Dodge Caliber

caliberchic

Okay I looked at my paperwork and I called the dealer and there is NO deductible if it's within the 36,000 miles/3 years. If it's under the extended powertrain warranty then there is a $100 deductible.

Hope that helps!

guest

It DOES help, Caliberchic!!!

Many thanx 4 your time.

Again, Happy Holidays...

Peace!

albert525

I have read various opinions for how to properly break in a new car. :confuse: Many say take it easy, others say drive it hard, WOT. :surprise: I read a page from someone telling about how to break in a motor cycle. He explained that the rings need to seat for optimal compression and thus power. I mentioned this to an ase certified mechanic who formally told me to baby it, and he said the article is correct, BUT it is extremely important to make sure the engine is fully warm before getting on it, but after it is warm use short bursts of WOT.



With the CVT-2 telling the engine to redline when you apply some pressure to the gas peddle, I assume most caliber drivers are getting WOT new engine break-ins without realizing it. I also assume Dodge realizes this as well.



Any ideas, suggestions, recommendations?



What is everyone else doing to bread in their engine?

bigtsr

I don't know why or how you would redline the Caliber
6000 rpm is not the redline on mine,it's more like 6500
to 7000.
I have only hit 6000 once or twice by hitting the detent
at the bottom of gas pedal travel,as far as breakin
I drove the car the way I would be driving it everyday
somtimes gently other times like I had just stolen it.
Now at 6200 kilometers it deliver 26-29mpg city/37-40
mpg(CAN) highway and the pickup from dead stop is better
then when new and acceptable for 2.0L/CVT.
Your right everyone has an opinion on breakin
you pay your money and take your chances.

neely2005

I'm doing the same thing that I always do - Following The Engine Break In Instructions In My Owners Manual!
Every new car that I've owned has had instructions in the Owners Manual on how to best break in the engine. Every set of instructions has been a Little different.

grayseabring

Hi Albert,
Basically I followed the same breaking procedure as you and was amazed at the improved performance. If the truth were known I might have been a little rougher. My 2.0 liter at 10,000 km snaps to attention on the provincial highways when passing at 110 to ++. Just changed to 5W30 oil for a cooler engine because I find that my driving calls for extended periods of idiling. Seems to run a bit cooler. I am more impressed with the car the more I drive.

caliberchic

(Wasn't sure where else to post this!)

Make : DODGE
Model : CALIBER
Year : 2007

Manufacturer : DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V493000
Recall Date : DEC 22, 2006

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Potential Number Of Units Affected : 62369

Summary:
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE MAY CAUSE THE REAR BRAKES TO LOCK UP DURING CERTAIN BRAKING CONDITIONS.

Consequence:
THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Notes:
DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL NO. F50. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

lexan1965

K & N has just came out with an air filter and an air cyclone kit for the '07 Calibers...I've bought mine online last night!

caliberchic

Thanks! I've been waiting for that!!

lexan1965

The air filter is only 41 dollars, cheaper than K & N filters I've bought for other vehicles.

albert525

Do timing tests before and after, 0-60 and if possible go to a dyno. let us know how hard / easy it was to install. If you feal it has better performance or not, do gas milage tests after and post results.

lexan1965

I just found out the dealers are now recieving cruise control kits for Calibers. I'm getting mine installed next week at the dealers. They promised me I could have it at cost when I bought the car as it was the only thing the car did not have that I wanted at time of purchase. They are living up to their end of the agreement!

caliberchic

That's lucky! You can have mine! I never use it. LOL

concrete1717

Caliber included in "Most Disappointing" list (others on the list are Jeep Compass, Dodge Nitro, Toyota Yaris, and Chrysler Sebring). Caliber related items include "sluggish acceleration", "engine and road noise", "poorly finished interiors". Elsewhere in the CR issue is mentioned "fuel economy wasn't impressive.'.

