thats not too bad. There are very rare times where i will start my car, crank it for 5 seconds, and it just wont start. Crank it again, and it will start right up.
Slow/Rough Start - '07 Caliber
Today I experienced this for the second time in a week.
Background:
2007 Dodge Caliber SXT
1.8l 4 cylinder
5-speed manual
48,XXXkm
November 2006 build date
About -5*C outside or cooler
Last Thursday, when i came out of work, i got in my car and it felt like it didn't want to start. It took a while to finally turn over. I took it to my local dealer and told them about it. They took it in just before closing and looked it over and we decided that the battery, although not bad, wasn't the best for the winter ahead (which I was planning for considering that I drive 2.5km each way to work everyday) I had them put the battery in as I was already there, and they had done some test for me. The tech said that everything appeared fine, and there was not any draw even with the battery out of the car.
Friday the car started fine.
Car was fine all weekend, did 6+ hours of driving on the weekend in 4 ~45 minute trips and 2 1.5 hour trips.
Yesterday the car started fine.
Today I come out to my car, and the exact same thing happened as what happened last Thursday, where it seemed to crank for a while before it started. It did start though.
When my car is at home and its winter its in the garage plugged in. I have no place to plug it in at work.
Also, It was fine when I went to Montreal a little while ago and we had similar temps there, and it sat outside all night and started just fine in the morning.
I did a fuel system flush in October 2009, so that shouldn't be an issue. Is it this stupid computer again?
Anybody have any ideas as to what is causing this?
Background:
2007 Dodge Caliber SXT
1.8l 4 cylinder
5-speed manual
48,XXXkm
November 2006 build date
About -5*C outside or cooler
Last Thursday, when i came out of work, i got in my car and it felt like it didn't want to start. It took a while to finally turn over. I took it to my local dealer and told them about it. They took it in just before closing and looked it over and we decided that the battery, although not bad, wasn't the best for the winter ahead (which I was planning for considering that I drive 2.5km each way to work everyday) I had them put the battery in as I was already there, and they had done some test for me. The tech said that everything appeared fine, and there was not any draw even with the battery out of the car.
Friday the car started fine.
Car was fine all weekend, did 6+ hours of driving on the weekend in 4 ~45 minute trips and 2 1.5 hour trips.
Yesterday the car started fine.
Today I come out to my car, and the exact same thing happened as what happened last Thursday, where it seemed to crank for a while before it started. It did start though.
When my car is at home and its winter its in the garage plugged in. I have no place to plug it in at work.
Also, It was fine when I went to Montreal a little while ago and we had similar temps there, and it sat outside all night and started just fine in the morning.
I did a fuel system flush in October 2009, so that shouldn't be an issue. Is it this stupid computer again?
Anybody have any ideas as to what is causing this?
41 - 53 of 53 Posts
It only bugs me because it has never happened on my GM cars. It shouldn't happen on a car that has 99 miles on it
Yea, it helps that you have a video of it, id take it to the dealer and show them.It only bugs me because it has never happened on my GM cars. It shouldn't happen on a car that has 99 miles on it
Is your caliber an auto?
It seems like they changed the way the car starts. I saw that you stopped cranking the car, yet it kept cranking by itself until it starts. A lot of newer cars have that feature that if you dont crank it long enough, it will keep cranking until it starts.
It is an auto. It only happens sometimes though which is my hang up. My key turning habits haven't changed haha. I turn the key the same amount all the time. I guess I look into the feature of the car cranking it self. Thanks for the help.Yea, it helps that you have a video of it, id take it to the dealer and show them.
Is your caliber an auto?
It seems like they changed the way the car starts. I saw that you stopped cranking the car, yet it kept cranking by itself until it starts. A lot of newer cars have that feature that if you dont crank it long enough, it will keep cranking until it starts.
It is an auto. It only happens sometimes though which is my hang up. My key turning habits haven't changed haha. I turn the key the same amount all the time. I guess I look into the feature of the car cranking it self. Thanks for the help.
Yea, its those intermittant problems that will get you lol.
yeah mine has only done it 2 or 3 times now. hasn't done it in the past 10 days as its been sitting in my garage while i've been away. should be interesting to see what it does tomorrow morning and after workIt is an auto. It only happens sometimes though which is my hang up. My key turning habits haven't changed haha. I turn the key the same amount all the time. I guess I look into the feature of the car cranking it self. Thanks for the help.
+1 for having video! i don't think mine will do that auto crank thing
only on automatic cars :bigthumb:i don't think mine will do that auto crank thing
makes sense...don't want any toyota scenarios!only on automatic cars :bigthumb:
So i took my car to the dealer this past Saturday and they had it for about an hour. I was told that there was nothing wrong with the car and the car was just "learning" itself (whatever the hell that means). The guy said he checked all Bulletins and recalls and he didnt find anything for my car. Guess it was a 6 in a lifetime chance...
I'll keep it in mind. Thanks!When i bought my cali, the owner before me had the crank sensor replace. the dealer said it was resolving the cracking problem for 95% of calibers.
I hope this will help
Did anyone ever get their problem with the car not cranking resolved? I am having the same issue. I replaced the starter and gas cap (thought it may be wiggling loose during driving) but the problem persists. Any help would be appreciated. I am not financially able to buy a new car right now so would like to keep my old girl on the road a while longer.
I'd say try replacing camshaft sensors, and crankshaft sensor. Alot of times these cars will take longer to crank in the mornings, but run fine. The car doesn't see the problem for very long, so it usually takes a very long time for it to throw codes (check engine light). That's a common issue on these. Hope you got this in time.Did anyone ever get their problem with the car not cranking resolved? I am having the same issue. I replaced the starter and gas cap (thought it may be wiggling loose during driving) but the problem persists. Any help would be appreciated. I am not financially able to buy a new car right now so would like to keep my old girl on the road a while longer.
41 - 53 of 53 Posts
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