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Wagons Dodge Caliber New Caliber Owners - Give Us Your Report!
170 messages, Last post on Sep 07, 2009 at 4:37 AM
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I got the PCM (power control module) reflashed yesterday at the dealer, and now it is much easier to pull away from a stop. I was having a problem stalling the motor because the "tip in" on the throttle wasn't aggressive enough - basically when I tried to give it a little extra gas, it wouldn't get the extra gas, which resulted in me using too much throttle sometimes on pulling away. You see, our cars are governed more by the computer programming than by the sparkplugs, condenser, points, and coil, the traditional "tune up" points (wait - condensers and points have long been history). Even throttle bodies are moving to electronic, micro-motor control instead of cable control, which means the amount you move the throttle pedal doesn't correspond, necessarily, to the throttle position in the throttle body. The computer "map" also governs the amount of fuel injection, timing, and variable valve timing, where the vvt system is sophisticated enough to respond to throttle and load, and not just rpm. So essentially my Caliber got a "brain transplant" yesterday, and it either (i) performs much better, if you are an enthusiast, or (ii) doesn't feel any different, if you are numb. Although I gave the engine smoothness high marks before, now its smoother, but even better, it "lugs" much better - there seems to be a lot more torque at the lower rpm. Before, the engine didn't come into its own until you revv'd it up. Now, I can pull from 20 mph in third, cruise at 30 in fourth. At the same time I can easily run it up to 50 mph in second gear. It just feels more willing and comfortable - a lot more like the 145 hp specs would indicate (but it only has 129 lb-ft of torque, small motor after all). I've hear from other forums that getting the motor flashed reduces fuel consumption slightly. I'll report back on that later. For now, my commuter mileage has been consistent at 31-32 mpg per fill up, but my SF-LA mileage shot up to an average of 31 mpg on my last trip - no "aerodynamic penalty" this time. I attribute the better mileage, despite higher speeds (and hence more air resistance) to break-in. I changed my oil at 2,500 miles (Motorcraft 5-20, a fine synthetic blend and the cheapest for 3,000 mile oil changes) and at 5,000 miles (Pennzoil Platinum, the cheapest full synthetic and easily good for 5,000 mile freeway driving). I will change the oil next at 10,000 miles and rotate the tires. I still have a c-pillar rattle, and both front doors periodically refuse to latch, bouncing off the posts until I pull the door handle out slightly to disengage whatever is stuck. Chrysler has a door latch recall for the new Avenger, but apparently overlooked the Caliber. Getting the motor "re-programmed" makes me happier about the car. With 7,200 miles it doesn't seem like anything major is going to go wrong, and eventually I'll grind away at the warranty department and get the door latches and c-pillar rattle fixed (I didn't want to overwhelm the service manager at the new dealer I selected with too many issues at once, when I went in yesterday). Chrysler is working hard to address problems. They have a new March 12 TSB that addresses both driveability concerns and oil pressure flickering - this time they replace some portions of the oil delivery system. So clearly their engineers are in the field looking at things. I think for cars with a post March build date they should be pretty trouble free. I applaud Chrysler for making running production line changes, not waiting until '08. For prospective new owners, I highly recommend: 1. Drive one yourself - all online reviews are woefully out of date, the car has improved that much. 2. Look at the label on the front door panel for the build date - make sure you drive and buy a "recent" (post March) build date car. You'll be less likely to have to visit the warranty department. How do I rate the car? Pretty highly. I am seriously interested in trading in for an '08 Caliber next spring, maybe moving up to an SXT or even a 2WD R/T (I'd like the larger motor, though I have qualms about the possible stiffness of the suspension in the R/T). On the other hand this aircon, stick shift, basic SE for 12,988 is a steal at that price.
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Replying to: micweb (Mar 29, 2007 9:54 am)
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Replying to: daveydodge (Mar 30, 2007 5:18 am) |
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Hey guys this is an interesting link on GEMA global engines co-developed by Daimler-Chrysler, Hyundai and Mitsubishi. http://www.gemaengine.com |
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Replying to: pf_flyer (Jul 28, 2006 7:23 am) 
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Replying to: burritomaker (Apr 30, 2007 12:48 pm) engine shroud about 3-4 months ago and your right, if you want one now they are about $40.00
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Replying to: bigtsr (Apr 30, 2007 3:51 pm) |
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Replying to: bigtsr (Apr 30, 2007 3:51 pm) 
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Replying to: nonnemacher (May 29, 2007 6:48 pm) and seems to provide some noise abatement. Mine is usually covered in dust and dirt so I clean it weekly and I guess it's better on the cover then on the motor. It makes it look like a lot of motor!!!!!! |
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Replying to: pf_flyer (Jul 28, 2006 7:23 am) |
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