nonnemacher

Do I care what CR says? I can't remember how long it took them to realize that the inventors of the FWD minivan had a good idea and decent product....The Caliber is is not perfect, but I doubt many others cars in its price range are quieter or safer. Other econ-boxes simply can't compare with the Caliber's versatility or style. For what I paid I'm still happy with the purchase after more than one year. I'm picky about my cars and I've had no significant problems, even though mine was an early production unit.

iluvmysephia1

I am curious how you like your Caliber's engine performance so far. I am interested in purchasing a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS and the Lancer's motor is similar to the Dodge Caliber's. Some other suspension/platform pin points are similar to the Caliber's, too. I also like the Dodge Caliber and have been researching it as well as the Lancer.

Is your Caliber's motor sluggish or does it do the job well? Do you have an automatic tranny or a manual tranny in yours? I think Dodge has done a really good job with this Caliber.

caliberchic

I have a manual tranny and I feel it's sluggish, especially in 3rd gear. I've had a few 4 speeds that had better performance, but it's not so bad that I would get ride of the car. I just maybe wouln't buy it again if I was basing my decision on motor alone.

w8n4mycaliber

I have a manual also you probably don't have the rpm's up high enough when you shift to third? Try staying in second a little longer.

nonnemacher

My Caliber is the 2.0 with the CVT. If I were younger, I might try a 5-speed, but the CVT is very smooth and no 5-spds were avail back when I purchased mine. The CVT is slow off-the-line, but it does pretty well between 20 and 60 mph, which is where I do most driving. Most of the winter I had the car in my insulated garage that stays at about 40 deg F and it was fine. A couple of nights I left it outside in below zero (Fahrenheit) temps and during the long warm-up it was very slow. I consider this to be normal. Part of the "acceleration problem" is that the car weighs over 3,000 lbs. That helps the ride, in my opinion, but reduces the acceleration. I'm not exactly sure where all the weight in the car is, but it was good in the winter. Perhaps the "noisy engine" complaint is generated by flooring the accelerator to get the heavy Caliber moving quickly. Using reasonable accelerator pressure, the engine is quiet and there are no vibrations in the car.

The Caliber is very family-friendly with its saftey features and good-sized back seat. Also, with the seats folded down on my SXT model, I can easily carry stuff up to nine feet long (a nice load of moulding and some studs) by throwing a blanket over the passenger seat and dash. Hope all this helps!

caliberchic

Yes, if I rev the RPM's a little more it's better. I am use to a V8 5 speed so anything less than that seems slow really!

iluvmysephia1

and I would say that the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS is still in the running for me. It is also around 3,060 lbs. for the Lancer GTS w/manual tranny, so fuel economy will not be optimum, but I'm not out for the best fuel economy, either.

caliberchic

We are adding an R/T to our driveway tomorrow. We will officially be one of those families with identical cars! lol

I'm getting a Black R/T with moonroof and security package, no other extras. Black and classy this time, versuses the sporty apperance on my SXT. I am in LOVE with the 2.4 motor and the auto stick is awesome! Our other Caliber is a manny and is a pain to drive on a daily basis with my kids, this is the perfect solution for me. I can shift when I want and not shift when I want.

The 2.4 motor is MUCH peppier too, obviously, especially with the auto stick in play. For those who like the Caliber but are worried about the engine opt for the R/T it's worth it IMO.

habalanche

Hi CC Is your new R/T AWD or just FWD. I have the AWD and I find it way underpowered.

caliberchic

It's just FWD.

johnsonj1

Just wondering if you have your new caliber? Did you get roof racks? We got our new caliber in May and cannot get roof racks due to factory redesign. Something with the weather stripping. I was wondering if anyone has found any after market racks. Desperate to get racks to haul my surfboard. That was a major condition when choosing this model. Found out the next day that the racks were not available and now we're stuck. Nice job Jax Chrysler Jeep. Not real happy about that snow job. Signed, stuck on the beach until someone gets busy. :mad: :shades:

bigtsr

A Caliber owner on caliberforumz.com has installed Yakima
or Thule roof rack with picture instructions to show
you how he did it.

