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Dodge Caliber Transmission Problems

24

Comments

  • bigtsrbigtsr Member Posts: 149
    You neglected to specify if it was a standard or the automatic(CVT)
    transmission.Many standard trannies will make a whining or
    howling noise of varying degrees while in reverse,this is particularly
    noticeable when you accelerate backwards then let up on
    the gas pedal.If it's the CVT I have not experienced a noticeable
    noise level while reversing.
  • bevygirlbevygirl Member Posts: 1
    I have the same exact problems. Don't get me wrong, I love my caliber. It drives beautiful and really don't have any other complaints, but...I am at 24,000. miles and when I shift from 2nd to 3rd, sometimes to 4th it clicks (the only way to describe it is like the sound a sparkplug would make or just a click sound, weird?) I can only hear it when my window is down, but it's hard to describe. Not a huge deal, but still concerning.
    I also had my brakes checked just because they felt a little unusual and they ended up replacing the drums and pads! I can't explain that because I do not ever ride the breaks and have only had the car for 8 months? But...they also told me after replacing the back brakes, that my front brakes were at 25 percent and that they needed to be changed within a couple of weeks. It's been two months since then and I decided to have my stepfather change them because they charged me almost 300. and when he went to change them, he told me that my brakes were fine and still had a long, long way to go before they needed to be changed. Now I'm wondering if my rear brakes were ever bad at all? I guess next time I will bring it to another dealer. :(
    Anyway, it is still clicking after they replace the clutch switch? so...not sure what it is, but I am looking for another dodge dealer to help me. :confuse:
    Once again though...I do :blush: love my car....
  • ltyler44ltyler44 Member Posts: 2
    After 25K miles no problems with anything on '07 Caliber SXT. However, mileage was very disappointing until I passed 8K. Then MPG on the road increased to 30, remains around 20 MPG in town.
  • mek0123mek0123 Member Posts: 33
    I have a question to those of you who have had to make multiple trips back to the dealership for the same problem. Are those respective dealerships slated to close now? I've noticed in the Detroit Metropolitan area, 90+% of the dealers here that are slated to lose their franchise license give really poor service. I'm talking about more than a standard tune up, oil change and radiator flush. Since the front line for a manufacturer is the dealer, the bad ones need to just go away. That goes for GM/Ford/Toyota/Honda/Nissan/VW/Mercedes/BMW and others too. When you have repeated complaints about a dealer's service department, the offending dealership needs to be eliminated. Automobiles cost too much for continuing hassles!
  • kc3029kc3029 Member Posts: 1
    i own a dodge caliber SXT.just want to ask if anyone have any problem with the power sterring pump?because mine got accelerating sound when i step on the gas.reply me ASAP..thnaxs :)
  • bigtsrbigtsr Member Posts: 149
    Have you checked the fluid level in the power steering supply?
    I don't see the PS making any noise accelerating in a
    straight line,try it in neutral with hood up to pin point source.
    My sxt is 3 yrs old and no strange noises to date.
  • ojennjennojennjenn Member Posts: 1
    Hi - I have read some of the messages here and am having a similar issue with my 2007 Caliber. The transaxle overheat light has come on twice... once on a day that was about 85 degrees and I had been in my car for something like 40 minutes when the light came on the first time... it went into "limp" mode which is where the RPMs increase but the gas pedal will not allow the car to move at a faster pace until the car seems to completely disengage the gas pedal from the engine/transmission. The second time this happened, I was heading up a freeway and the grades are moderate but nothing too extreme (Hwy 50 from Sacramento to Placerville CA)... and I had to stop twice to "cool off"... When I was driving up my parents' driveway, the car actually stopped and would not move forward no matter how much pressure I put on the gas pedal... it was insane. So, I took it into the dealership and they are telling me that they cannot duplicate the problem ... I insisted that they drive the car for at least 40 minutes in the afternoon or drive it until it happens. I don't like the feeling that they are going to charge me a diagnostic fee telling me that everything looks fine and then next week it happens again and they try to charge me another deductible or diagnostic fee for the same issue. Are all dealership service centers just filled with ignorant mechanics? Shouldn't the transmission specialist know about the quirks that have been reported by people? This seems like since they are "specialists" that there should be some knowledge about it. Sorry, this is more like a rant than a request for feedback/suggestions. Thanks. :cry:
  • dmyrderdmyrder Member Posts: 1
    I have the exact same issue with my 2007 Dodge Caliber. It will go into limp in mode whenever I go on long trips that have grades of 6% or greater. did you ever find out what was causing the problem? i am scheduled for an apointment with the dealer tranny specialist, and i hope they can fix the problem. please let me now if you ever got your problem fixed and what the solution was. Thanx
  • bigtsrbigtsr Member Posts: 149
    I was wondering about 2 things:
    1-What is the milage/kilometers on the odometer?
    2-Have you followed recommended CVT maintenance schedule at milages
    indicated by owners manual if those distances have been achieved?

