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Hi!
I am having the same driver door latching problem. I have come back to my car a few times to find the door open!
I check every time I leave now....Have you checked with the dealer on this yet and if so...any results?
Have exactly the same problem - think it shut but it didn't. About one in 20 or one in 40 slams it happens. I took it to the dealer and complained twice, but the dealer can't duplicate condition so they won't open the door to explore and make sure there are no "serious" issues. Let's see if some other people report this issue so Chrysler will acknowledge it and investigate. They've been pretty good about TSB'ing issues if they hear enough about them.
The next step is for both of us to call our respective Customer Care lines and report the issue so it's in their computer.
Apart from being annoying, which isn't really that serious, I am worried that one day it won't latch at all, even on the third or fourth slam, then what do I do?
I say this because my 2001 and 2004 VW Golf's followed a similar philosophy of high rpm at interstate speeds - although they were all the way up to 4,000 rpm at 80 mph.
Keeping the revs "in the hunt" (as opposed to having a higher 5th gear for better mpg) gives you much better responsiveness at freeway speeds without having to downshift. More of a "driver's profile" than a "soccer mom" profile.
On the other hand, this 1.8 (as do the other World Engines in this family) makes its peak horsepower very high in their rpm scale, rather than hitting a peak a 1,000 or so rpm early then dropping off. In other words, the engine pulls a solid 148 horsepower, but you have to take it to redline (or at least to the higher rpm range) to benefit. And this well-designed engine does pull, oh so willingly, towards redline. Taking it up to 80 in 3rd is no problem. Much smoother than the old 2.0 in the Neon, than the 2.2 in the Chevy (Ecotec), and stronger, if not smoother, than the 2.0 in the Focus (Duratec).
So the engine is quite Jekyll/Hyde. If you lug it, the way I drive most of my stick shifts - shift early - it feels lightly powered compared to a Cobalt or Focus or old Neon. BUT if you wind it out, the power comes on (nice VVT, thanks Mercedes!) and you get your zippy acceleration.
This might explain why the city mileage is high (28 mpg, EPA short shifting) and the highway mileage is "low") (32 mpg, only 1.8 but pulling higher rpm than you see on the Focus/Cobalt in 5th gear).
In short, Euro tuned. Nice!
(Brute 0-60 times don't tell the whole story - they are based on unrealistic driving habits - high rpm, drop the clutch, try to pull only one shift between 0-60. This car isn't as paper quick as the Cobalt, but feels very lively in real world street and freeway and mountain driving. Apparently the SE gets the "touring" suspension - but not wheels/tires - as the SXT, so you aren't sacrificing suspension tuning on the budget model either. The 1.8 isn't out of place in the stick shift version, as I'd feared, given this vehicle's weight class.)
I am impressed by the engineering, design, and thoughtfulness that goes into this bargain-basement priced car. I can’t speak for the CVT (automatic) version with the slightly larger, slightly more powerful 2.0 engine, but this combination of 1.8/5 speed stick shift/“touring suspension” feels more European spec than American apple pie.
For example, 1.8 liters is downright small for American compact cars these days. The Focus has long been at 2.0 liters; the Neon, the Caliber’s predecessor in the Dodge food-chain, was 2.0 liters; and the Chevy Cobalt is 2.2 liters.
But oh, what a smooth, quiet, perky 1.8 liters this is. Unlike the others, the Dodge engine has variable valve timing, reportedly a sophisticated system from Dodge's parent, Mercedes. And the rest of this engine, co-developed with Hyundai and Mitsubishi, seems pretty advanced too. It’s not clear from the published literature whether the 1.8 has the same dual counterbalancing shafts found in the 2.0 and 2.4, but it certainly feels like it – this motor is much smoother than the 2.2 Ecotec (also a recent international effort, although in Chevy’s case mostly engineered by Saab with input from GM North America and Opel from Germany). It doesn't jerk you back in your seat, but before you know it you are flying.