dodgeman6

Heads up people!! I LOVE my car, but good god, all my tires are cupping in and it appeared that I needed a full tire alignment. I was going to get hit for $80 at the dealership today, but once they did some more checking on the car, it appears that nothing needs to be aligned?????
What does that mean, I said? The shop is confused, and is calling Dodge tomorrow, and if no issues, they are calling the Firestone company to get me a new set of tires. IF the tire company does not replace the tires, or take responsibility, and Dodge......."dodges the issues" at hand now, then I WILL BE SUEING DODGE FOR A NEW CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was going to be charged $80 for an alignment today since the 7000 warranty on the alignment agreement ran out. I have !6,000 on my car now. I treat it like a baby. It has never been on gravel roads, and I don't tear it up.
So BEWARE, PEOPLE. My DODGE CALIBER SWD R/T is beginning to smell much like a lemon. Even the dealership underwriter told me that he too, would go after Dodge for a car replacement if the shop is already proving that everything is lined up and nothing else to cause this all four tire cupping. I don't want to have to replace tires every 11 months. I haven't even owned it a full year yet.
Andy ideas as to what would cause this? Is it the tires, do you think??? I need all your forum input to guide me since I am going to be up against DODGE and FIRESTONE in the next two days............Thanks for your replies if you have any. :sick:

bigtsr

If the alignment is dead on and you have used due
diligence regarding tire pressures then you had better read
your warranty regarding tires,the tire manufacturer
is the one you have to deal with regarding faulty tires.
Then again if it is an alignment problem they should
fix it or replace it.
Hope they resolve it quickly,my SXT is at 15000 km
and although I am not a fan of Firestone(Bridgestone)
my Affinity tires have quieted down and are wearing evenly,
I run them at 35 lbs year round.
What other problems have you experienced?
Maybe if there have been enough problems you can
get them to do a buy back as 3-4 others on different
forums have done.
Good luck!

nonnemacher

I have the SXT with 17" tires. I have driven about 16k and have rotated two or three times - tires stil look new. No alignment issues on mine - drives well at all speeds. If there were something wrong with the vehicle that was causing this kind of rapid wear, you should also have noticed other poor alignment symptoms like excessive tire noise and pulling/drifting to one side or another. I think the AWD models have 18" tires. Maybe you got a bad set of tires. Hopefully Dodge/Firestone can take care of you. Keep us posted - GN

daveydodge

If what you say is true and the Dealership is truthful, I would have an educated guess as a compound issue on a specific run of the Firestone tires..no drifting, no excessive road noise, no balance or alignment issues, no tierod issues....has to be the rubber compound makeup of tires. I have 18,600 miles on my Caliber and my 17" Firestone tires and have rotated them 3 times in 12 months and have evenly worn tires with 70% tread left...I would be pointing the finger at Firestone and then buying Michelins or Goodyears if they are available in that size!!!! Just my thoughts!!! Severely over or under inflated problem would be second guess but doubtful.

caliberchic

I answered in the other area, I agree I think it's probably the tires.

candacemm

IVE HAD MY CALIBER SXT FOR 4 MONTHS NOW. I HAVE 6K MILES ON IT. I NOTICED SHORTLY AFTER MY PURCHASE THAT THE ENGINE IS WAY LOUD. IT DOESNT SEEM LIKE A BRAND NEW CAR SHOULD BE THAT LOUD. I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE ELSE IS HAVING THIS PROBLEM. I UNDERSTAND THE ENGINE IS DIFFERENT THAN WHAT I WAS USE TO DRIVING BUT I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT YOUR CAR GETS LOUDER AND LOUDER THE OLDER IT GETS. NOT WHEN I COME RIGHT OFF OF THE LOT. BESIDES BEING LOUD THE PICK UP IS SUCKS. ESPECIALLY WITH THE A/C ON. I KNOW ANY CAR IS GOING TO BE A LITTLE MORE SLUGGISH WHEN YOU HAVE THE A/C ON BUT WERE TALKING LIKE 0-60 IN ABOUT 30 SECONDS. ITS PRETTY RIDICULOUS. IVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO TOLD ME THAT IT WAS FINE AND THEN UPGRADED THE COMPUTER IN IT. BUT... IT STILL IS LOUD AND STILL SLUGISH. ANYONE HAVE ANY IDEAS. IM NOT PAYING 280 A MONTH TO HAVE A POS. YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN?