    There are 2 coolers on the CVT one is on the tranny itself and is referred
    to in the service manual as a "water to trans fluid cooler" and the other
    is the "trans fluid to air cooler" located in front of the standard radiator.
    Have these been checked?
  • caliburned1caliburned1 Member Posts: 5
    I JUST experienced the same issue last night with the car 'limping'.

    I had not driven it since the day before, so it wasn't even warm, never mind hot or overheating, and not a block down the street, I'd put the pedal down to go and it would just crawl. RPMs were about 2500 and the car was going about 10 mph...on a flat street!?

    It's an '07 SXT (cvt) with 60,000 miles on it. Not sure what indicator light you guys are talking about, but my orange/yellow 'engine' light came on before this happened. I went to AutoZone and got a free code read: P0717 - Input Speed Sensor Circuit Low Input....and P0700 - Transmission Control System Malfunction.

    I have not yet looked into a remedy for this, but my hunk 'o junk has been running just fine today. Go figure. This coming week's 500 mile back-and-forth should prove interesting to say the least.

    Is there a Dodge Tech out there who knows what the **** is going on with these cars?!?!?
  • bigtsrbigtsr Member Posts: 149
    First point to make is that your CVT is due for service according
    to the owners 2007 owners manual I have 60,000 miles/100,000 kilometers.
    They change fluid/filters,could be due to your driving style/enviroment the
    fluid is just tired out,I would suggest this as a first option.
    It isn't cheap and must be done by a "dealer".
  • trishlarsonistrishlarsonis Member Posts: 3
    you think you have problems now, just wait! get rid of it while you still can!
  • rpriest67rpriest67 Member Posts: 1
    You said it brother!! My 2007 Caliber RT just rolled over 70,000 miles. Most of these miles are easy hwy miles due to 96 miles per day to work and back. Normally I'd set the cruise on 70mph and the transmission would never shift. Now starting from a stop, speeding up to about 20mph, the transmission jerks several time until it goes to 2nd gear. Really bad win going up a slight grade. I'm taking it in today. Going to try a dealership 1st but since the Bankrupt. I'm not sure how thats going to work out. Any help or guidance will be appreciated.
  • mommydomommydo Member Posts: 1
    My 2007 Dodge Caliber is already in need of a new transmission I was told by the dealer that it was because it has 93,000 miles on it and that it would be cheaper to repace than to rebuild. I think I'll start saving for next transmission, if I will be needing one every two year.
  • bigtsrbigtsr Member Posts: 149
    If you follow the owners manual the CVT(AUTO) trans is not due for its
    first full service somewhere between 90,000-100,000 miles.The servicing
    is expensive due to the special trans fluid and generally costs $250-$300.
    The CVT is not rebuilt by ANY Chrysler dealership,they are replaced as
    a unit and the trans is sent back to JATCO(mfr) for analysis and rebuild.
    Chrysler dealers only replace them.

    Get another dealer/opinion!
  • phoebe53phoebe53 Member Posts: 1
    I bought the caliber for my daughter. I wanted her to have a safe vehicle... what a joke. Like everyone mentioned... after 40 minutes or so of driving the tranny overheated and the car would stop... on the highway!!!

    I took it to the dealership and was told that when they called Chrysler they did not know how to fix the problem and asked to keep the car for a couple days to do testing. They ended up putting a catalytic converter... it has not fixed the problem.
    My brother said the exhaust system if to close to the tranny.

    I want my money back
  • bigtsrbigtsr Member Posts: 149
    I haven't read any of your previous posts(if I recall)
    so I don't know how many miles are on your Caliber.
    Some posts re CVT failures have been resolved by
    replacement of the CVT trans cooler which is located
    in front of the regular rad,seems they clog up.One
    poster had the CVT replaced under warranty when it
    overheated and failed but the dealer did not replace the
    cooler rad and 2 weeks later he had another failed
    CVT.Third time they replaced the cooler and CVT
    together and he's gone 30,000 miles with no problems.

