Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV / Hatchback
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers seeking a practical and versatile vehicle, DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cobalt, Mazda 3
Vehicle Design Philosophy:
Combines the practicality of a hatchback with the higher driving position and available AWD of a small SUV, often at a competitive price point.
Benefit For Owner:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, saving money and ensuring proper vehicle care. Provides factory-level information for accurate diagnostics.
Primary Coverage:
Repair and Maintenance
Secondary Coverage:
Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Specifications, Illustrations
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typical factory repair manual equivalent)
Type:
Service Repair Manual (Workshop Manual)
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Engine Control System (ECM)
Transmission:
Manual Transmission (Getrag PT555), Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT - Jatco JF011E), Automatic Transmission (less common for this model year, primarily CVT)
Drivetrain:
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) system components
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System (ABS, EBD)
Electrical:
Body Electrical Systems, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories, Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Diagnostics, Chassis Control Module (CCM) Diagnostics, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) / Airbags
Body:
Body & Frame, Exterior Trim, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Fluid Checks & Top-offs, Tire Rotation, Spark Plug Replacement
Mechanical Repairs:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Service, Clutch Replacement, Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement (shocks, struts, ball joints, tie rods)
Electrical Repairs:
Wiring Harness Repair, Component Testing & Replacement (sensors, actuators), Diagnostic Code Retrieval & Interpretation
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Flowcharts, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and their Meanings
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic fluid changes to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and bodywork repair.
Printability:
Full Printable
Binding:
Digital Download (No physical binding)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital)
Zoom:
YES (Allows zooming in for detailed views)
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (for extraction if compressed)
Operating Systems:
Compatible with All Versions of Windows & Mac
Engine Option 1:
2.0L World Gasoline Engine (WGE) I4
Displacement 1:
1998 cc (122 cu in)
Horsepower 1:
156 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque 1:
140 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Engine Option 2:
2.4L World Gasoline Engine (WGE) I4
Displacement 2:
2360 cc (144 cu in)
Horsepower 2:
172 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2:
165 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Recommendation:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended
Type 1:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag PT555)
Type 2:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT - Jatco JF011E)
All Wheel Drive:
Available with CVT, often referred to as Freedom Drive II Off-Road
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, typically 75W-90 or 75W-85
Cvt Fluid:
NS-2 CVT Fluid (Jatco specification)
NHTSA Frontal Driver Crash Rating:
★★★★★ (5-Star)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Crash Rating:
★★★★★ (5-Star)
NHTSA Side Driver Crash Rating:
★★★★☆ (4-Star)
NHTSA Side Passenger Crash Rating:
★★★★☆ (4-Star)
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger Crash Rating:
★★★★☆ (4-Star)
IIHS Front Impact Rating:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good
Airbags:
Frontal, Side-Curtain, Front-Seat Mounted Side Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) available/standard on some trims
Electronic Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) available/standard on some trims
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendation based on oil used).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Platinum or Iridium plugs: 100,000 miles. Copper plugs (if applicable): 30,000 miles. Manual should specify exact type.
Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change (refer to manual for exact capacity).
Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change (refer to manual for exact capacity).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30, API SN or certified equivalent (refer to manual for precise specification).
Coolant Type:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Mopar OAT (Orange)
Cvt Reliability:
Some CVT models have reported issues with longevity and performance, often related to fluid degradation or internal component wear. Regular fluid changes are critical.
Suspension Noise:
Front suspension components (struts, ball joints, sway bar links) can develop noise over time.
Rear Wiper Motor:
Rear wiper motor failure is a reported issue on some units.
Power Steering Pump:
Occasional reports of power steering pump issues, especially on older models.
Manufacturer History:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler (now Stellantis), has a long history of producing a wide range of vehicles, from muscle cars to minivans and trucks.
Caliber Introduction:
The Dodge Caliber was introduced in 2006 as a 2007 model year vehicle, replacing the Dodge Neon.
Platform:
Built on Chrysler's Global Engine Module (GEM) platform, shared with other DaimlerChrysler vehicles of the era.
Production Period:
2006-2012
Assembly Plant:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA