My dodge caliber SXT 2008 just woke up one morning, out of the blue my car didn't start. I tried to jump it, twice. I had no crank or not even turning over, but I could here a noise like it was trying but would fail to start like something was not electrically wired right. I can put the key in and the radio will work/lightup, etc in acc mode. But shut off like it is not communicating with the starter.
So then I got the battery tested, that was not the problem.
my 2nd thought since the battery is basically new, I bought a new starter, got it installed, and thought that would end it and solve why it wouldnt start. it wasnt the starter or the battery.
so now, I had no choice to call DODGE (( the people who made this p.o.s)) and had it towed. it has been there for 3 days, and was told it would cost $120 to diagnose it , so I said ok I'll wait for your call . (usually takes an hour then they call to tell you what's wrong)
.....well dodge failed . They called back with an update and said he needs AT LEAST 3-4 hours JUST to diagnose the problem.
That's 120 x 4 hours for them to figure it out is alone 480 , roughly $500 he had told me over the phone .
I then did research , knowing the problem before I even took it there and was right, that's why I know it was something no side shop could do on the road, thinking it was safe and in good hands but in an hour you find out nothing but the POWER CONTROL MODULE , which doesn't do a damn thing, because I found that out so they could fix it.
ALMOST ALL 2007-2009 models have this problem!!!!! EVERYBODY with this type of car has had , or WILL have.
Diagnostic : TCM/PCM (Training/Power control Module that fails, at any time. When you least expect it.
now thanks to dodge , $120 wasted in an hour to tell me what I already knew which is why I wanted it done right the first time and they are telling me now it could go up to $500 not $120 as I was told . For something that is a COMMON ISSUE, possibly a recall for TCM/PCM. So I'm very very pissed
And just warning you if this is what you have experienced.
I drove this car and did nothing but take care of it. I feel like I should not have to pay to have them find what wire, or what connection , what modual it is , out of over 30-40 modules to test dodge had told me . It also has to do with all the wires, ground wires, every modual has to be looked at/tested/ to find what 1 wire is making my car fail to communicate to ANYTHING in the vehicle . Who knows how many wires, ground wires, nothing iscommunicating with the wires or anything.
it is a HUGE problem with these type of cars , I hate dodge and will never ever in my life buy one!!! I put over 1,500 into it already and it finally gets fixed and then I go to leave and it doesn't start , I guess a dead car sitting there is worth nothing than spending all this money for a simple but yet complicated issue.
Look up recalls, and search Power training control module , you won't be shocked at it.
This is a really tough situation. You cold try an independent shop, which may be a lot cheaper, but you will still have to have the dealer re-program the new controller. I would try to get another opinion, because it may just be the transducer that surrounds the ignition switch, that goes for about $100 and and does not need reprogramming.