    I am sure if the exhaust was too close to the CVT
    a lot more people would be posting failures including
    me.My Caliber/CVT is over 3 yrs old and the only thing
    I have replaced is the tierod ends.
  • karina23karina23 Member Posts: 1
    All I can tell all of you is that this car sucks, I already had to change the transmission on my 2007 Dodge Caliber. I took it to the Dealer and to see if they will do it under warranty and they said that my warranty was expired. I remember my friend told me that dodge and chrysler tranys go out when they reach 100thousand miles. Well i guess he was right... I wonder if they will ever recall theese crapy cars and all of us can get our money back!!!!!!! Oh and i had to replace the altenator too about 7 months ago.....
  • caliburned1caliburned1 Member Posts: 5
    Yeah, good luck w/ that recall. :lemon: It's probably a couple thousand for the new tranny, right? At this point, our '07s are only worth about $5,000 so it's close to being considered 'totaled'. I've got over 70,000 mi on my SXT already, and BOY DO I HAVE MY FINGERS CROSSED! I still have 2 1/2 years left on the payments, too. The first time I experienced the ''my pedal is close to the floor but the car is going 10 mph'' issue, I immediately changed the tranny fluid (at $26 per qt x 4) and it hasn't happened since. I can also hear the ball joints complaining when cornering above 20-30 mph. Does anyone else agree with me that it's the ABSOLUTE WORST SUSPENSION in the world!??!?! At 40,000 mi., the driver-side suspension was completely shot! Every tiny bump in the road would send the car jumping sideways, especially on a corner... I'd fear for my life! It was literally UNSAFE to drive on the highway. I had them replaced and now at 70,000, I'm starting to notice it again. I drive 95% highway, too. It's not like I'm baja-ing with the thing! Smooth straight highway every day. OK, I could go on...maybe later. Good luck karina23.
  • derbysdenderbysden Member Posts: 2
    Jessica, I have a 2009 Caliber and Mine makes the same creaking noice, front right. I have been told it is "selenoids" in the transmission. At the moment, there is "no" fix and it is with the engineers, so they say. I'm told you can still drive it and nothing will happen, but, whos' to say. I'm dealing with my dealer now, as this thing has 9000km on it, it would have less had it been fixable in August, when I told them about the noise. As of today, the dealer was going to trade my car, without a sunroof (I have one) and, for me to pay 3800.00, that does not include the undercoating and all that I had done to it. Not going to happen. I've told them I'm not paying one red dime. I paid for a car that was perfect, if not perfect, something that is fixable, if not give me another, or give me my money back, lets see what happens.
  • taigetaige Member Posts: 1
    Ok. I have a question. Has anyone had a successful diagnosis on a scratching grinding noise from the front end? I have had this 2008 Caliber SXT 48000 miles for less than three months. I bought it used. I took it into my dealer, not a dodge or chrysler dealer, two weeks after I got it because of this grinding scraping noise. I sat there for 3 and a half hours why they tried one thing after another and could not figure it out. They established that it was not affecting the drivability of the car but would pay for a diagnosis. I took it in a week ago friday to a Chrysler dealership. I got a diagnosis that the sound was coming from the transmission and they recommended it get replaced. They also said that the Left and Right struts need replaced as do both mounts. It also needed an outer tie rod end. When this information was given to my dealer they had me bring it in to be taken to yet another dealership to be diagnosed. I got word from them that it was in fact not the transmission but just the tie rods the struts and wheel bearings. I am wondering mainly if this problem sounds transmission related. Also wondering if the diagnosis sounds correct. Once I get the car back it will be going to a transmision specialist. Any help would be much apreciated.

    -Jon
  • bent109bent109 Member Posts: 2
    My tranny went at 40630 miles it cost me $2900.00.. it seems like it is a common problem with these cars. I spoke with chrysler and they would not do anything to help cover the costs. I filed in small claims court today so i will let everyone know how i make out...For your info theres an idler pulley in the tranny that goes bad and when it goes it actually ruins the shaft and gears. The next generation gears and pulleys from chrysler are completly different looking.I tried to bring it to the dealer but they told me it would be 2 weeks before they can look at it..
  • teenseteense Member Posts: 1
    I just want to thank you for informing us all on your ordeal with your Dodge Caliber. I felt I was alone and that no one would understand what I am going through.