grayseabring

Hi candaacemm
I've had my SXT for 13 months now and it has 20K. Noise has not been a problem and the acceleration is a bit slow. I knew that from the reviews when I bought it. It is faster now than when it was new. I've talked to other owners and we feel you should be asking to see a factory rep. We are happy........yours must be something else.

candacemm

THANKS FOR THE TIP. DO YOU THINK I SHOULD GO BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT IT FROM OR MAYBE EVEN A DIFFERENT ONE AND TEST DRIVE AN EXACT REP OF MY CAR AND SEE IF THERE IS A DIFFERENCE. THAT WAY I COULD TELL THEM, "HEY, LOOK, THIS IS THE SAME EXACT CAR AS MINE AND IT ISNT AS LOUD OR SLUGGISH AS MINE. SO YOU NEED TO FIX MINE!!" LIKE I SAID, I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT IT FROM AND THEY SAID THAT EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL WITH IT. I JUST DONT SEE HOW THATS POSSIBLE. THE ENGINE SOUNDS LIKE I'M DOGGING IT OUT WHEN I ACCELERATE AND IM NOT. IT JUST SOUNDS LIKE IT'S GOING TO BLOW UP OR SOMETHING.
BESIDES THAT I LOVE THE CAR. I JUST WANT TO GET ALL THE SMALL THINGS TAKEN CARE OF WHILE IT'S STILL UNDER WARRENTY.
THANKS AGAIN SO MUCH!!

grayseabring

HI Candaceemm
I would go baack to the selling dealership and tell them that you are still not satisfied. You can test drive another one if you think that would help but tell them the car is not as advertised and is not satisfactory. Ask to speak to a factory rep. ( they make regular rounds ). I would photo copy your service invoices and along with a letter send your complaint to Chrysler. The address should be in your warranty or service manual. Chrysler sends a copy of all complaints or words of praise back to the dealership. I've found the company very responsive. Good luck.

bigtsr

The thing you need to definitely do
is verify the build date,look at the
sticker on the drivers door.
If it was built before May 1/07 then
you should also verify with the dealer
that TSB# 18-031-07 has been followed
with regards to your Caliber as this does
improve engine noise and drivability
(sluggish acceleration).
Another thing maybe your car may not have
come with the engine cover which believe
it or not aids in quieter operation,
Dodge stopped installing them sometime ago
on the SE and SXT as a cost cutting measure.
Let us know how you make out!

candacemm

YOU KNOW WHAT? NOW THAT THINK ABOUT IT, IT DIDNT COME WITH THAT ENGINE COVER YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT. I REMEMBER SEEING IT ON THE ONE THAT I TEST DROVE BUT MINE DOENST HAVE THAT. GRANTED THAT WOULDNT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE ENGINE IT'S BEING SLUGGISH BUT I COULD TAKE IT BACK UP THERE AND HAVE THEM PUT ONE ON IT AND SEE IF THAT CUTS DOWN THE NOISE LEVEL. THANKS AGAIN. ONE DOWN, SEVERAL TO GO!!! AND I WILL HAVE TO GO UP THERE AND TALK TO SOMEONE A LITTLE HIGHER IN RANK THAN THE MECHANIC. THATS PROBABLY I MUCH BETTER IDEA. LOL. THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH. I'LL LET YOU KNOW HOW THINGS GO.

bdyment

Could you please remove your caps lock. It reads as though you are yelling at everyone. Thanks

habalanche

Thank You bdyment

ghs

Hello all

After reading posts related to TSB# 18-031-07 I decided to go to the dealership for my sxt. At first the dealer said you don't need any flash. I returned next day and found another consultant at the dealership. At this time I told him that the car doesn't go fast. He took it in and performed TSB# 18-031-07.

