RKE transmitter
does not need to be pointed at the vehicle to activate the
system.

NOTE:

The line of transmission must not be blocked

with metal objects.

Three Button RKE Transmitter

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate

Press and release the UNLOCK button on the RKE
transmitter once to unlock the driver’s door, or twice
within five seconds to unlock all doors and liftgate. The
turn signal lights will flash to acknowledge the unlock
signal. The illuminated entry system will also turn on.

Remote Key Unlock, Driver Door/All First Press

This feature lets you program the system to unlock either
the driver’s door or all doors on the first press of the
UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter. To change the
current setting, proceed as follows:

• For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle

Information Center (EVIC), refer to “Electronic Vehicle
Information

Center

(EVIC)/Personal

Settings

(Customer-Programmable Features)” in “Understand-
ing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.

• For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the

following steps:

1. Press and hold the LOCK button on a programmed
RKE transmitter for at least 4 seconds, but no longer than
10 seconds. Then, press and hold the UNLOCK button
while still holding the LOCK button.

2. Release both buttons at the same time.

3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle by press-
ing the LOCK/UNLOCK buttons on the RKE transmitter
with the ignition switch in the LOCK position and the
key removed.

4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Illuminated Approach — If Equipped

This feature activates the headlights for up to 90 seconds
when the doors are unlocked with the RKE transmitter.
The time for this feature is programmable on vehicles
equipped with the EVIC. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Personal Settings (Customer-
Programmable Features)” in “Understanding Your In-
strument Panel” for further information.

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 manually.

To Lock The Doors And Liftgate

Press and release the LOCK button on the RKE transmit-
ter to lock all doors and liftgate. The turn signal lights
will flash and the horn will chirp to acknowledge the
signal.

Sound Horn With Remote Key Lock

This feature will cause the horn to chirp when the doors
are locked with the RKE transmitter. This feature can be
turned on or turned off. To change the current setting,
proceed as follows:

• For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, refer to “Elec-

tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Personal
Settings (Customer-Programmable Features)” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further infor-
mation.

• For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the

following steps:

1. Press the LOCK button on a programmed RKE trans-
mitter for at least 4 seconds, but no longer than 10 sec-
onds. Then, press the PANIC button while still holding
the LOCK button.

2. Release both buttons at the same time.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle by press-
ing the LOCK button on the RKE transmitter with the
ignition switch in the LOCK position and the key re-
moved.

4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.

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.

Flash Lights With Remote Key Lock/Unlock

This feature will cause the turn signal lights to flash when
the doors are locked or unlocked with the RKE transmit-
ter. This feature can be turned on or turned off. To change
the current setting, proceed as follows:

• For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, refer to “Elec-

tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Personal
Settings (Customer-Programmable Features)” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further infor-
mation.

• For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the

following steps:

1. Press and hold the UNLOCK button on a programmed
RKE transmitter for at least 4 seconds, but no longer than
10 seconds. Then, press and hold the LOCK button while
still holding the UNLOCK button.

2. Release both buttons at the same time.

3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle by press-
ing the LOCK/UNLOCK buttons on the RKE transmitter
with the ignition switch in the LOCK position and the
key removed.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.

NOTE:

Pressing the LOCK button on the RKE transmit-

Using The Panic Alarm

To turn the Panic Alarm feature ON or OFF, press and
hold the PANIC button on the RKE transmitter for at
least one second and release. When the Panic Alarm is on,
the headlights and park lights will flash, the horn will
pulse on and off and the interior lights will turn on.

The Panic Alarm will stay on for three minutes unless
you turn it off by pressing the PANIC button a second
time or if the vehicle speed is 5 mph (8 km/h) or greater.

NOTE:

When you turn off the Panic Alarm by pressing

the PANIC button a second time, you may have to move
closer to the vehicle due to the radio frequency noises of
the system.

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.

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:

Changes or modifications not expressly ap-

proved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

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.

Transmitter Battery Replacement

NOTE:

Perchlorate Material – special handling may

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

The recommended replacement battery is CR2032.

1. If the RKE transmitter is equipped with a screw,
remove the screw. With the RKE transmitter buttons

facing down, use a flat blade screwdriver to pry the two
halves of the RKE transmitter apart. Make sure not to
damage the elastomer seal during removal.

Separating Case Halves

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

2. Remove and replace the battery. 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 together.

NOTE:

If the RKE transmitter is equipped with a screw,

reinstall and tighten the screw until snug.

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). Obstructions between the
vehicle and RKE transmitter may reduce this range.

NOTE:

• The vehicle must be equipped with an automatic

transmission to be equipped with Remote Start.

• Obstructions between the vehicle and the Key Fob

may reduce this range.

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

• RKE PANIC button not pressed
• System not disabled from previous remote start event
• Vehicle theft alarm not active

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.

Remote Start Abort Message On Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC) — If Equipped
The following messages will display in the EVIC if the
vehicle fails to remote start or exits remote start prema-
turely:

• Remote Start Aborted — Door Ajar
• Remote Start Aborted — Hood Ajar
• Remote Start Aborted — L/Gate Ajar
• Remote Start Aborted — Fuel Low
• Remote Start Aborted — System Fault

The EVIC message stays active until the ignition is turned
to the ON/RUN position.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Dodge Caliber (2012 year). Manual - part 1