    I bought my 2008 Dodge Caliber SXT on October 2009 with 27,472 miles. When I
    drove it off the lot I was nearing a stop sign so I started to slow down as I was
    slowing down I heard this grinding noise coming from my brake and I was stopping
    when I came to a complete stop it stopped. However as I proceeded to take off and give it gas the grinding noise returned. I said to myself not to stress and give it a couple of days. Well I kept hearing this grinding noise (3rd day) & decided to call the dealership where I purchased car and explained my situation. Made an appt to bring car in and mechanic test drove vehicle. At first he was unable to hear noise and then sure enough it was there the same noise I heard. The first thing he indicated was the transmission and I nearly fainted. He then indicated it still under warranty and to bring it in to a Dodge Dealership for service. On 11/06/09 dropped vehicle off at Dodge Dealer. I called to check on the results and the Service Advisor indicated they did not hear a noise, but that there was a recall on front struts and bumper. He indicated he ordered the parts and that he will contact me when part was in. He also indicated when new struts are installed it might fix the problem. (He just indicated to me that they could not confirm any noise).

    On 11/11/09 took vehicle in to replace the struts. When I picked up car the Service Advisor indicated to me if the noise continues give us a call. I just couldn't believe they did not hear any grinding noise and it just puzzled me because everyday that I drove it thereafter it was getting louder and more frequent. Stressing out and now my frustrations had the best of me. On Wednesday, 11/25/09 I decided to
    I called the Dodge Dealer and informed them that this noise I'm hearing is getting
    more frequent and louder and I'm getting more frustrated, I even indicated I would go with the mechanic to test drive my car.

    Advisor suggested to return car on Friday,11/27/09 and took test drive with mechanic where he then finally heard what I was talking about. Set up appt for Monday, 11/30/09 for inspection. No word from Dodge Service Dept., all day so I called them 4:30 pm when I got off work. Service advisor indicated to me that they have checked and confirmed the issue.(Like I was lying). He also went on and stated they hooked up chassis EAR & traced to internal transmission - He went on saying per Star Chrysler is working on this issue and no repairs at this time. He advised me to return for service (as I am due for oil change at 31,000) and to remind them to check for results & also to document issue. (Why should I remind them of this issue? I just didn't know and it sounds a little fishy to me). Shocked I then stated, Is it okay to drive it with this grinding noise? He said, Oh yeah no problem.

    Upset I decided to call the dealer where I purchased the vehicle and speak to the mechanic who test drove my vehicle at first. I explained my situation and he too, thought it sound a little fishy. I then proceeded to ask if I could take my car to a transmission shop and was told since it is still under warranty it has to go through a Dodge Dealership and also if we had a Chrysler Dealership in my city they too can inspect Dodge vehicles. I told him we did and called to have them inspect.

    On Monday, 12/14/09 took vehicle in and was shuttled to work by chrysler. Received phone call from mechanic and he indicated he couldn't hear noise. I suggested to him to continue to test drive it and it's more frequent as you start to slow down and come to a complete stop and again when you proceed to give it gas pressing pedal down is when you hear the grinding the most. Called mechanic after work and he informed me they could not find anything different from the other vehicles of the same make & indicated he could not duplicate my complaint. He then said they drove a caliber there at their lot & when driven had same noise & causing no problem shifting. Granted I never mentioned ANYTHING about shifting problems. They indicated they also called the Helpline on this issue. I'm now at a loss for words and worrying and feeling I have invested all my money in this vehicle with this abnormal noise. And no one can give me a straight answer. The Dodge Dealer indicated it was traced to internal transmission & per STAR Chrysler -is working on the issue & then I have the Chrysler Dodge indicating that this noise I hear is normal & that they could not find anything different from the other calibers they've driven-they all had the same noise.

    I just don't believe for the price of these vehicles we should hear any noise. With these newer vehicles they only recommend the dealerships to do ANY and ALL the required service, repairs and preventive maintenance. And that's how they end up
    sucking us consumer dry.So who wins in the long run.........not us the consumer..

    Since purchasing this vehicle, I feel there is more information they do not want to disclose or do not have answers for the consumer. I feel they owe me an explanation and should have disclosed this when we consumers purchase one of their vehicles. And if this noise is normal and they could not find anything different from the other vehicles and they all had the same noise causing no problems in the transmission then disclose it so we can decide if w">e want to invest our money. I really feel this issue is more serious than they want us to think. It puzzles me to think that the automakers/dealership can actual get away with this and assumes no responsibility for product liablility to the consumers along with punitive damages on misconduct and misrepresentation for not disclosing certain information.

    It is just not right!
  • bent109bent109 Member Posts: 2
    the problem is most likely the idler pulley in the transmission. once it goes it will take out all the gears and ruin the shafts.. I am collecting names and addresses of anyone who has had problems with there tranny so I can have my attorney write a letter and hopefully get them to acknowledge that there is a problem..Please send address and a brief description to abcwoodworking@gmail.com. i will keep everyone notified as to the progress that is being made.
  • heydebheydeb Member Posts: 1
    I own an 07 Dodge Caliber. I read all the posts on this problem. I have 105.000 km on it. I had it in for an oil change and service on Jan. 8. On the way home the RPMs went way up for no reason. Then my check engine light went on. I phoned the dealer that just serviced the car and they said to keep driving it unless the check engine light started flashing. I couldn't get it in to fix the check engine light for 2 weeks. I drive 80 km. a day to work and back. On the second day the car was still revving between 3 & 4000. I had a hard time holding it at 80 km an hr. Started my car on 2nd day to go home and it wouldnt go past 20 km per hr and revving up to 4000 RPM. Got it towed to dealer and they said it was the sensor input for the transmission. After that bill was added up, they informed me that was not the problem. Transmissions gone. I am now looking at close to a $6000.00 transmission replacement and repair job. I am sick about this. My coverage was covered for 100.000 km. and it has 105.000 km on it. Dodge will not bend at all in helping me out. I told them I had informed them of the problem and kept driving under thier advise. They will not bend as they didn't know the check engine light was on for that reason and it could have been any number ofreasons as a loose gas cap. After reading all the posts on the Caliber I think Dodge should put out a recall on this transmissions. I would guess there are a lot more out there than are posted here. I can't afford this bill, and all I want now is to get DODGE out of my life. :mad:
  • lexan1965lexan1965 Member Posts: 118
    I've had my '07 SXT Caliber for 108,000 miles now...no issues at all! I guess I got lucky as I bought one of the first to arrive at the dealership when they had just come out. I love the CVT but I just found out it cost around 500 bucks (labor included) to get the CVT filter and fluid changed. Ouch! The filter is 37 bucks and the fluid (7 quarts) costs 28 bucks a quart! If I had known that 4 yrs ago when I bought this car i wouldn't have! Like I said, I can't complain as it has been a good, dependable vehicle. The suspension is not the greatest and the road noise is evident but for 17 thousand bucks I'm not complaining. The only thing I've done with mine is new brakes at 100,000 miles and new tires twice.
  • todd42todd42 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2007 and have had the same prob, to be honest all i did was apply wd-40 to the axles,tierods and anything else "metal that needed lubrication" and check the power stearing and brake fluids and the noises have subsided. As a FORMR car salesman i can say unless u know the people they r not to be trusted 95% of the time. They are basically liars and crooks, i could not believe how it was done and i got out.
  • dodgedodgerdodgedodger Member Posts: 2
    edited May 2010
    I just turned over 36,000 miles. Had transmission put in at 31,000, within 3000 miles the grinding is back. I am meeting with an arbitrator in the morning. My dealership (Martin Dodge, Bowling Green, KY) could not find the sound in January 2010. I parked the car and contacted Dodge to start arbitration. I was told I would have the paperwork by the end of the week. It took over 2 1/2 months and 8 phone calls to get the paperwork. Took my car back to dealership again. They heard the sound this time, but claim it is coming from the brakes being rusty from setting. they wanted to do a brake job (useless). Driving the car some has cleared the brakes and the sound is still there. I believe the dealerships are trying to cover up the short comings of Dodge's quality issues.

    I am willing to plaster my car with reasons not to buy Dodge and drive by the dealerships honking my horn everytime I see customers.

    If we all get together, we can make a difference for all of us hard working individuals just trying to keep food on the table and a roof over our head. Chrysler may not hear an individual, but it will hear the masses of unsatisfied customers. Call your tv/radio stations, senators, representatives, and even the President, if you have enough pull. We need to make Chrysler held responsible for putting junk on the market.

