Hey all,

Since I've owned this truck I've had the little red dot light come on maybe three times. It didn't do anything I just noticed that it was on. i turned the truck off and restarted and the light went off and stayed off.

Today I got in, fired it up, and in the time it took for me to reach for the seatbealt and buckle it, the engine shut down. I noticed the red dot light was on. Not sure if they are related yet.

If I remember right, this red dot light has something to do with security? I don't know that this truck has any particular security options. I have the option list somewhere and will check but I don't remember any particular mention of any security options installed when I got it printed. What triggers this red dot light?

I should also mention, I tried to restart imediately without turning the key to the off position. The engine just cranked and wouldn't fire. The red dot light stayed on. I then turned the key to the off position and tried restarting again. The truck fired up no problem and has been fine since.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

Right, the red dot tells you when the optional "integrated vehicle alarm system with sentry key" is armed. It's not supposed to be lit when the engine is running.

 

Sounds like there is either a problem with the transponder in your key, or the reciever in the dash. That red light is indicating that the truck was started with a key without the proper/no transponder, and thats why it is killing the engine. Its a security feature to prevent someone from picking the cylinder or hot wiring to turn over the engine.

 

When my battery went bad that red dot was flashing, when I tried to turn it over. I know this is not related, but you never know.

 

My key fob sucks, if I open my door with the key the alarm goes off. Can I turn this off?

 

Interesting. So does every key have this "transponder" in it? I thought that was some sort of option. Strange that I've had the red dot on before but it didn't affect the engine operation.

 

Well this may be a retarded question, but how can i tell if the truck has this alarm? As far as I know it doesn't; or thought it didn't. Wouldn't I have some little remote key chain thing to arm and disarm? I did buy this thing used after all....Hmmm. I really have to find where i put that option list.

 

first, go here and get your trucks build sheet:

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...ild-sheet.html

Second, do you have a key fob? I.e., a key with a remote on the end that you can lock, unlock the doors with, or start the panic alarm??

 

I'll have to stop at the dealer tomorrow on my way to work and get the parts guy to print me another sheet since I can't seem to find where I put it. All I have is the grey key. No buttons and no key FOB. Since I bought the truck used I wonder if maybe I just wasn't given it? I'll find out more when I get another build sheet I guess.

 

Well, got another option list printed and the only related item is the Sentry Key Theft Deterrent System which I assume is the typical grey key. I think something is getting ready to take a s**t on this truck because when I was backing into a parking spot getting to work today the RPM's started hunting for idle and felt like the engine was going to die. I hate issues like this because you lose trust in your vehicle wondering when it's going to let you down. I'll see how it goes I guess. Thanks for all the replies.