Surprisingly, the 1.8 has decent torque – comparable to the 2.0 Duratec in the Focus although higher in the rpm curve – and excellent horsepower – about the same as the much larger 2.2 Ecotec in the Chevy Cobalt – and a long power curve. It cruises very smoothly and quietly at 80 mph; the engine doesn’t feel or sound like it’s over revving, even though it’s moving at a good clip. Gas mileage seems to be excellent – about 31-32 mpg on my freeway work commute, about 29 mpg at sustained interstate speeds down to L.A. (less mileage at sustained high speeds due to the larger profile this car cuts through the air than smaller vehicles like the Neon and new Honda Civic).
The manual transmission isn’t up to the excellent Honda Civic or fine Ford Focus standards, but it is a lot better than the Chevy Cobalt, and is easy to match gears for smooth shifts.
Finally, the handling is somewhere between firm and supple – definitely not the mushy suspension American car makers are used to giving their American drivers in these small cars, when they aren’t giving them rock-hard, unforgiving suspensions; and the steering is hydraulic, with much better feel than the electric steering in the Cobalt. The Focus remains the gold standard for steering feel and handling, but I’d easily take (and did take) the extra space, extra doors, and additional body stiffness in the Caliber over the slightly long-in-the-tooth Focus (the new Lancer, which uses the same chassis design as the Caliber, is praised by Edmunds for its stiffness, which makes for better handling with a slightly softer suspension – hence the good ride AND good handling).
Until the Astra comes out from Saturn – a European-designed compact to replace the Ion – I don’t think the Caliber has much competition in terms of price-performance-roominess(BTW, the Astra is getting the 1.8 vvt version of the Ecotec instead of the non-vvt 2.0 version, which results in the same horsepower but possibly better mileage – at least a rev happy set up instead of a torque happy, lower rpm set up). But I don’t think the Astra will be nearly appealing in terms of efficiency of packaging as the Caliber - it seems to follow the low-seating arrangement still popular in passenger cars, vs. the Caliber's higher, more space-efficient seating position. The Caliber isn’t half a car (good front seat room/no rear seat room). It’s a whole car (you can carry 4 adults, not just 2 adults + 2 kids). Most of its competition really falls into the “half car” format – room for 2 kids in the back, but too tight to really be comfortable for adults. So the Caliber has a special niche.
Did I mention that the Caliber is available AWD? Did I mention that the SE has the right combination of standard features (unless you are insane enough to forego aircon as an option) to be both usable and affordable? (E.g., it still has a good cd sound system, mp3/auxiliary plug; center console, etc.)
Dodge still hasn't contacted me about the quality control issues I have with my sample ("c" pillar rattle; driver's door that doesn't always latch; and engine that occasionally drops rpm and stumbles when coming to a stop). However, I feel pretty confident (based on ownership of past Doddge and Chrysler compact cars) that for cars assembled 11/06 or later, there should be many fewer initial defects. The PT Cruiser was unusually defect free from the start; the Caliber appears to be a little buggy, but not fatally so.
On the other hand, this car has a much higher quality feel than my Cobalt, comparable to larger Dodges. So the quality issue balances out even with the apparent bad sample I got.
So to make a long story short, the VW repair guy in my town (who should have been making the payments since he kept it more than I did) called to say it was at last being released from being held hostage, of course the ransom note made me nearly claim to really not be the true owner.... So as soon as I pick the VW up I drove straight to the Dodge/Chrysler dealer. Thank god I could say it was running good. I look at a Jeep Compass and the Caliber. The exact same interior BUT the road noise was next to nothing in the Caliber. That is my biggest peeves! Then as an added bonus there was quite a bit of price difference. So I walked away with my new Caliber and I love the color. I've only put 150 miles on it, and I love to drive it. I only wish I'd paid more attention to see that it didn't come with the cruse control on my model.
I am expecting to have a long and happy relationship with my new car. :shades:
I find the beeping remote lock very annoying...a bit of blind spot on the right side requires careful attention. Pretty comfortable seats though.
