Chrysler Aspen (2009 year). Manual — part 1

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
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the ignition switch to
the LOCK position and remove the key.

Ignition Key

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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 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 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.

Ignition Switch Positions

1 — ACC

4 — ON/RUN

2 — LOCK

5 — START

3 — OFF

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CAUTION!

An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.

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. For external door lock lubrication, refer to
“Body Lubrication” in Section 7.

IGNITION AND STEERING LOCK

In the LOCK position, the steering and ignition systems
are locked to provide antitheft protection for your ve-
hicle. If the steering wheel is locked, 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. The key can be

inserted or withdrawn only in the LOCK position. Push
in on the key in the ignition lock cylinder to rotate to the
LOCK position.

Ignition Switch Positions

1 — ACC

4 — ON/RUN

2 — LOCK

5 — START

3 — OFF

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

The key cannot be turned to LOCK until the shift
lever is in the PARK position. Do not attempt to pull
the shift lever out of PARK after the key is in the
LOCK position.

NOTE:

The steering wheel will lock when the key is

removed, and when the steering wheel is turned around
115 degrees clockwise or 65 degrees counterclockwise
from the center position.

Ignition Accessory Delay Feature

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 time for this feature is pro-
grammable. For details, refer to “Personal Settings
(Customer-Programmable

Features)”/“KEY

OFF

POWER DELAY > OFF” under “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)” in Section 3 of this manual.

SENTRY KEY

T

The Sentry Key

t 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 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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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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 Alarm Indicator 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 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 Keyt Immobilizer System is not compat-

ible with some aftermarket remote starting systems.
Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.

• Exxon/Mobil Speedpass™, additional Sentry Keyst,

or any other transponder-equipped components on
the same key chain will not cause a key-related
(transponder) fault unless the additional part is physi-
cally 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.

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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

t is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot

be programmed to any other vehicle.

CAUTION!

Always remove the Sentry Keys

t 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 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

t Immobilizer

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

Customer Key Programming

If you have two valid Sentry Keys

t, you can program

new Sentry Keys

t to the system by performing the

following procedure:

1. Cut the additional Sentry Key

t 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 three
seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds. Then, turn the
ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the first
key.

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3. Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within 15
seconds. After 10 seconds, a chime will sound. In addi-
tion, 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

t 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 Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will turn on
again for three seconds and then turn off.

The new Sentry Key

t 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

t, 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

t 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.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

• This device must accept any interference that may be

received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.

SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED

This system monitors the vehicle doors, liftgate, and
ignition for unauthorized operation. When the Security
Alarm System is activated, the system provides both
audible and visual signals. The horn will sound repeat-
edly for three minutes and the headlights and security
light in the instrument cluster will flash for an additional
15 minutes. The engine will not run until the system is
disarmed.

To Set the Alarm:

The Security Alarm System will set when you use the
power door locks or use the Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter to lock the doors. After all the doors are
closed and locked, 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 15 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.

NOTE:

If the security light stays on continuously during

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

To Disarm the System:

Use the Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter to unlock the
doors. If something has triggered the system in your
absence, the horn will sound three times when you
unlock the doors. Check the vehicle for tampering.

The Security Alarm System will also disarm if the vehicle
is started with a programmed Sentry Key

t. If an unpro-

grammed Sentry Key

t is used to start a vehicle, the

engine will start and run for two seconds and then shut
down. After six unsuccessul attempts at starting the

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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engine, the system will shut down until the correct key is
used. To exit alarming mode, press the RKE UNLOCK
button or start the vehicle with a programmed Sentry
Key

t.

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.

NOTE:

You may accidentally activate the Security

Alarm System (horn sounds and lights flash) by entering
the vehicle without using the key fob to unlock the
door(s). The Security Alarm System can be disarmed
with the key fob’s UNLOCK button or by inserting a
programmed Sentry Key

t into the ignition and turning

the key to the ON position.

ILLUMINATED ENTRY

Vehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks

All interior lights will illuminate in the vehicle when the
doors are unlocked using the 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 position or a RKE
transmitter LOCK button is pressed.

There is also a battery saver feature that will turn the
interior lights off after 8 minutes if the ignition is OFF
and a door is left open or the dimmer control is in the
interior lights ON position.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE)

NOTE:

• For the remote starting feature (if equipped), refer to

“Remote Starting System” in section 2.

• For the power liftgate feature (if equipped), refer to the

“Power Liftgate” in section 2.

• Your vehicle’s transmitter may have three, four, or five

buttons (shown), depending on the optional features
purchased with your vehicle.

This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors and
liftgate or activate the panic alarm from distances a
minimum of 66 ft (20 m) using a handheld radio Trans-
mitter. The transmitter need not be pointed at the vehicle
to activate the system.

NOTE:

The line of transmission must not be blocked

with metal objects.

