To reset your Dodge Ram truck’s anti-theft system, get into the driver’s seat, close and lock all doors, then unlock just the driver’s side door. Place the key into the ignition and turn it to the ON position before turning it back OFF. Repeat this procedure three times, and the immobilizer light on your dashboard should stop blinking.

Riding around with an anti-theft system in your Dodge Ram truck is a good thing. After all, pickup trucks and SUVs are some of the most targeted vehicles for car theft. But you might be cursing the heavens if the anti-theft system on your Ram truck goes off and you can’t figure out how to reset it.

That’s why

Jerry

the

car insurance

expert has put together this handy guide to walk you through the steps of resetting your Dodge Ram’s anti-theft system. We’ll also give you some tips to save on

Dodge Ram car insurance costs

Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Get ahead of my car maintenance

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

How to reset the Dodge Ram anti-theft system

Resetting the anti-theft system on your truck is relatively straightforward. It just involves turning your truck on and off a few times. Here’s what you need to do:

Get into the front driver’s seat of your Ram and close and lock the doors.

Unlock only the driver’s side front door.

Place the key into the ignition and turn the truck to the ON position.

Turn the truck back to the OFF position.

Repeat this ON-OFF cycle three times.

Once that is done, the immobilizer light on your dashboard should stop flashing and your Dodge Ram anti-theft system will be reset.

MORE:

The best car anti-theft devices to keep your vehicle safe

What does the anti-theft system on a Dodge Ram do?

The Dodge Ram’s anti-theft system, or Sentry Key Immobilizer System, monitors your truck’s doors for unauthorized entry, and your truck’s ignition switch for unauthorized attempts at operation.

As a passive anti-theft system, the Sentry system is automatically armed on your truck—you don’t have to turn it on. If the system detects unauthorized entry or unauthorized operation, it will disable the engine.

When you turn your truck’s ignition to the ON position, the vehicle security light will turn on for a three-second bulb check. If the light remains on after those three seconds, it indicates a problem with the truck’s electronics. If the light begins to flash after the three-second bulb check, then there has been an unauthorized attempt to start the engine.

The Sentry system will disable the engine after two seconds if an unauthorized attempt to start the vehicle has been made. This includes attempts to use a key beside the one that is uniquely programmed to your Ram.

How to program a new transponder key

You’ll need to go to an authorized dealership to program a new or duplicate key fob for your Dodge Ram truck. Your dealer will use a blank key fob to program to your truck. Once a key fob has been programmed, it cannot be paired or reprogrammed to any other vehicle. You won't be able to use a used key fob and program it to your truck—you’ll need a blank key fob to do so.

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to program a blank key fob yourself—you’ll need an authorized dealer to do this for you.

MORE:

Does renters insurance cover car theft?

What can trigger the Dodge Ram anti-theft system?

Aside from legitimate theft attempts, there are a few ways your Dodge Ram’s anti-theft system can be activated in error. Here are a few common instances where your Dodge Ram’s anti-theft system can be activated by mistake:

Low battery: If the alarm is activated immediately after turning your truck on, this could indicate a low battery.

Poor latch-hood connection: Your truck’s hood won’t properly close if the

hood latch is faulty

, which can cause the alarm to go off.

Corroded/rusty battery terminals: Your truck’s battery won’t work properly if its terminals are corroded or rusted, which can set the anti-theft system off.

Faulty control module: A problem with your truck’s electrical control unit can send all sorts of mixed signals, including activating your anti-theft system.

Non-functioning key fob: A malfunctioning key fob can set your anti-theft system off.

MORE:

Cars most targeted by catalytic converter thieves

Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds

No spam · No long forms · No fees

Find insurance savings

Can the Dodge Ram anti-theft system lower your insurance rate?

An anti-theft system on your Ram can indeed lower your insurance premium between roughly 5% and 25% off your

comprehensive coverage

While the Ram is known to be a dependable truck (which normally helps lower an insurance premium), it has been known to be targeted by thieves. This means the average premium for Dodge Ram is often higher than average.

That said, adding an aftermarket alarm such as an active alarm system or a catalytic converter strap might entice your insurer to offer discounts down the road for taking extra steps to safeguard your truck.

MORE:

The top 10 most expensive trucks to insure

Did you find this article helpful?

Your feedback helps us to create content that better serves readers like you.

How to save on Dodge Ram insurance

Having an anti-theft system on your truck is always a good idea, but it's just one layer of protection. Cover all your bases with a robust

car insurance

policy at an affordable price by using

Jerry

Sign-up takes just 45 seconds, and then Jerry—the web’s

most trustworthy insurance shopping super app

—gets to work comparing quotes from more than 50 top insurers, ensuring you get the policy you want at a price that works for you. Once you pick your new policy, Jerry signs you up and helps cancel your old policy for you. Best of all? The average Jerry user saves more than $800 per year on car insurance!

“I was looking for a liability insurance plan for my truck until I can afford more coverage.
Jerry
made it simple to shop around for the best deal for me. Thank you!” —Jake L.

RECOMMENDED