The automatic takes some getting used to, especially when you're passing someone....lots of sound and fury but the poor thing seems to need a minute to make up its mind. I'd probably get used to it, though.
Can't tell about the fuel mileage yet.
All in all, the Caliber seems to be a good value at this price point, in the SXT configuration.
I have to say I'm having a little trouble with this automatic transmission...it's kind of a "one and TWO and DOWNSHIFT"
I like the cell phone holder a lot. Can't find the dimmer for the dash lights, though.
I know, I know...look in the owner's manual....but gee, that's something that you shouldn't have to fish for.
You see, our cars are governed more by the computer programming than by the sparkplugs, condenser, points, and coil, the traditional "tune up" points (wait - condensers and points have long been history). Even throttle bodies are moving to electronic, micro-motor control instead of cable control, which means the amount you move the throttle pedal doesn't correspond, necessarily, to the throttle position in the throttle body.
The computer "map" also governs the amount of fuel injection, timing, and variable valve timing, where the vvt system is sophisticated enough to respond to throttle and load, and not just rpm.
So essentially my Caliber got a "brain transplant" yesterday, and it either (i) performs much better, if you are an enthusiast, or (ii) doesn't feel any different, if you are numb.
Although I gave the engine smoothness high marks before, now its smoother, but even better, it "lugs" much better - there seems to be a lot more torque at the lower rpm. Before, the engine didn't come into its own until you revv'd it up. Now, I can pull from 20 mph in third, cruise at 30 in fourth. At the same time I can easily run it up to 50 mph in second gear. It just feels more willing and comfortable - a lot more like the 145 hp specs would indicate (but it only has 129 lb-ft of torque, small motor after all).
I've hear from other forums that getting the motor flashed reduces fuel consumption slightly. I'll report back on that later. For now, my commuter mileage has been consistent at 31-32 mpg per fill up, but my SF-LA mileage shot up to an average of 31 mpg on my last trip - no "aerodynamic penalty" this time. I attribute the better mileage, despite higher speeds (and hence more air resistance) to break-in.
I changed my oil at 2,500 miles (Motorcraft 5-20, a fine synthetic blend and the cheapest for 3,000 mile oil changes) and at 5,000 miles (Pennzoil Platinum, the cheapest full synthetic and easily good for 5,000 mile freeway driving). I will change the oil next at 10,000 miles and rotate the tires.
I still have a c-pillar rattle, and both front doors periodically refuse to latch, bouncing off the posts until I pull the door handle out slightly to disengage whatever is stuck. Chrysler has a door latch recall for the new Avenger, but apparently overlooked the Caliber.
Getting the motor "re-programmed" makes me happier about the car. With 7,200 miles it doesn't seem like anything major is going to go wrong, and eventually I'll grind away at the warranty department and get the door latches and c-pillar rattle fixed (I didn't want to overwhelm the service manager at the new dealer I selected with too many issues at once, when I went in yesterday).
Chrysler is working hard to address problems. They have a new March 12 TSB that addresses both driveability concerns and oil pressure flickering - this time they replace some portions of the oil delivery system. So clearly their engineers are in the field looking at things. I think for cars with a post March build date they should be pretty trouble free. I applaud Chrysler for making running production line changes, not waiting until '08.
For prospective new owners, I highly recommend:
1. Drive one yourself - all online reviews are woefully out of date, the car has improved that much.
2. Look at the label on the front door panel for the build date - make sure you drive and buy a "recent" (post March) build date car. You'll be less likely to have to visit the warranty department.
How do I rate the car? Pretty highly. I am seriously interested in trading in for an '08 Caliber next spring, maybe moving up to an SXT or even a 2WD R/T (I'd like the larger motor, though I have qualms about the possible stiffness of the suspension in the R/T).
On the other hand this aircon, stick shift, basic SE for 12,988 is a steal at that price.
http://www.gemaengine.com
engine shroud about 3-4 months ago and your right,
if you want one now they are about $40.00
and seems to provide some noise abatement.
Mine is usually covered in dust and dirt so I clean it weekly and I guess it's better on the cover then on the
motor.