To Unlock the Doors and Liftgate:

Press and release the UNLOCK button on the transmitter
once to unlock only the driver’s door or twice to unlock
all the doors and liftgate. When the UNLOCK button is
pressed, the illuminated entry will initiate, and the
parking lights will flash twice.

Transmitter with Integrated Key

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The system can be programmed to unlock all the doors
upon the first UNLOCK button press by following these
procedures:

• For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle

Information Center (EVIC), refer to “Personal Settings
(Customer Programmable Features)” under “Over-
head Console with Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) – If Equipped” in Section 3.

• For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC:

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

2. Continue to hold the LOCK button at least four
seconds, but not longer than 10 seconds, then press and
hold the UNLOCK button.

3. Release both buttons at the same time.

4. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle, by
pressing the LOCK/UNLOCK button on the transmitter.

NOTE:

Pressing the LOCK button on the transmitter

while you are inside the vehicle will activate the security
alarm. Opening a door with the security alarm activated
will cause the alarm to sound. Press the UNLOCK button
to deactivate the security alarm.

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

To Lock the Doors and Liftgate:

Press and release the LOCK button on the transmitter to
lock all doors and liftgate. If the ignition is OFF when the
doors are locked, the parking lights will flash once and
the horn will chirp once.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Horn Chirp Programming
The horn chirp feature will be activated when shipped
from the assembly plants. If desired, this feature can be
disabled by following these procedures:

• For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle

Information Center (EVIC), refer to “Personal Settings
(Customer Programmable Features)” under “Over-
head Console with Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) – If Equipped” in Section 3.

• For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC:

1. Press and hold the LOCK button on the transmitter.

2. After holding the LOCK button for four seconds, also
press the PANIC button within six seconds.

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 transmitter

while you are inside the vehicle will activate the security
alarm. Opening a door with the security alarm activated
will cause the alarm to sound. Press the UNLOCK button
to deactivate the security alarm.

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

Flash Lights with Lock Programming

• For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle

Information Center (EVIC), refer to “Personal Settings
(Customer Programmable Features)” under “Over-
head Console with Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) – If Equipped” in Section 3.

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• For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the

following procedure:

1. Press and hold the UNLOCK button on the transmit-
ter.

2. After holding the UNLOCK button for four seconds,
also press the LOCK button within six seconds.

3. Release both buttons at the same time.

4. Test the flash lights with LOCK feature while outside
of the vehicle, by pressing the LOCK button on the
transmitter with the ignition in the OFF position and the
key removed.

NOTE:

Pressing the LOCK button on the key fob while

you are inside the vehicle will activate the security alarm.
Opening a door with the security alarm activated will
cause the alarm to sound. Press the UNLOCK button to
deactivate the security alarm.

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 transmitter
once. When the PANIC mode is activated, the interior
lights will illuminate, the head lights 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. PANIC mode
will automatically cancel after three minutes or if the
vehicle is started or exceeds 15 mph (24 km/h). During
the PANIC mode, the door locks and Remote Keyless
Entry system will function normally. PANIC mode will
not disarm the security alarm system on vehicles so
equipped.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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.

If your transmitter fails to operate from a normal dis-
tance, check for these two conditions.

1. Weak batteries in transmitter. The expected life of the
batteries 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

Vehicles will be shipped from the assembly plant with
two transmitters programmed only for that vehicle. A
total of eight transmitters can be programmed for a
vehicle. Additional transmitters can be programmed to
the vehicle by using a transmitter currently programmed
to the vehicle.

NOTE:

When entering program mode using that trans-

mitter, all other programmed transmitters will be erased
and you will have to reprogram them for your vehicle.

Use the following procedure to program additional trans-
mitters:

1. Enter your vehicle and close all doors.

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2. Fasten your seat belt. Fastening the seat belt will
cancel any chiming that may confuse you during this
programming procedure.

3. Place the key into the ignition.

4. Turn the ignition to the ON position. Do not start the
engine.

5. Press and hold the UNLOCK button on the transmit-
ter.

6. After holding the UNLOCK button for four seconds,
also press the PANIC button within six seconds.

7. When a single chime is heard, release both buttons.
The chime is an indication that you have successfully
entered program mode. All transmitters that are to be
programmed must be done so within 60 seconds of when
the chime was heard.

8. Using the transmitter to be programmed, press and
release both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons simulta-
neously.

9. A single chime will be heard.

10. Within four seconds of hearing the chime, press and
release the UNLOCK button on the transmitter.

11. A single chime will be heard.

12. Repeat steps 8 through 10 to program up to six
additional transmitters.

13. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.

14. Your vehicle will remain in program mode up to 60
seconds from when the original chime was heard. After
60 seconds, all programmed transmitters should function
normally.

NOTE:

If you do not have a programmed transmitter,

contact your authorized dealer for details.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Battery Replacement

The recommended replacement battery is CR2032.

NOTE:

Perchlorate Material – special handling may ap-

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

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

2. Remove and replace the battery. When replacing the
battery, match the + sign on the 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.

Separating Transmitter Halves

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