Dodge Caliber

pacerman

Your right, sorry I misread your post, the exhaust "tinkling" seems to be a "normal" thing, and Nonnemacher is right in thinking that they may come up with a fix for this, sounds like metals are not expanding and contracting when cooling at the same rate.........scratch the ecm thing if its not an engine ping.If your car still tinkles when idling, maybe they could throw it on a hoist and pinpoint the problem from underneath, maybe it needs an expansion-vibration "bellows"inline behind the cat. Maybe the cat heat shield is the culprit??

nortsr1

mek0123:
I am interested in a new PT Cruiser. Do you know anyone
that could send me a verification number for same??/My email can be had by clicking on my "nortsr" moniker. Thanks....

cuzinkev

Thanks again I will let you know what the dealership changes out but will mention what you have suggested.
I love the car but not the noise.

cuzinkev

Thanks
I will send a message to Dodge. I will let you all know next week what the dealer came up with. Yes I agree changing out the exhaust with the same will do nothing. The mechanic will be talking to the tecs at dodge before proceeding.
To have such a sweet car and have it pinging tinging does not do the car right.

lester4

Does the engine ping when accelerating or when you're driving at a constant speed as well as idle? Does it make the noise only when you're moving at idle, or when you're stopped too? Also, is it hot outside when this happens?

dakota29803

The last three cars that my wife has owned (a Lumina, a 300M and a Lucerne) and my 2004 Jeep Liberty all ping when they sit in the garage for a while after shut off. It obviously has to do with the exhaust system cooling down.

micweb

I saw three new Calibers at a local dealer, but build dates were 3/06 (when I bought our minivan in November last year, it actually had a November build-date!).

Anyway, what is the earliest build date anyone has seen? The latest? (Build dates are on the label riveted to the driver's door on the jamb.)

bookhud

Anyone else seeing inventory of Calibers dropping off? I'm in central IN and all of a sudden the Caliber seems very hard to find.

Hud

renchbnder

mine has a build date of 3/o6 and purchased it 3/31/06

moose101

I've been enjoying the forum, I'm looking at buying one of these since it's well priced, I was originally looking for a used car but the price is perfect. I actually haven't seen one on the road here in Ontario yet but I certainly have seen a few at the dealer. Next on the list is a test ride, can't wait!!! With this being my first new car purchase I'm holding off for a couple more weeks to see if there are any major problems. Thanks for the posts guys....

Anyway, I'm not sure if anyone has poked around NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Website but I found some Technical Service Bulletins up there that I'd like to share. Here's a link right to the Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) for the Caliber... Current TSB each time you click this link. I have not found any recalls on the Caliber yet but you can use this link for searching for recalls NHTSA Recall Search.

Thanks, Mark

micweb

The dealer where I saw the 3/06 build dates this weekend told me the cars were fresh on their lot, but I am thinking they were there for at least a month. I suspect this dealer tried to deal from their "dealer markup sticker" and ran into resistance. At other dealerships inventory has been drying up due to quick sales. National reports for April were that Chrysler had a good passenger car sales month helped a lot by the Caliber. The added another shift at the Belvidere plant to make them.

djp_63

I have been watching this forum because I am interested in possibly getting a Caliber within the year. I am a Mopar guy and have had many Mopars over the years and put a lot of miles on them. I put close to 300,000 on an 87 Dodge Dakota truck and other than maintenance parts I only replaced a water pump and an AC clutch in 12 years. We have 5 kids and have a Durango for when we all need to ride together. We like it a lot, could have gotten by with a Caravan but preferred the Durango. We have the 4.7 litre and get 17-18 mpg for combination driving and 21 mpg or better on a trip. Currently I am commuting in a Toyota Echo that came with my wife when we got married. I like that it gets 40 mpg, but that is the only thing I like about it. It's scary ugly, very light and skittish. The Caliber meets size, function, mileage, price and safety requirements, so then it comes to looks to seal the whole deal for me. I like the looks of the Caliber, and in the arena of appliance looking econo-boxes, it stands out. Although I saw a yellow Caliber with garish "splash" graphics on it that looked pretty bad and cheap. So colour does make a difference I suppose.

Anyways, I hope to keep following all the inputs to see how the Caliber does. The Echo currently has 95,000 miles on it (plenty of life left), and we are cramped to fit 5 of us as is often the case. I shudder to think if we ever got hit in this tin can!