It makes it look like a lot of motor!!!!!!
I purchased my SE w/2.0L, AC & power package yesterday, and I'm still under 200 miles on the odometer, but so far I've enjoyed it. For perspective, I traded a 2001 Corolla.
Don't regret the choice. Wish I could have afforded the SXT but the SE with upgrades is a good alternative.
Judgment's been an adventure. I checked specs and the Caliber's footprint is actually SMALLER than the Corolla's. Between that and the fact that I'm used to having a trunk behind the back window, I've been badly overjudging the back. I'm also still slightly overjudging the right. But I'd rather overjudge than underjudge.
I noticed the blind spots right away; they're most definitely there. But in my case the higher seat goes a long way toward mitigating them. I've also been long used to glancing over my shoulder since I wear glasses and thus have less-than-reliable peripheral vision anyway. So far, it's been annoying at times, but no real problems.
My initial impression of the CVT was that it was sluggish and required a lot more gas pedal than I expected. But out on an Interstate this morning it handled itself very nicely in the 70 mph range. Per the break-in section of the owner's manual I revved it a couple times and made it from 70 to 80 just as fast as the Corolla. After doing a bit more research, I have started to wonder if the "sluggish" feel has to do with the fact that the Caliber is heavier than the Corolla. More to come. My chief concern at the moment has to do with the fact that I drive Atlanta's Downtown Connector daily during rush hour, and more days than not I end up doing some hard accels/decels in the 30-60 range.
The car seems to lean to the driver's side even though the car does not drift to the left when I take my hands off the wheel. To me the non-expert this suggests shocks instead of tires or alignment. That being said, the shocks on my last new car (a Nissan) also required a break-in so my current plan is to re-evaluate at 1000 miles. Also, the accelerator sometimes acts a little strange when I have cruise on but not enabled. This, too, is something I'll just watch for right now.
I've got the base audio and it's well more than I need. Road noise is about what I expected, and I noticed that most of it is tire noise not engine noise (i.e., the engine is well insulated). I can drown it out with the audio at 12 or so. The difference between a cassette adapter and an aux jack for my mp3 player is pleasantly noticable.
I wish the pedals were mounted a little further back. I'm only 5'5" and have to sit a bit closer to the steering wheel than I particularly like.
But these are really my only complaints. Handling's fine, performance seems at least decent, etc. And when I got home from the dealership, I barely even made it out of the car before someone came up asking me questions and wanting to check it out. :shades:
Several owners have reported improvement, including myself!
I understand that Chrysler is now offering a UNLIMITED POWERTRAIN Warranty for as long as you own the car. Too bad they don't offer it on ALL 2007 owners.
Reasonable price, auxiliary audio input, and available bluetooth and stability control. There are not many other vehicles for the same price that have those particular features.
However, the quality control issues, cheap interior and bad gas mileage for a smallish vehicle make in unacceptable.
It barely gets better mileage the V6 car I'm driving now. Many midsized cars like the Camry and Accord get much better gas mileage than Calibers with their larger and more refined 4 cylinder engines and 5 speed automatics.
Other than that minor annoyance, I have been enjoying my car so far. Averaging 29 - 30 MPG on my daily commute.
I'm definitely going to ask the dealer about the flash update when I take the car in for the first oil change (which I'm planning for around 2500 miles). The sluggish acceleration and the hard "downshift" at 20 mph -- I assume this is the rpm governor kicking in -- are driving me crazy. Per the label inside the driver's door, it came out of the factory in June 2007, so I'm surprised the update wasn't already done.
I'm also going to get a couple other small things taken care of at the same time. They're minor -- the door hinges need lubrication; the Chill Zone latch won't stay open; and the brakes have a funny squeak. Other than the accel/decel the car is doing fine.
Took the car, which is now named D.C., to see family in another state (900 miles round trip) and it did great out on the highway. The shocks have settled in fine and there has been a marked reduction in tire noise now that I, and not the dealer, am monitoring the pressure. Given that I live in the South with CONSTANT a/c use, I'm pleased with the 26/30 mpg I'm getting.
