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Autopapyrus · Dodge Caliber (1st generation)
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/dodge/caliber/diagnosing-and-fixing-a-starter-failure/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Dodge Caliber (1st generation): Diagnosing and Fixing a Starter Failure

A starter failure on a 2007 Dodge Caliber can have several causes: a discharged or corroded battery, a faulty ASD relay in the TIPM, starter wiring problems, a failed starter, or a faulty automatic transmission neutral safety switch. Start with the simplest checks and work toward the more complex components.

Difficulty: Medium Time: 1-3 hours (diagnosis and repair) Steps: 10 Tools: multimeter, 10-17 mm wrench set, ratchet with sockets, screwdrivers, socket set, jack, hammer (for a temporary starter test)

Part

  • 🔩 starter (typical Bosch, Valeo, Denso equivalents for the Caliber 1.8), ASD relay (if needed), 40 A fuse (TIPM cavity 18), battery terminals
There's a full repair manual for this car Every system, wiring diagrams and torque specs — not just this job. Haynes AutoFix (online). See manuals →

Step by step

10 steps
  1. Check the battery charge with a multimeter. Voltage should be at least 12 volts. If it is lower, charge or replace the battery.
  2. Inspect the battery terminals for white or green buildup (corrosion). Clean them with a wire brush, tighten the terminals, and make sure the contact is solid.
  3. Check the ASD Relay Contact PWR Feed fuse (cavity 18 in the TIPM, 40 A green). The fuse box is in the engine compartment on the left, next to the air filter housing and the battery. Replace the fuse if needed.
  4. Check for 12 volts at the thick red wire connected to the starter (constant battery power through the fuse).
  5. Have a helper turn the key to START while you check for 12 volts at the thin starter solenoid control wire (signal from the ignition switch through the TIPM). No voltage points to a problem in the control circuit: the TIPM, the ignition switch, or the neutral safety switch.
  6. If you hear a click when you turn the key but the starter doesn't crank, try tapping the starter housing lightly with a hammer (through a wooden spacer) while someone tries to start the engine. This is a temporary fix for a sticking solenoid or brushes.
  7. On an automatic transmission, check the neutral safety switch. Try starting the engine in both P and N. If the starter works in one position but not the other, replace the switch.
  8. If all the electrical checks are fine but the starter still doesn't crank, remove the starter for replacement or repair. To reach the starter on the 1.8: disconnect the negative battery terminal, remove the air filter housing with its duct, disconnect the MAF sensor connector, remove the throttle body (it blocks access to the starter mounting bolts), disconnect the wires from the starter, remove the two bolts that hold the starter to the transmission, and lift the starter out.
  9. Install the new or repaired starter in reverse order. Tighten the starter mounting bolts to 30-40 N·m (22-30 lb-ft) (confirm in the manufacturer's service manual).
  10. Reconnect the battery terminal and test the starter.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • If the starter cranks but the engine doesn't start, the starter is not the problem. Check the ignition system, the fuel system, and compression, and read the trouble codes with an OBD-II scanner. If you are unsure about diagnosing the TIPM electrical system, take the car to a repair shop with Dodge diagnostic equipment.