Red Dot on Dashboard of Dodge Charger – Here’s What It Means

The Dodge Charger features several dashboard warning lights that come on when there's a potential problem. They have color codes and unique meanings. One of them is the red dot light.

Red dot light on dash highlights

• Common reasons:alarm system activated
• How to fix:no need to repair
• Possible consequences:no consequences
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:No need
• Repair price range:$0

This guide will describe what it may mean to see such a warning light as well as how to get rid of it. I'll also treat other topics related to the Dodge Charger vehicle security light here.

What Do Red Lights on a Dodge Charger Generally Indicate?

The color red on dashboard lights is typically associated with danger or an emergency. The same goes for red lights on a Dodge Charger. It means that the problem calls for urgent attention. For instance, the warning light for high engine temperature.

What Does It Mean When the Dodge Charger Vehicle Security Light Comes On?

The bright red dot appearing on your dash can be referred to as the vehicle security light, anti-theft light, or vehicle theft alarm (VTA). It's a clear indication that your anti-theft system (also called the immobilizer system) is working. You should rest assured knowing that your dear Dodge Charger won't easily be stolen.

You'll see the red dot flashing fast when the security system is arming, and it blinks slowly after the process is completed. This is a normal occurrence. But some instances should be considered abnormal as described in the next subheading.

A false alarm signal may come on if you didn't arm the security system following the right order. Check your vehicle owner's manual to find out how to arm and disarm the system properly.

Situations That Could Make the Red Dot on the Dashboard Come On

This section addresses various instances that could make the red dot illuminate. Look for the one that matches your situation. I've presented solutions for each of them in the next section.

1) Problems with Starting the Vehicle

You could have a problem with getting your Dodge to start. The car may just be totally unresponsive, or it could start and go off after a few seconds. This could happen to model years as old as the 2006 Charger. Look for the red dot to see if it's on.

The problem may also begin after you drive around. You may notice that the light is solid and only goes off when you remove the key from the ignition.

2) Bad Key

As stated in the introduction, the problem may be a result of the ignition sensor not recognizing the chip in your car keys. The key's head contains an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) that must be detected by the sensor for the vehicle to start.

Transponder key technology enables car makers to provide an additional layer of protection for vehicle security. Putting the key into the ignition will make your Dodge's engine control unit or system send signals to the chip. The chip will in turn send special codes as feedback to the sensors.

Your Dodge's engine will be able to start if the right codes are read. But the reverse will be the case for unrecognizable codes, meaning that a malfunctioning or fake key was used.

The key may go bad sometimes because the battery of the transponder chip is failing or has died. The chip is electronic and therefore needs adequate electronic power from its tiny battery to function properly.

3) Remotely Starting the Car

It happens when you use remote start and press the brake pedal after putting the key into the ignition without turning it. The engine will die because you didn't turn the key to "Run". The light will illuminate on restarting the engine. Another example is when you open the car's hood after using remote start.

Solutions for Different Situations that Involve the Red Dot Dashboard Light

There are quick fixes and professional procedures for different situations that feature the red dot signal coming on. Find the one that's related to your experience here.

1) Solution To The Light Coming On Suddenly

All that's required sometimes is for you to wait for some seconds (maybe three) for the light to go off by itself. You may be lucky to discover that this is the only thing you need to do to get rid of the alert. Although it's only adequate for situations that aren't complicated like your Dodge not responding to the ignition.

2) Solution To Your Car Not Starting

I have outlined four tricks to try here. They should only be used with great caution.

Trick 1: Unlock and lock the doors remotely, then try to restart the car again.

Trick 2: You may be able to start the vehicle one out of three times with this method. It involves flicking the key to the right till it's completely lodged inside the ignition.

Trick 3: Set the ignition to "on" for 10 minutes and see if the light stops.

Trick 4: Hold the key fob lock button and the door lock down simultaneously, then put the key into the ignition. Start the vehicle and release your hold on both buttons.

3) Solution To Seeing the Light after Remotely Starting the Car

When you had to restart the engine after remotely starting the car, try driving the vehicle. If you're lucky that it moves, continue driving for some minutes. The red dot should disappear after some time. Another method to try is to come out of the vehicle, re-enter, and start it manually as a quick fix.

But brace yourself if the problem persists. The wireless control module (WCM) or wireless ignition module (WIN) and the key fobs may have to be replaced. You may be required to reprogram the old key fob or get a new one if the old one is unusable. Sometimes, the chip may be loose in the fob rendering it invalid.

WCM/WIN module and key fob trouble should be taken as an emergency safety matter. Your Dodge can lock you in while driving, so please don't drive it for long. Call a towing service ASAP to get it to a dealership or mechanic.

4) Solution To a Bad Key

Try the spare key if you have one. You'll know if the main key is faulty when the ignition sensor can read the spare key and the red dot goes off. Buy a replacement battery for your key in the absence of a spare key.

But what if the spare key or new transponder battery doesn't work? This calls for the services of the dealership or your local auto repair shop. They'll help you check the working condition of the key and guide you in getting a replacement. You'll need the services of a car key specialist after buying a new key.

Your local Dodge dealership or auto repairer may not know how to handle whatever the problem may be. Get recommendations from family and friends and opt for another professional. You should only go the DIY way if you know what you're doing.

More Information About Your Transponder Key

The transponder technology protects your car from theft in such a way that no other key can start it. This is why you have to safeguard the key at all times. And you can't keep retrying the ignition after it has failed to respond to the key three times. You may get locked in the car by the fourth trial.

Your transponder key possesses a program that's unique to the vehicle. The key can't work for your car until it's paired with the vehicle via programming by a car key specialist. New keys can't function right out of the box.

Avoid using a faulty key so you won't get locked in or out. Yes, you can get locked out if you're trying to open the driver-side door with a defective transponder. A failing key can pose many problems for you.

The key must not be dropped on hard surfaces and it should be kept away from water. Mechanical shocks and water can cause damage the body and short out the chip.

Conclusion

I understand that paying for towing and dealership services may be a hassle. But It's always a smart thing to seek the help of an expert mechanic or dealership when you've run out of solutions to try. You may only complicate the situation if you keep trying to get the key to work or force the car to start.

The most important thing is to never put yourself in an unsafe position where you can get locked inside your car after retrying the key multiple times. Always keep the door open during those attempts. Remember, three tries are enough.