    will never own another Chrysler product!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • jakesmom97jakesmom97 Member Posts: 7
    HEY HAS ANYONE EVER HAD THIS ISSUE,, WAS DRIVING MY CAR A WEEK AGO AND THE TRANSMISSION OIL TEMP LIGHT AND MALIFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. CAR SLOWED TO ABOUT 5 MILES PER HOUR AND WOULD NOT GO FASTER. HAD TOWED IN TO DODGE DEALER AND THEY SAY THEY CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM AT ALL. THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE IS GOOD, FULL OF TRANSMISSION FLUID, NO BROKE WIRES, THEY SAY THEY CAN NOT FIND THE ISSUE.. ANY IDEAS ANYONE. IT WON'T GO ANYWHERE NOW..JUST SITS THERE.. :sick:
  • caliburned1caliburned1 Member Posts: 5
    Hi jakesmom97, (pls no CAPS, thanks :)
    I had a similar issue: Pls see post# 64 and 73.
    I'd put the pedal down and it would not go any faster than 5-10 mph. My 'check engine' light was on. Not sure if that was the same light as yours. Anyway, I pulled over and shut the car off, turned it back on, went to reverse, then to drive, then reverse again, then drive... and it hasn't happened again. I did however change the trans fluid the next day ($$$$$$). Dealership (of course) could not find anything wrong. I now have 80K mi. Fingers are still crossed. :confuse:
  • salinebobtsalinebobt Member Posts: 4
    I have a '07 Caliber SXT with the CVT transmission and 33K miles. Today I experienced what felt like periodic belt slippage out of the transmission while normal driving. The belt seemed to re-engage when I let off the gas. I also noticed that on the instrumentation cluster, the box around the Drive indicator began flashing then all of the gear indicators (PRND) had boxes lit around them and there was a 5th one displayed which was the number 8 inside of a box. Also, the yellow engine light came on (not blinking). Any ideas? Thanks.
  • jakesmom97jakesmom97 Member Posts: 7
    My Caliber is going on 18+ days brokedown and in the 2nd dealership trying to find out the problem.. Until you wrote about the PRND problem I forgot about it . That happened about 2-3 times prior to my problem. Then all sudden the Transmission Oil Temp light and I slowed to 5-10 mph..If I was you and you are still under warranty I would get this a Dealer ASAP..Mine is out of warranty and All the cost is mine..My engine light also came on and did not blink. I just spoke to the first dealer it was at and told them that about the PRND and he said it may have something to do with my Transmission issue. He also said that you can not rebuild these trans. new ones must be put back in. I would really suggest gettting to a good dealer and getting it resolved.

    I will update status of my car when I find out something.
  • jakesmom97jakesmom97 Member Posts: 7
    If you have info on the transmission issue let me know ( I am post 83 & 86.. I will keep checking back on here.
    Thanks
  • salinebobtsalinebobt Member Posts: 4
    Thanks for your prompt reply, sorry to hear your warrenty has expired. I'm just returning from taking the car into my local Dodge dealer so they can look at it tomorrow morning. Fortunately, according to the dealer, I have 3 days remaining on the 3yr/36k warranty, so I think I'm covered. But, I won't celebrate until I'm driving the car home. I will also update you as to my dealer's diagnosis of the problem. Thanks again, Bob.
  • jakesmom97jakesmom97 Member Posts: 7
    Did they tell you anything? They are suppose to start looking at mine Monday at the 2nd Dodge Dealership.. I did get some good news the 1st Dodge Dealership said they were not going to charge me anything (yet) because they had was time in it. Let us know what they said..I was hoping you found out something so I would be able to tell my mechanics..Thanks
  • salinebobtsalinebobt Member Posts: 4
    Mine was diagnosed as a bad "Range sensor" in the CVT. The service clerk did not have the Chrysler part number available. My dealer did not have the new part in stock, so the car will not get repaired until Monday. Supposedly, the bad sensor results in the PRND boxes issue and causes the CVT the transmission slippage. I requested that after repairs are completed, that the car be road-tested for a long distance (not just around the block). Hope this helps...
  • jakesmom97jakesmom97 Member Posts: 7
    Thank you for the help. I will call the 1st dealer that I took mine to and tell him Monday morning. I hope mine is that simple (which that is not a simple problem- but you know what I mean). I should know something Monday they said. I will update Monday on my issue. :sick:
  • salinebobtsalinebobt Member Posts: 4
    edited May 2010
    My Caliber was repaired today and worked fine for the 5 mile trip home. It was repaired under warranty, so I don't have prices available. On the Service Invoice, the issue is described as:

    "CE light ON. Gear shift indicater has all gears enclosed. Seems to be shifting erratic like its stuck in gear or not shifting."

    The repair service is described as:

    "Replace range sensor and repair T3 Circuit wire, clear codes, and test drive."

