Caliber Transmission Nightmare: Shifting & Starting Issues

Having experienced something very similar with my 2013 Dodge Avenger, I can share some relevant insights as someone with moderate expertise in automatic transmission problems. The symptoms you describe strongly point to an issue with the transmission control unit, similar to what I encountered. My car showed comparable signs, rough shifting, unreliable gear positions, and transmission-related error codes. After initial diagnosis, my workshop identified a defective control unit affecting the gear linkage and park brake engagement system. The complete repair, including parts and labor, cost 1000€. The fix involved replacing the transmission control module and recalibrating the entire system. The repair resolved all issues: Proper gear engagement, Smooth transmission operation, No more starting problems, Error codes cleared Before suggesting more specific solutions, could you share: 1. Current mileage 2. Service history regarding transmission maintenance 3. Specific error codes from your diagnostic tool 4. Any fluid leaks noticed 5. Whether problems occur more when engine is cold or warm This information would help determine if your issue mirrors what I experienced or points to a different transmission failure pattern.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My Caliber has 59974 KM and was last serviced 3 months ago. The error codes are P0706 and P0750, suggesting issues with the transmission sensor and gear solenoid. The problems occur regardless of engine temperature, and I noticed a small reddish fluid leak near the transmission recently. The gear shifter sometimes feels loose when moving between positions, especially from park to drive. A local repair shop quoted 1200€ for replacing the transmission control module and gear linkage assembly. Before committing to such a major repair, I wanted to confirm if this matches what others paid for similar transmission failure symptoms. Would replacing just the transmission sensor be worth trying first, or should I proceed with the full repair as quoted?

Thanks for those additional details. Based on those error codes and symptoms, your situation is remarkably similar to what I faced with my Avenger. The combination of P0706 and P0750 codes, along with the reddish fluid leak and loose gear shifter, suggests more than just a sensor issue. When my transmission started acting up, I initially considered just replacing the sensor to save money. However, the fluid leak and gear linkage problems indicated deeper transmission wear. The transmission repair shop explained that replacing just the sensor would be a temporary fix at best. In my case, the complete repair included: New transmission control module, Gear linkage assembly replacement, Fresh transmission fluid, System recalibration The 1200€ quote you received is actually reasonable for the scope of work needed. For comparison, my final repair bill was 1000€, but prices for parts have increased since then. The loose gear shifter movement and fluid leak strongly suggest worn gear linkage components. Attempting a sensor-only repair would likely lead to recurring issues and potentially more transmission damage. Given your relatively low mileage, a proper transmission repair should give you many more years of reliable service. The symptoms match closely with what I experienced, and the comprehensive repair resolved all shifting and starting problems permanently.

Based on your helpful insights and comparisons, I now better understand the extent of my transmission problems. The similar error codes and symptoms you encountered with your vehicle, especially regarding the gear shifter and fluid leak, help confirm that a complete repair makes more sense than just replacing the sensor. The cost breakdown you provided matches closely with my quoted repair price of 1200€. Since my transmission shows the same signs of wear in the gear linkage and shift lock mechanism, I agree that addressing all components together is the smarter long-term solution. I will proceed with the full transmission repair as quoted, including the control module and gear linkage assembly replacement. The comprehensive fix should resolve both the mechanical issues and error codes, similar to your experience. My main concern was spending money on unnecessary repairs, but the matching symptoms and reasonable repair costs have convinced me to move forward with the complete transmission repair rather than risk further damage with a partial fix.