DJP

tacoboy

Does anyone know, can you get the manual transmission with the 2.0L engine? I've read auto mag articles stating that the Caliber can be ordered with the 2.0L/5-speed, but on the Dodge website it only allows the manual w/ the 1.8L.

silvercaliber

I'm from Ontario too. I ordered a Caliber SXT Sport 1.8 5 speed over 8 weeks ago and I just received information that it was going to be built on May 11th so then i'll just have to wait for shipping. It's supposed to be silver with the red seat inserts and sunroof and aluminum wheels so I think it will be quite a rare bird around here. If anyboby takes delivery of a 5 speed would you let me know. Thanks.

renchbnder

my caliber was on the lot actually 3 days,, they brought in a SE,SXT, and R/T. R/T was sold the night before, i bought the SXT friday morn'g,,,. they are out of stock in spokane right, now. cordea lene, ID has a silver SE in Stock as of their inventory,,,

renchbnder

questioned the dealer on manual in the 2.0l configue, they saw "no" for this year atleast

cuzinkev

The ping ting noise sounds like it comes from the exhaust system (could be wrong)It starts as little as three kilometers of driving. It makes the noise when idleing, driving at a constant speed and for a while after it is shut off. temperatures in the last week ranged from 10 to 20 degrees celsius

jstant01

The Detroit Free Press is reporting this morning that DCX is adding 1,000 jobs at Belividere as a third shift. It also says they sold 11,000 Calibers in April. Here's the link: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060510/NEWS11/60510001

neely2005

Another article on the same thing:

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060510/NEWS11/60510001

neely2005

I'm in Ontario too and I've seen 2 Calibers on the road, 1 in a parking lot and 1 in a driveway.

You should wait until July 1st before you buy as the GST is being reduced from 7% to 6% effective July 1st (Canada Day)

neely2005

No once you get the 2.0L or the 2.4L it only comes with the CVT2 transmission.

mopowah

Does anyone else see it as a mistake to only offer the 5-speed on the 1.8 and not at least on the 2.0 as well...even the 2.4? Pretty much every other car in the world offers a 5spd with a 4 cyl engine. Maybe next year....

caliberchic

I called today for an update on my ordered Caliber, they said it is scheduled to build this Friday!!! Shipping next week! But then I have to wait for the spoiler and such to be color matched to my car, so I am thinking I will have it in my driveway in about 2 weeks!

Which makes the wait time 9 weeks total, it's been 7 already.

neely2005

The 2.4 doesn't come with a Manual Transmission but the CVT2 does have an Auto Stick with this engine.

nebredsxt

After looking and driving...I finally ordered my SXT sport on May 4! )1.8, 5 spd, sunroof, abs, drivers conv group, sirius,inferno red) I cannot wait to get it! I think Dodge has another winner. I have owned two Dakotas, a neon and a Sebring convertible and have never had a major problem. I hope the Caliber can carry on that tradition. I love the forum and being able to see what everyone else is experiencing. Thanks for great info ...the forum was the factor that finally convinced me to take the plunge!

mazda6iguy

I have yet to see a Caliber on the road here in NE Ohio. I have seen plenty of them at the dealers, though.

lexan1965

Just went over 6300 miles on my Caliber, no issues to report as of yet. The car drives great and gets a lot of comments. mpg are 28 to 30 (30%city, 70% highway). I'm waiting for K & N to come out with an air filter for it!

orangert

I live in NE Ohio too. I have an Orange RT and there are now at least 9 Calibers in my extended neighborhood. Two are now Orange R/T's!! I see at least one a day on the highways.

nicewheels1

I don't know of any TSBs but I just purchased my new Caliber less than a week ago. After driving for two days and less than 300 miles I began to hear a high pitched ringing noise in the rear end of the car. After searching for a while I determined it was coming from the area around the fuel tank, possibly a fuel pump problem. It has been in the dealer's service department most of the week. The service technicians from the dealer and factory have checked it out and determined that there are no "abnormal" noises coming from the car. Since the car didn't make this noise when I took delivery and developed the problem after driving it my position is they should fix the fuel pump if that is the source. Chrysler's district manager for my area disagrees and sides with the dealer. I have had my family and co-workers ride in the car and they have all heard the noise and can't believe the dealer is not willing to acknowledge its a problem. I have owned many Dodge, Plymouth and Chrysler cars, trucks and vans over the years and have generally been pleased with all of them (especially the '71 Dodge Challenger) but the lack of concern and cooperation from the dealer and the manufacturer regarding my new Caliber is about to make me a Honda convert. If I don't get some cooperation soon there will be one more new Caliber available for sale.