    Part numbers listed were:

    Qty // FP-Number // Description

    1 // 5189839-AA // Switch in 8058060
    2 // 6504521 // Pin Push 23015009
    2 // 4778570 // Sleeve HE 8059040

    Hope this helps...
  • jakesmom97jakesmom97 Member Posts: 7
    Thank you for your information. The 2nd dealer said after just a few hours checking they found the problem with a wire and was test driving it. I have to call back tomorrow for the total cost for repair. They did find another issue with the intake manafold, it has a small leak he said that is why my check engine light is on ($500 to repair that-but said that could wait). But I am going to mention about the PRND lights. Thank you for the help and was glad your's was under warranty. I will update later on my complete repair and cost.
  • jakesmom97jakesmom97 Member Posts: 7
    Well I got my car back.. 2 dealers, $375.00 & 23 days later I got it back..Priceless.lol. They said there was a broke wire betweern two modules that they the transmission want to do. I mentioned about the PRND and they said nothing about it. They say I have a leak in my intake manifold, so that is next to get fixed. I appreciate all your help on this. I hope that I don't have any more transmission problems. Good luck with all you Caliber's out there. :shades:
  • greylady3greylady3 Member Posts: 1
    So yesterday I drove about 150 miles round trip in my 2007 SXT (63000 miles) with about an 8 hr gap between trips No problem, ran fine. This morning when I tried to back out of my carport the car didn't move for 3 or 4 seconds and then threw itself into reverse. Ditto drive. Once it was moving I had no problem. Tucson Dodge tells me I'm going to need a whole new tranny, which I have to wait for because they are on "National Back Order." This tells me there are a lot of failing 2007 trannies. Mine's on warranty, but they still want $100.00 deductible on it. While I was waiting, I overheard that in the past two weeks, they have had 3 tranny failures on Calibers. :sick: May I hope I get the car paid off before the new tranny croaks?:
  • gizm0mangizm0man Member Posts: 13
    Just got off the phone with my Dodge dealership. Last Tuesday my car started making a warbling sound. Dropped it off this AM. They called this afternoon, it's the tranny. I have 50800 miles on it. I paid for an extended warrantee when I got the car 3 years ago. They are waiting for an inspector for the insurance company to inspect the car. Hopefully the repair will be covered, but who knows when it will be repaired. Does this look like a class action may be in the works, if so many trannys are breaking?
  • jlmjodijlmjodi Member Posts: 3
    I have a 2007 dodge caliber. Just like many posts I have read my car would be driving 10 miles rpms winding up to 3000 going no where I had a software update then a tranny flush (the flush was almost 300.) my car has 60,000 miles supposedly you don't need that service til 100,000 miles still the same problem. My last visit to the shop the car was diagnosed as needing a new catalytic converter (covered under warranty) and a new tranny-not covered 3700. No help from crystler Corp does anyone have any ideas or has had any luck with getting assistance for this problem??help!!
  • gizm0mangizm0man Member Posts: 13
    My dealer called Wed and told me that the extended warranty company had located will cover the replacement with a used tranny. Service agent said that there was a long back order on new ones. Now it's just a waiting game for the tranny to show up at the dealer.
  • jlmjodijlmjodi Member Posts: 3
    I wish I had bought the extented warranty am getting NO help from chrystler they tell me it's not a common issue with this car,funny the transmissions are on back order! Has anyone had any luck getting chrystler to pay for any not covered work?
  • dodgesucks2dodgesucks2 Member Posts: 1
    Do you happen to work for Dodge by any chance? You sure do take offence to peoples complaints about this POS? We pay for this car with our hard earned money and yeah we are pi**** that it has cost us so much time and money!! And people like you and the dodge corporation don't give a fling rats a** about it. If you had paid for your car instead of driving a car off the lot with your special new car dealer tag you would be mad also!
  • ymartinez067ymartinez067 Member Posts: 2
    I'm irritated with this car. I bought this car used and actually swore to myself I would never buy another dodge when my 2001 Dodge Intrepid overheated and blew a head gasket under 100K miles cause air got into the line. Anyways, I got this car because I didn't have time to go look for a car and my dad did me the favor. I got it in 2009 it had 65K miles, so yeah me, everything was out of warranty!

    First problem (alternator): Well I figured it was okay since it gave me decent gas mileage, a month after the alternator started sparking! I could have died because of the stupid thing, my car could have caught on fire if I was not car savvy. New alternator cost me around $400 from Kragen and then to install it was an even bigger pain. I tried yanking it out through the hood but the stupid design left me jacking up my car, removing my wheel well and barely getting it out. When I did get it out besides the sparks I saw when I turned on my engine, the alternator case was melted and wires were clearly visible. Stupid POS!

