- #14 of 154
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Re: Spark Knock [cat9374]
by nicewheels1
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Jun 09, 2006 (5:33 am)
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Replying to: cat9374 (Jun 08, 2006 7:34 pm)
After speaking with the dealer service techs about the same problem in my Caliber it appears that Chrysler may have pushed the limit in tuning the timing on the Caliber to get the best MPG rating. To fix the spark knock they may have to change the software to retard the timing but this will probablylower the average MPG of the car. If high gas mileage is not a primary concern for you then they may have a fix to solve your problem. It sounds to me like they need to go back to the drawing board on the engine and drive train setup for future production.
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- #15 of 154
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Re: Spark Knock [cat9374]
by micweb
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Jun 09, 2006 (12:32 pm)
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Replying to: cat9374 (Jun 08, 2006 7:34 pm)
Have you tried running it on premium gas until they can re-flash the engine control module? You should try to bring the knocking under as much control as possible, it is harmful to the engine. The fact that the check engine light isn't on, only means it isn't "violating" emissions requirements.
ALSO have you asked the dealer to reflash your engine control module with the existing software? Since most owners are not reporting this problem, it could be that the program in your car is "corrupted" somehow (after all it IS a computer program, albeit written to flash memory and not a harddrive).
I'd put in premium gas for now, and push the dealer harder.
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- #16 of 154
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Re: Stalling out [blkhawk60]
by jessiec
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Oct 26, 2006 (5:08 pm)
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Replying to: blkhawk60 (Aug 02, 2006 1:53 am)
I am so glad I found this! What you've described is EXACTLY what's been happening to me. It's a bit of a relief to hear it from someone else as I've told my story to anyone who will listen and I think they think I'm crazy. My car stalls in neutral every so often. What it does more often than stalls is go down to 400 rpms quickly and pops back up to normal (700). I've been stopped at lights and it shudders like it's going to stall and then the rpms pop back up. I've even been parked, in neutral with the e-brake on and the the oil light went on and it the bells went off like it was going to stall and then the rpms went up over 1,000 and leveled off at 700. It's been so weird. Stalling in neutral is just strange and shouldn't be. I've stalled pulling in to parking spots...typically happens at low speeds/rpms. I've read on another forum that it could be the computer needs to be updated as my car was built before July 06...not sure if this problem is happening with cars built after that date (something about reflashing). I'm waiting to talk to my dealer to see if they think they can fix it.
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- #17 of 154
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Re: Spark Knock [micweb]
by moparfamily
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Nov 11, 2006 (6:33 am)
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Replying to: micweb (Jun 09, 2006 12:32 pm)
Our Caliber was doing the same thing. Massive spark knock. We took it to the dealer and they added new software to our computer which took care of the spark knock. But did lower our gas mileage to 19 to 22 mpg. We have since started using synthetic oil and regular gas 87 octane and we are now getting 25 mpg consistently. We drive this car for a living (average of 200 to 250 miles/day). Our car now has 22,000+ on it.
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- #18 of 154
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Re: Spark Knock & Stalling
by macmonkey
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Nov 29, 2006 (6:13 pm)
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Replying to: moparfamily (Nov 11, 2006 6:33 am)
I am about to take delivery of a new SXT with 5 speed and I wonder if it can be presumed that a car produced later in the year would ship with the updated software? Also has anyone found a fix for the stalling?
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- #19 of 154
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Re: Spark Knock & Stalling [macmonkey]
by jessiec
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Dec 01, 2006 (2:59 pm)
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Replying to: macmonkey (Nov 29, 2006 6:13 pm)
I brought the car in 3 weeks ago for the stalling. The dealer contacted Chrysler and they said there wasn't an 'exact' fix for it yet but suggested the dealer reflash the computer and do a 'few other things'. The dealer told me Chyrsler said they should have more info by the end of the year. The rpm's still drop down and pop back up, but the car has only stalled once in the past 3 weeks. So maybe it is almost fixed??? I read somewhere that the problem was with cars that were built before July '06. My suggestion would be that if you find the car stalling in neutral, tell your dealer to contact Chrysler because they are aware of the problem. Good Luck!
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- #20 of 154
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Re: Spark Knock & Stalling [jessiec]
by macmonkey
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Dec 04, 2006 (5:38 am)
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Replying to: jessiec (Dec 01, 2006 2:59 pm)
So far no sign of either the knocking or the stalling. My Marine Blue SXT was newly manufactured in October; so perhaps they are getting re-flashed and updated before they leave the factory. I'll keep the board posted if anything develops!
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- #21 of 154
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Half hour drive
by davidrad
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Dec 05, 2006 (5:22 pm)
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My Caliber has about 1,000 miles on it. When I shut down the car after about a half hour or longer drive I get a loud pinging sound from has to be the exhaust system. Is this normal? Have others experienced this.
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- #22 of 154
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My vote is for normal
by pf_flyer HOST
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Dec 05, 2006 (5:42 pm)
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New car, new exhuast system. Metal heating up and expanding a bit, then cooling off and contracting.
I would guess that as the car ages the noises will diminish somewhat and you'll notice them less.
When youget around to changing out a muffler or piece of the exhaust, you probably notice them again. 
Congrats on your new Caliber! Be sure to rave about it in the New Caliber Owners - Give Us Your Report! discussion!
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- #23 of 154
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Re: Half hour drive [davidrad]
by bigtsr
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Dec 15, 2006 (5:26 am)
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Replying to: davidrad (Dec 05, 2006 5:22 pm)
This has been a common complaint on Calibers manufactured
before July 2006 and has been posted on numerous
Dodge forums,there is no TSB covering it but quite a
number of owners have had it resolved by DCX and dealers
willing to understand it as a customer satisfaction
problem.
Call DCX customer line and complain or find a dealer
who is willing to help,they have to replace the exhaust
pipe and resonator assy. under warranty system.
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