WOW!! What a difference! The car moves faster with better MPG and less noice. The bottom line here is that anyone with these issues should have this performed. Go in and tell them care doesn't go fast. Simply asking for a flash probably won't work (atleast in my cast it did not). Car was build in Nov 06, purchased April 07. Average MPG 25 City 29 Hwy and 27 combine.

This flash is a must! Trust me. You'll see the improvement.

caliberchic

Apparently the crank shaft is shot in my SXT. For about a week it wouldn't accelerate past 2nd gear at random moments. Engine light flashing and dings. Turn car off and wait, it would go again okay. Weirdest thing.

Finally it did it one too many times so dh got motivated to call the dealership. It's in the shop till Thursday and we've got a bare bones Chevy Colbalt.

For those who complain about the interior luxuries or lack there of for the Caliber, they should drive a stock/basic Colbalt. :P

bigtsr

Wow that's a new one!
Your sure they said crankshaft and not camshaft?
I read a post sometime ago that had same symptoms
and it turned out it was loose bolts holding
one of the camshafts bearing caps.
Good luck and let us know what resolution
turns out to be.

boyce

Hi Caliberchic. Did you get this problem resolved or did you get rid of this one?

caliberchic

Resolved it but got rid of it too. It was just too many issues one after another with the car PLUS my R/T is just a way better car. So we kept the R/T and then traded for a Nitro.

daveydodge

Running fine..tires not yet halfway worn...air and fuel filter time..synthetic oil has helped...29 mpg almost always..2.0L automatic...back windsheild is always dirty!!!...could have better all season tire choice...love my Caliber but the Mazda CX-7 and CX-9 are awesome looking although $8-$10,000 dollars more..Ford Edge is nice also...but dollar for dollar Caliber still maximizes appearance and decent performance..interior could use a "richer" look...but hey, for $17,000 what a value!!!...

twosday

I got the 2007 fwd 5 speed with 2.4 litre engine. The tires on it are bridgestone firestone gta firehawks 215/55/18.
I want to switch out to snows for winter and have not been able to find a snow tire for the car!
Any insight people?

spike61

I would not waste my money on snow tires .My 2007 caliber R/T AWD is great in the snow with stock 18 inch tires. I find it hard to make tires spin or slide in snow.Watch tire wear I am having problems with all 4 tires cupping in as little as 2500 miles. If you like to play in the snow like I do this car is like a snowmobile.

bigtsr

I have not owned snow tires since 1968, having said that I
must qualify the statement by adding that I have not lived
outside a modern urban area either.
It's easy to say you do not need them but unless you know
where the car is been driven(snowfall) and the level of driver
competency then if snow tire make it easier or make you
feel safer then by all means go for it.
You should put them on all four wheels if you are going to
do it properly.
I have seen a number of posts regarding the cupping issue
and word has it that most cases are inflation and tire specific
issues and most have been resolved via replacement and four
wheel alignments.

lexan1965

I've heard and read that Dodge is having issues with the 18" and to some degree the 17" tires on the Calibers. The issue is of course "cupping". I just went over 52K miles on my '07 SXT Caliber and replaced the stock tires with Mastercraft touring tires. They run and sound much better! No issues with my car, runs great!
On the issues of dash lights flashing, weird things going on electrically...change the battery! Dodge vehicles are notorious for "strange things" happening when the battery gets ready to die.

lexan1965

Hey CC...that's a nice looking Nitro! How do u like it?