    Second problem (battery): Not too long after that, I began smelling sulfur. It took me a while to figure out that the alternator damaged the battery enough so that acid was starting to leak and steam/burn while the car was in drive. What's worse is that since I didn't realize the battery was toasted, I was still driving my car around and periodically it would shut itself off while I was on the freeway driving 65 mph! I had no idea what was going on until I realized the sulfur I was smelling was not from driving in marshland neighborhoods, but my battery.

    Third and Fourth problem (engine and catalytic converter): This started happening around 90K miles. first I get a P0420 code when my check engine came on. I was and still am in disbelief, catalytic converter going out? WTF?, then shortly after the first code I kept getting a P0304 error code which was a cylinder 4 misfire. Okay I thought it was the spark plugs, changed them all and code was still there. Drove the car for a bit then the code went away and m=no symptoms of anything wrong, a few days later it came back, then would go away. This is when I named my car Diva since she's so moody. Anyways code kept doing the same thing then the symptoms appeared the car was shaky, knocking, and the check engine light started to flash. I had no idea what was going on. I have given my car regular maintenance. I bought a new coil for cylinder 4, switched the old ones around, checked the electrical, replaced the fuel injector for cylinder 4, did test after test, and then decided to do a compression test. Sure enough i was only getting 20 on the compression test reading on cylinder 4 while I was getting a reading of 70 on the others. F*&^*$# piece of machinery! Opened up the engine to find that the ring on the piston was completely caked on and burnt onto the piston, same thing for the rest of the pistons and rings but not as bad as cylinder 4. How can this many things happen to a car that is under 3 yrs old and under 100k miles????? So after overhauling the engine I'm out $3,000.

    So when I get my car put back together I thought that the P0420 code was part of the misfire but no, I was wrong. I still have the catalytic converter code. Okay, so I replace the oxygen sensor, nope not the problem. I call around to see how much it would cost to fix the cat, another $500, and what's even better about that is that no one I called can get the cat so I have to take it to the dealer and get charged up the [non-permissible content removed] for the part and labor.

    Fifth problem (brakes): When I first got the car, I did an entire tune up of the car and replaces all the disk and brake pads. First thing I noticed was that the front disk rotor had hot spots and the previous owner had let the brake pads go raw. Okay fixed that, but less than a year after this replacement, my front driver disk rotor has hot spots again, and the brake pad on that side was completely ate up, and the passenger side, everything looked brand new? I just don't know what to do with that, I've never seen anything like it

    Sixth problem (front struts): My struts are out on the front. What a load of crap!!! Who has heard of struts going out on a three year, now four year old car???

    Although I find my car's interior design pleasing, the workmanship on this vehicle is as if two year olds had assembled it with their erector sets! If this is not a lemon I don't know what is!

    I really would love to get a class action suit against dodge for selling us this POS!!!
    :mad: :lemon: :sick: :mad: :lemon:
  • thurtonthurton Member Posts: 1
    HI, I am i bought a Dodge caliber in 2007 and it was the biggest mistake i had ever made.
    Within the first year, the transmission light started to come on about once, then the light started to come on within 40 miles of driving and it did not matter if it was in the mountains or on flat land.
    I tuck it to the dealer where i bought it in San Bernardino and they could not find the problem . within 2 years it broke down and i had it towed to the said dealer , they did not slove the problem , 1month after that the car broke down and would not start so it wos towet again to the said dealer, the car wos there for close to a week (6 Days?) . during that time i went there twice to see the engin andmaby trans in pieces.
    When i receive the car it work great for about a week and it started to go into the "iimp " mode agein.
    When i return the car again , i wos told they could not doplicate the condition to see the problem for them self. 2 1/2 years i had to change the alternater and battery..
    I still have the problem it gose today it went off twice . I LEARN TO LIVE WITH THE PROBLEM, WHEN TI GOSE IN (LIMP) MODE.
    When the light comes on, i pull to the side of the road untill the light gose off in about 10 minutes.thanks , you might have to live with the problem like i am doing.
  • headache1headache1 Member Posts: 1
    Love my Dodge Caliber. NOT!!!
    Just had the car 3 years and the Transmission needs replaced. I was a big Dodge fan cause at one point in time it was the only company that didn't give me the run around. I would not suggest this car to anyone. :lemon:
  • gizm0mangizm0man Member Posts: 13
    Had my tranny replaced with a used one in July since new ones were on back order. Ever since I've had a hesitation/loss of power when the car shifts from 1st to 2nd at rpm. Dealer has tried to flash the memory but nothing has worked. They are getting no error codes. Took it back in yesterday and they are waiting for the extended warranty company to give the OK to replace the tranny again.
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