Transmission Qustion

CalMAN57 · #1 02-07-2008, 06:45 PM

Greetings, all Dodge Forum users: (Caliber owners)!

I got my 2008 Caliber R/T AWD the day after Thanksgiving 2007. Has anyone noticed with the automatic transmission that when you approach a stop sign/light and let up on the gas pedal that the car significantly slows down to: (almost a crawl) before you would brake to stop? I'd like to know what causes this dramatic power slow down at low speeds! I've read in the past, that the Continuous Transaxel II changes RPM when slowing down/thus saving fuel with the fuel injection. Is this true? Any insight about this would be welcomed!! I just love my Caliber!!!!!!!!

Thanks, CalMAN57

bigtsr · #2 02-07-2008, 07:21 PM

I have driven my Caliber for 1-1/2 yrs and what you describe baffled many
new owners in 2006 as we were told this was a shiftless tranny.
If you notice the sensation happens around 20 mph,that's the torque
converter unlocking and simutaneously (if your not stepping on the gas)
the computer tells the engine to move to econo mode that is it
cuts gas flow to engine to idle only mixture to save fuel.
The CVT has a torque coverter which is not locked until approx 20 mph
in order to reduce stress(torque load) on the CVT,you should also
notice that if you use "L" this appears to be bypassed for example
going down a steep grade say doing 40 mph put in "L" and you
should notice no shift or unlock at 20 mph.

somenothingness · #3 02-07-2008, 08:39 PM

I too have noticed that sensation on my 07 2.0 cvt. I'm still getting used to the way this transmission acts. I should say that in a positive way. Anyway, that brings up a good question bigtsr...what is the difference between the cvt and cvt2? How does one to tell the difference?

bigtsr · #4 02-08-2008, 08:08 AM

Hah again a source of confusion for many Caliber owners
many theories evolved on name entitlements.
The assumption is and I include myself that the standard CVT
is the unit that accompanies the 2.0 L engine availiable in
the SE and SXT models with the CVT2 only availiable with the
2.4 L and this having Autostick or wannabe manual shift.
Here are some sources to read and draw your own conclusions.

http://www.allpar.com/cars/dodge/caliber.html

http://www.worldcarfans.com/2050809.002

Hope these help you clarify the definition a wee bit.

somenothingness · #5 02-08-2008, 05:41 PM

Thanks bigtsr...very informative. I understand now.