I'm very glad I bought this car. I'm still getting used to it, but I've already had one rather close call and the car did exactly what I wanted it to do. To me that's the most important thing: can I rely on the car to perform well enough to keep me out of wrecks. I'm pleased to say I can.
My SXT 2.0L/CVT has only been back to the dealer
for my free oil changes and the TSB# 18-031-07.
It's drives the way I expected sporty and fun
to use and the MPG has gotten better after the TSB,
last tank 30% city driving with hiway driving
4 adults and luggage at 70-80 mph with A/C on
averaged 30 mpg US.
The downshift at 20 mph is the result of the
engine programming,when you lift off the gas
it goes to economy mode at 20 mph reducing
gas consumption and that with the CVT adjusting
felt harsh in mine also,after the flash and at
about 8,000 miles it became less noticeable.
I fixed the chillzone door myself with piece of
velcro.
Thank you for your help.
it fets better with more miles.
Don't ask for a magic number of miles when
it will happen,todays cars with adaptive
driving software can do funny things when
given erratic driving habits to contend with
and it will change as now I consistently
get 27-30 mpg US in the city.
I can confirm 27 mpg in the city (about 60/40 for me). And it's a RARE road trip that I don't pop 30.
for a while.
I suggest you follow this link-
http://www.caliberforumz.com/showthread.php?t=583&highlight=stalling&page=5
Read it and follow their advice.
how to fix it.
You can find it here-
http://www.caliberforumz.com/showthread.php?t=8137
Have been to the dealer a few times and they have not been able to fix it yet.
Anyone have any suggestions or experience with this?
evaporator which located in the dash about at its center.
The problem arises from using the ac/defrost cycle both of which
use the evaperator to remove water/humidity from the cabin area.
You can help prevent it by running the HEATER only on high for
several minutes before turning the car off.
If you spray Lysol with the fan on mid setting spray it thru the
cabin airfilter access behind the glovebox,you can spray the cabin
airfilter itself with Lysol or do as I did by placing a FEW drops of
liquid car scent (something you can live with) onto the cabin air filter.
I have owned Chrysler cars since 1984 and this crops up in some
models more than others.
Since scenting the filter and letting it run on heat only for a few minutes
I haven't noticed it all winter.
Just wondering if anyone else has major water leaks in their cali? Started with rear hatch then right side (actually sloshing around back there), now left side sopping wet.
I have a 2008 R/T with AWD, and a 2.4. Been to the dealer 3 times and have called today to speak to owner of dealership to see what he or Chrysler are going to do.
Leaks seem to be happening every couple of months. Bought car in Oct. 2007, first leak in Jan. 2008 then March, etc.. Is this common with Calibers??? Anyone else have these major problems?
opots
regarding water leaks,I have not had a problem with this myself.
The most common cause has been plugged drains on the
sunroof drains,there are 4 of them,one each in both the "A" pillars
and the "B" pillars.If you have a sunroof this could be the source
ant drains have become clogged with debris.
The 2nd cause has been poor body panel sealing in the manufacturing
process and this can only be resolved by a dealer who provides
good service.
The 3rd source has been the runoff from the AC evaporater which
is used both AC and defrost cycles,the overflow hose which exits
the cabin close to gas pedal uder the carpeting becomes clogged
and backs up the water at the catch tray.
Find another dealer if yours isn't doing the job.
Took it to dealer, after a week in there they finally found and fixed the leak, replaced the carpet and broke my windshield while testing for leaks there. They also put holes in the back of my rear seat with tools or something when they were trying to take the seat out to replace the carpet, and ruined the carpeting on top of the spare tire hatch.
This repair is still open pending a new seat cover replacement. Now in June, 2008
after another storm, the left rear is leaking. Waiting for Service Manager to get a hold of Chrysler Rep. hopefully the rep. will come here to talk to me. I think 6 months, going on 7 is enough!!!!