Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, collision centers.
Value Proposition:
Cost savings through self-repair, access to professional-level repair data.
User Experience:
Easy to follow, step-by-step instructions, rich visual aids (pictures and diagrams).
Download Availability:
Instant download upon payment completion.
Primary Focus:
Exterior Body Panels, Chassis Structural Components, Interior Trim related to Body Repair, Glass Replacement, Sealing Systems
Structural Components:
Frame rails, crossmembers, unibody construction, pillars (A, B, C), roof structure, floor pans, rocker panels.
Exterior Panels:
Fenders (front/rear), hood, doors (front/rear), trunk lid/liftgate, bumpers (front/rear), quarter panels, roof panel.
Glass And Seals:
Windshield, side glass, rear window, sunroof (if applicable), all weather stripping and seals.
Interior Trim For Access:
Door panels, dashboard components, headliner, seat removal for body access, trunk trim, kick panels.
Repair Procedures:
Panel Replacement (Fenders, Doors, Hood, Trunk Lid, Bumpers), Dent Repair, Sheet Metal Straightening, Welding Procedures, Adhesion Bonding, Seam Sealing, Body Alignment, Glass Installation/Removal, Interior Trim Disassembly/Reassembly for Body Access, Underbody Repair
Welding Techniques:
Spot welding, MIG welding, TIG welding specifications for various steel types used in the chassis.
Adhesive Bonding:
Use of structural adhesives and sealants for panel bonding, water sealing, and vibration damping.
Straightening And Reshaping:
Techniques for repairing bent or damaged sheet metal and structural components.
Alignment And Gaps:
Specifications for panel gaps and alignment critical for door closing, hood fitment, and overall vehicle aesthetics and function.
Underbody Coatings:
Application and repair of undercoating, rustproofing, and sound deadening materials.
Depth:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, diagnostic procedures for body damage, specifications for materials and tools.
Collision Repair Guidelines:
Detailed diagrams showing frame alignment points and specifications.
Material Specifications:
Information on different types of steel (high-strength, mild steel), aluminum, and plastic used in body construction.
Tooling Requirements:
Specification of specialized tools required for body repair, such as frame straightening machines, welders, and panel flanging tools.
Engine Options Covered In Body Manual:
Likely covers body structures associated with all Dodge Caliber engine variants (2.0L, 2.4L, 1.8L, 2.0L CRD).
2 0L World Engine:
DOHC, 16-valve, 2.0-liter inline-4 cylinder. Power output typically around 140-158 hp depending on variant.
2 4L World Engine:
DOHC, 16-valve, 2.4-liter inline-4 cylinder. Power output typically around 172 hp.
1 8L World Engine:
DOHC, 16-valve, 1.8-liter inline-4 cylinder. Power output typically around 140 hp.
2 0L Crd Diesel:
Turbocharged Diesel, 2.0-liter inline-4 cylinder. Power output typically around 140 hp.
Performance Impact On Body:
Body structural integrity considerations related to engine mounting points and thermal management.
Fuel System Body Interaction:
Body panels and undercarriage protection related to fuel tank and lines.
Transmission Types Covered In Body Manual:
Manual (5-speed), CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), Automatic (4-speed) - body repair implications for transmission tunnel and underbody shields.
Cvt2:
Continuously Variable Transmission, often marketed as 'CVT2'. Used with various engine options.
Getrag 88 Manual:
5-speed manual transmission.
41Te Automatic:
4-speed automatic transmission (less common).
Optional Transmissions:
Diesel CRD transmission variants.
Transmission Related Bodywork:
Underbody splash shields, exhaust routing, cooling system access points.
Exterior Dimensions Guidance:
Specifications for panel dimensions, clearances, and alignment critical for body repair.
Length:
Approx. 172.1 inches (4371 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm)
Height:
Approx. 60.5 inches (1537 mm)
Interior Trim Dimensions:
Information for removal and installation of interior panels affecting body repair access.
Cargo Area Body Repair:
Repair procedures for rear hatch, bumper, and associated structural elements.
Material Weight Considerations:
Guidance on handling and structural load considerations for replacement body panels.
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3000-3300 lbs (1361-1497 kg) depending on configuration.
Safety Ratings Impact On Repair:
Emphasis on maintaining structural integrity for crashworthiness after repairs.
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star driver, 5-star passenger (for 2007 models).
NHTSA Side Impact:
4-star front, 4-star rear (for 2007 models).
Active Safety Components Body Impact:
Considerations for sensors and mounting points of active safety systems (e.g., parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring) integrated into bumpers and body panels.
Passive Safety Components Body Impact:
Detailed procedures for repairing or replacing components directly involved in passive safety, such as crumple zones, A, B, and C pillars, and roof structure.
Airbags:
Front airbags, optional side curtain airbags, optional front side airbags.
Body Structure:
Unibody construction with front and rear crumple zones designed to absorb impact energy.
Infotainment Body Integration:
Interior trim removal procedures relevant to accessing dashboard components, speakers, and antennae.
Driver Assistance Body Mounting:
Precise locations and procedures for recalibrating or replacing sensors associated with driver assistance systems (e.g., radar units, cameras) if they are integrated into body panels or bumpers.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist sensors are integrated into the rear bumper fascia.
Connectivity Components Body Access:
Body panel removal for accessing antenna modules, GPS receivers, or telematics units.
Body Maintenance Considerations:
While this is a repair manual, it implies the need for proper seam sealing and corrosion protection maintenance after repairs.
Sealant And Adhesive Specs:
Likely specifies types and application methods for body sealants, adhesives, and structural bonding agents.
Body Sealant Type:
Likely specifies GM P/N 12378457 or equivalent high-solids polyurethane seam sealer.
Adhesives Type:
Likely specifies structural adhesives such as 3M Automix adhesives (e.g., 08105, 08108) or equivalent.
Common Body Damage Areas:
Focuses on repairing all common body damage, from minor dings to major structural impacts.