pacerman

2.0......2.4? engine??

caliberchic

That does sounds like a fuel pump issue, I had that happen on a Ford car I owned. I hope they fix it for you.

lexan1965

2.0 engine with a cvt2

lexan1965

sounds to me u need to take some technicians and managers from your dealership for a ride with u driving. If they fail to acknowledge the issue they are not being a very good dealership. Tell them they can have the car back if they don't want to fix the issue. Let me know what happens!

micweb

Sounds minor (albeit annoying). Is it intermittent - the dealer hasn't been able to duplicate the problem?

As for Honda, I had a problem on my former 2003 with a window creak. Until I had a tech ride along with me they couldn't duplicate the problem. I was fortunate enough that the sound repeated during the ride, or I would have come up short.

mazda6iguy

If i may ask, what dealer did you buy it from and what was the buying experience like?

regina3

Just wanted to pass this along. I've had my Caliber SXT for two weeks now and just yesterday a link nut broke on the upper sway bar producing a loud banging noise from under the vehicle. The dealership replaced the nut and contacted the Chrysler Corporation to let them know and see if there were any recalls on this (none at this time.) The dealership also checked other Calibers on the lot for the problem and as far as I know didn't find anything. I was told by the dealership that the broken nut didn't make the vehicle unsafe to drive. Other than this, I enjoy my caliber.

nicewheels1

After taking the Caliber to a second dealership service department I was able to get the service manager to recognize the problem and order a part to try to resolve the issue. Problem - the part is not available through normal channels due to the recent release of the Caliber. When it comes in hopefully this will be corrected.

pacerman

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jm/07caliber.htm

nonnemacher

I found the frontal crash test results for the 2007 Caliber on line, 5 stars for teh driver and 5 stars for teh passenger... a cool photo of it being crashed too..

nonnemacher

link title

cuzinkev

The mechanics have diagnosis that the noise is coming from a faulty resignator pipe (exhaust system). they have order the part and will replace will find out in about two weeks if this is the source of the noise.
I wonder if any one else is experiencing this problem? :confuse:

nicewheels1

I have a new Caliber that has just started this noise in addition to a couple of others. The dealer is researching. I will pass along the information. Thanks for the update.

mavrik

On dodge's website there is a picture of the Caliber with a vent in the hood, and flared looking wheel wells, but i don't see an option for that. Has anyone actually seen one at the dealership or own a Caliber with that option?

pacerman

SRT-4???

caliberchic

Yes that's the SRT-4 which has late 2006 availability.

caliberchic

My dh was on his way to the auto store and happened to pass the dealership, low and behold there sat our custome ordered Caliber. It was filthy and unlocked but we are happy to see it. The window sticker even said "This car was built for **** ********" which is really funny.

One problem though the rear drive side door is totally off center. There is at least a 1/4 inch difference and it's
apparent when you walk up to the car. My dh is pissed.

The only other issue so far is that the grill is sans chrome. So apparently it is true that if you buy the SXT Sport you will not have a chrome grill, which to me makes NO sense considering the package that makes the car "sport" is the chrome additions and spoiler. :confuse:

lester4

I believe if it's a noise issue that Chrysler has a replacement pump that's on its way and your dealership may be able to get one shipped from Chrysler.

nebredsxt

My SXT Sport...now has a VON assigned to it! Based on the collective wisdom and combined experiences of my fellow forum dwellers and caliber fans...how long do you think before I actually get a VIN? Great forum!

caliberchic

Our car was assinged a VIN about 5 weeks after we ordered it and it was still apx 4 more weeks from when ours was assinged a VIN before delivery. It was 9 weeks to the day that we ordered it that it arrived.

nebredsxt

Thanks Caliberchic...It will be interesting to see how long mine takes. The dealership said originally the factory said it would not get a May build date, but, I have purchased several vehicles from the dealer so, they called the zone rep who called the factory and was told it will get a May build date. Originally they said 6-9 weeks, it will be interesting to see how it tracks! How do you like yours?