[672aq]

'08 R/T AWD, 265×70R16

Because of the bigger tires, the speedometer is off by about 5% (shows going 75, actually going 80).

I've read somewhere that the Dodge dealer mechanic can programme the computer for the bigger tires.

So while there, I'm wondering what other things they can programme in/out for these Calibers. I do have an EVIC installed - its odometer was 5000 miles more than the old, which doesn't bother me since I drive all my cars until they can't, then sell for scrap.

But is there anything the dealer has to tweak that the EVIC doesn:t have access to? I'd like to do everything that I can in one visit.

 

[Seyren]

I remember reading somewhere from either here or the other forum that EVIC will automatically recognize the installed modules and enable/disable the page accordingly.
Considering yours is an '08 R/T, it should have most of the optional features as standard so nothing much more to add..?

 

[672aq]

Thank you.

Would that include the magnetic compass module (that sits inside the top of the dash), which I haven't figured out how to wire up?

 

[Seyren]

According to the wiring diagram in the manual (8W-40-3 or pg. 2420), there is a LIN BUS line that connects from compass module to pin#1 of C3 connector behind the cluster. You can try connecting it and see if the EVIC recognizes it.

 

[672aq]

Thank you for that!

Would I be correct in assuming that if I find that striped BUS wire (white/dark green) anywhere else, I should be able to connect where ever I find one?

Not looking forward to removing the cluster again.

 

[Seyren]

That's how it appears so at least if you find it somewhere around the cluster.

It must've been a real PITA to remove and reinstall the dashboard just to get to the cluster.

 

[672aq]

I'm sitting in the car now, just staring at the dash, and I don't even remember how I got started.

I dismantled a junkyard Caliber first, to get an idea before doing it to mine... so I usually just start removing random things until I figure it out.

If I don't find that BUS wire around the radio (where I thought I saw one), then when it warms up, I'll see about another junkyard visit and I'll take pics of the process.

 

[Seyren]

Off topic but a thought I had for some time...

Compass and Patriot w/ 4X4 have a AWD lock selector switch that connects to the instrument cluster while Caliber w/ AWD don't.

What if the switch is installed on the Caliber, would it activate the AWD lock?

Something I plan on testing when I get a chance to remove the dashboard, but yeah... it's a big if.

 

[672aq]

That would be a nice feature.

With normal driving, I like the AWD system doing what it does. But frequently, when I'm out in the dunes, I'm fighting the AWD for control on the sand.

I'll get the car stuck, can't get out until I open the hood, open the fusebox, remove the #35 for AWD/Traction, then close everything up, and crawl out of the sand. Then open everything up to put the fuse back because all the dummy lights are on (and engine idles high, no reverse lights, no speed/odometer, no cruise, no temp, etc.) with that fuse missing. Then, I have to reset the computer because the CEL will stay on.

I thought about wiring a switch to that fuse, but I still have to deal with the CEL.

It would be interesting if the Caliber AWD has a similar system as the Jeep Compass/Patriot. The clusters are so different looking, though.

 

[672aq]

From what I've read somewhere, the Caliber AWD is normally just FWD with the computer waiting for certain conditions to lock in the driveshaft for the rear gearbox.

Then Traction Control starts watching the wheel-spin and activates the brake on the wheel that's spinning faster than the others.

I don't know if it's true, and how I could test that, but maybe just another variable to watch for.

 

[Seyren]

Service manual 8E-204 or pg.1101 is what you probably have read before.

Also Compass/Patriot's service manual had the exact same wordings for the AWD operation so I'd say how they operate are identical, just with an extra switch for an AWD lock.

If you're interested, here's a link to a thread on Patriot forum, an owner testing different AWD system settings.

 

[672aq]

I have my old cluster (without EVIC) that I can open up and take pictures of. Would that help, or is this something behind the cluster?

 

[Seyren]

It's more of a whether the cluster will register the signal input sent to one of the pins at the back.

My theory from reading the wiring diagram is this:
The AWD system on Caliber, Compass and Patriot are identical, from pin locations down to wiring colours used for each connectors. The only difference is the additional Transfer case selector switch (4WD lock switch) found only on Compass/Patriot.
On the wiring diagram the AWD lock switch with a 6-pin connector has 4 wires that are related to the system: 2 grounds, 1 panel lamp, and 1 position sensor input.
So what does that mean? If the system is not disabled electronically by the manufacturer, AWD lock could be enabled simply by connecting wires to the switch.
Now I don't have the switch nor have any junkyard near my area to find a scrapped Patriot to test my theory, but my guess is the switch is simply an on/off switch that completes a circuit to the ground when switched on.

Just a thought from a guy wishing Caliber was more capable of what it has.