🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Caliber

Years Covered:

2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

Platform:

Chrysler JS platform (co-developed with Mitsubishi)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV / Compact Car

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious buyers seeking a practical and versatile vehicle.

Key Competitors:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Chevrolet HHR

Unique Selling Points:

Stylish (for its segment), spacious interior, available AWD, unique 'Chill Zone' cooler compartment (on select trims), one of the few compact crossovers with an available manual transmission in its early years.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Repair and Service

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Wiring Diagrams, Specifications

Estimated Page Count:

2000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Technical Service Manual (TSM)

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Searchable, Printable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Manual & CVT), Drivetrain (FWD & AWD)

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front & Rear, ABS, ESP), Wheels, Tires

Electrical:

Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC Controls, Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Audio System, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors)

Body And Interior:

Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Trim, Airbags, Restraint Systems

Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks & Replacements, Belt Inspections & Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, Component testing procedures

Repair:

Engine overhaul, Transmission overhaul (CVT & Manual), Brake system repair, Suspension component replacement, Electrical component repair/replacement, Body panel repair

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications, Fluid capacities and types, Electrical component resistance values, Alignment specifications

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution scans, clear text, easily navigable sections.

Searchability:

Full text search enabled for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages, allowing for offline use and physical reference.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

2.0L 4-Cylinder (2.0 World Engine)

Displacement 1:

1998 cc (122 cu. in.)

Horsepower 1:

158 hp @ 6300 rpm

Torque 1:

141 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

Engine Code 2:

2.4L 4-Cylinder (2.4 World Engine)

Displacement 2:

2360 cc (144 cu. in.)

Horsepower 2:

172 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 2:

165 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Engine Code 3:

1.8L 4-Cylinder (1.8 World Engine)

Displacement 3:

1798 cc (110 cu. in.)

Horsepower 3:

148 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 3:

125 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code 4:

2.0L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder (2.0 DOHC Turbo)

Displacement 4:

1998 cc (122 cu. in.)

Horsepower 4:

285 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque 4:

260 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

Injection Type:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher for Turbo)

Engine Design:

World Engine family (jointly developed by Chrysler, Mitsubishi, Hyundai)

🔧 Transmission

Type 1:

5-speed Manual (MTX)

Type 2:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) - Jatco JF011E

Type 3:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with simulated 6-speed manual mode (CVT2, CVT3)

Drivetrain Availability:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) standard, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) optional on select trims (typically with 2.4L engine and CVT).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

168.1 - 170.1 inches (4269 - 4320 mm)

Width:

69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height:

63.4 inches (1610 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.7 inches (2634 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 97.2 cu. ft.

Cargo Volume Seats Up:

Approx. 14.0 - 20.3 cu. ft. (depending on configuration)

Cargo Volume Seats Down:

Approx. 45.7 - 53.1 cu. ft. (depending on configuration)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3100 - 3400 lbs (1406 - 1542 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

★★★★ (4-star)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

★★★★ (4-star)

NHTSA Side Driver:

★★★★ (4-star)

NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:

★★★★ (4-star)

NHTSA Rollover:

★★★★ (4-star) (4WD models typically higher)

IIHS Front Small Overlap:

Poor to Acceptable (varies by model year and specific test)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good

IIHS Roof Strength:

Good

Electronic Stability Control:

Available (ESP)

Anti-Lock Brakes:

Standard (ABS)

Traction Control:

Standard

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, Side-curtain airbags, Optional front-seat mounted side airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for all occupants, LATCH child seat anchors

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional Boston Acoustics premium audio system, Uconnect infotainment system with navigation and Bluetooth on higher trims.

Connectivity:

Available Uconnect hands-free communication with Bluetooth, USB input, auxiliary audio jack.

Cruise Control:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Optional rear parking assist system.

Climate Control:

Manual HVAC or available automatic climate control.

Keyless Entry:

Standard or available keyless entry with push-button start.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on driving environment.

Spark Plug Replacement:

100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium-tipped spark plugs (standard on most World Engines).

Engine Oil Type 1:

SAE 5W-20 (2.0L & 2.4L World Engines)

Engine Oil Type 2:

SAE 5W-30 (1.8L World Engine)

Coolant Type:

OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Mopar OAT (color is typically orange/pink)

Transmission Fluid Cvt:

Chrysler/Mopar CVTF+4 (or equivalent specification from Jatco)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Cvt Issues:

Some CVT transmissions (Jatco JF011E) can experience premature failure, hesitation, or slipping, often related to fluid degradation or valve body issues. Regular fluid changes are critical.

Engine Mounts:

Cracked or worn engine mounts can lead to excessive vibration.

Power Steering:

Some models experienced power steering pump failures or leaks.

Cabin Air Filter:

Cabin air filter is often difficult to access, requiring partial dashboard disassembly.

Exterior Paint:

Some reports of premature paint peeling or fading on certain exterior panels.

📚 Vehicle History

Parent Company:

Chrysler Group LLC (later Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)

Introduction Year:

2007

Facelift Year:

2011 (minor styling updates, interior improvements)

Discontinuation Year:

2012

Manufacturing Plant:

Belvidere Assembly Plant, Belvidere, Illinois, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Previous Generation Awards:

N/A - The Dodge Caliber did not receive significant widespread automotive awards during its production run.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Historically rated below average in reliability by sources like Consumer Reports.

Safety Certifications:

Meets all US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for its model years.