Positioning:
The Dodge Caliber was positioned as a compact hatchback/crossover in the North American market, offering a practical and versatile alternative to traditional sedans.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Mazda3, and Chevrolet Cobalt.
Feature Highlights:
The Caliber was known for its distinctive styling, spacious interior for its class, available all-wheel drive (on some models), and a range of engine options including a robust diesel.
Audience:
DIY car enthusiasts, independent repair shops, and anyone seeking to perform accurate maintenance and repairs on their 2007-2008 Dodge Caliber.
Engine Systems:
1.6L 4-Cyl 16V SOHC, 2.0L 4-Cyl 16V DOHC, 2.2L 4-Cyl Turbo Diesel, 2.4L 4-Cyl 16V DOHC, 2.4L 4-Cyl 16V DOHC H.O. Turbo
Transmission Systems:
41TE 4-Speed Electronic Automatic, NV T350 5-Speed Manual, GETRAG 288 5-Speed Manual
Chassis Systems:
Suspension, Differential & Driveline, Brakes, Steering, Tires/Wheels, Frame & Bumpers
Electrical Systems:
Audio/Video, Chime/Buzzer, Electronic Control Modules (ECM/PCM), Engine Systems, Heated Systems, Horn, Ignition Control, Instrument Cluster, Lamps, Message Systems, Power Systems, Restraints (SRS), Speed Control, Vehicle Theft Security, Wipers/Washers, Navigation/Telecommunication, Wiring Diagrams
Comfort And Convenience:
Heating & Air Conditioning
Powertrain Management:
Fuel System, Exhaust System, Emissions Control
Maintenance:
Lubrication, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Tune-ups, Scheduled Maintenance
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine Mechanical, Transmission Overhaul, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Rebuild, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, HVAC System Servicing
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Diagnostics, Electrical Circuit Tracing
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures for all major systems, including powertrain, chassis, and electrical
Technical Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, seats, headliner, glass replacement, door mechanisms.
Wiring And Schematics:
Detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, component location guides, connector pinouts.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Comprehensive lists of all technical specifications, measurements, and acceptable tolerances for parts and systems.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive OEM Factory Level
Detail Level:
Includes detailed diagrams, schematics, exploded views, diagnostic flowcharts, and step-by-step repair instructions
1.6L Sohc:
Displacement: 1.6 Liters (1598cc); Cylinders: 4; Valves: 16; Configuration: Inline; Fuel System: Gasoline Injection; Power: Approximately 108 hp; Torque: Approximately 110 lb-ft
2.0L DOHc:
Displacement: 2.0 Liters (1998cc); Cylinders: 4; Valves: 16; Configuration: Inline; Fuel System: Gasoline Injection; Power: Approximately 148 hp; Torque: Approximately 135 lb-ft
2.2L Turbo Diesel:
Displacement: 2.2 Liters (2148cc); Cylinders: 4; Valves: 16; Configuration: Inline; Fuel System: Common Rail Direct Injection (CRD); Turbocharged: Yes; Power: Approximately 154 hp; Torque: Approximately 236 lb-ft (estimated, specific ratings may vary)
2.4L DOHc:
Displacement: 2.4 Liters (2360cc); Cylinders: 4; Valves: 16; Configuration: Inline; Fuel System: Gasoline Injection; Power: Approximately 172 hp; Torque: Approximately 165 lb-ft
2.4L H.O. Turbo:
Displacement: 2.4 Liters (2360cc); Cylinders: 4; Valves: 16; Configuration: Inline; Fuel System: Gasoline Injection; Turbocharged: Yes; Power: Approximately 215 hp; Torque: Approximately 220 lb-ft (for SRT4 model)
Engine Management:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with various engine control modules (ECU/PCM) depending on engine and transmission
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline for gasoline engines, Diesel fuel for diesel engine
Length:
Approximately 174.5 inches
Width:
Approximately 70.5 inches
Height:
Approximately 60.4 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 103.7 inches
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
Approximately 19.6 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:
Approximately 41.8 cubic feet
Curb Weight:
Varies by engine and configuration, typically ranging from 3,100 to 3,500 lbs.
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Good (on driver and passenger side for 2007 models)
IIHS Side Impact Test:
Acceptable (for 2007 models)
ABS:
Standard on most trims; available on base models.
Traction Control:
Available on select models, often with ESP (Electronic Stability Program).
Electronic Stability Control:
Available on higher trims, known as Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side curtain airbags, available front seat-mounted side airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for front occupants.
Audio System:
Available AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio systems, with options for premium Boston Acoustics sound systems on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional navigation system available on some models.
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional depending on trim level, integrated into the steering wheel controls.
Auxiliary Input:
Available auxiliary audio input jack for connecting external devices.
Power Outlets:
Standard 12V auxiliary power outlets.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendations based on engine).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000 miles or 2 years, or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000 miles or 1 year, or as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine; for 2.0L and 2.4L gasoline engines, often around 100,000 miles with platinum or iridium plugs.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic, depending on engine (refer to manual and oil cap for exact specification).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent Mopar specification) for 41TE transmission.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Refer to manual for specific GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil requirements for NV T350 and Getrag transmissions.
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) extended life coolant (OAT) or equivalent, typically a pink or orange color.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (check manual for exact specification).
Common Issues:
CV axle wear, suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rod ends), potential for transmission issues (especially early automatics), occasional electrical gremlins, water pump leaks on 2.4L engines, and exhaust manifold cracking on some 2.0L engines.
Dodge Heritage:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler, has a long history of producing American vehicles known for performance and distinctive styling.
Caliber Introduction:
The Dodge Caliber was introduced for the 2007 model year, replacing the Dodge Neon as Dodge's compact car offering and adopting a crossover-like hatchback design.
Model Updates 07 08:
Minor updates and packaging changes between the 2007 and 2008 model years, including refinements to optional equipment and features.
Production Location:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA.