Dodge Caliber | Car Won't Start | Bad Relay Placement | MY DIY

Electrical problem on a 2008 Dodge Caliber that doesn't appear to have a fix available...sooo, time to cobble together a DIY fix in the shop! Poor placement of a bank of relays causes them to corrode and the car then won't start. It can also cause the cooling fans to stop working causing it to overheat...
You can grab a new relay here: amzn.to/2PzQYKI
YOU NEED TO MODIFY THE RELAY BOX TO FIT THIS RELAY!
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[@liamoconnor7886]

I had the same problem! But I didn’t take the front end off and just pulled the guard off in the wheel well and switched the starter relay with the headlights hope this helps others!

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Nice job! I have a headlight out now, I think I have more corrosion unfortunately

[@patriciasgemsnewyork]

Yep that's what i did . But I didn't take the tire off. Just having a problem getting the lid off I could just reck it so I gotta be cool . I don't know if it's a 5 or 4 prong relay calibers are pretty stupid and the big secret is ?? What me the owner wasted my money on it. Thanks

[@paulpietschinski3282]

One of these relays quits on me every year. Such a bad design.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I agree, it’s a terrible design! I think I have the headlight relay failing on it now, but I’ve got the lights rigged up for now because my kid has the car at college...thanks for watching!

[@ВалерийГалкин-м4з]

У меня такая же проблема. (

[@richardwsarver9407]

There is an ignition switch on the end of ignition where you put the key to start. Maybe worth looking at, replacing the starter is more difficult. My 2007 Caliber SE I've owned since April 2007. Live in Massachusetts where rust is a problem but no corusion in the relay box that is under front left fender. To access the relays: turn wheels to the right then disconnect the front of inter wheel well...reach up pop the cover off you can pull relays and look it over. I did applied silicone grease for preventative measures. My only guess is car wash that sprays vertically to clean under the car could be suspected . The horn and it's wire is closer to the ground than the fuse box...I did have to replace horn but wire was good. Hope this helps

[@nikkosherwood318]

Yup those cars and electronic problems

[@paulpasternak2026]

Motor Books My go to lady for factory service manual reprints. Full electrical diagrams in factory service manual About 50$

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Is that a website?

[@chrisrydoinstuff8525]

ummmm dorman makes a full replacement relay box for that area as i have one for mine i cut from a second car so there is aftermarket, it is solder in though

[@chrisrydoinstuff8525]

i will double check on the company but i have an updated version of that fuse panel i cut from another caliber and its NOT the STOCK ONE

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I didn’t know that, I’ll have to look into it! If you happen to have a link to the replacement box, drop it in the comments. Thanks for the info!

[@kevinstembridge4561]

I had the same problem with my 2007 dodge caliber. I had to go to the junk yard and get a totally different box and completely rewire it to my car.. Talk about fun, and a splicing good time. :)

[@kevinstembridge4561]

Mine now works like new~~~~!!!

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I’d like to do the same thing at some point, but I honestly just want to get rid of the car!😂

[@kylina3432]

How did you figure out how to splice it together? Is there a manual etc?

[@mikegallagher3220]

😮electrical problems.

[@houndsmanone4563]

Great video. I know what you mean but I'm not a Dodge car fan. Nor Ford, Nor Chevy. If I get a car, get a Toyota or Honda. I've already been down that road and it always takes me to get stung before I finally pay attention. Glad you got the relay plug rigged. Full-watch. 👍

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Well, I married the daughter of an engineer for Chrysler who is also a very skilled mechanic, so it made repairs on those vehicles cheap and easy...unfortunately he has retired and travels most of the year now so I get stuck doing a lot of these fixes on my own now. I may pick up a Toyota for my kid to drive when he goes to college, but don’t tell anyone!😂

[@Tha5050]

Hey man I’m a mopar tech and I own a Dodge Caliber 2008 indeed I’m having the same problem even when I go into dealer connect and search for that relax box it’s like it doesn’t exist the relay in question can be found and it’s called the main relay basically controls the whole engine wire harness from 02s to injectors

[@MyDIYAdventures]

So they don’t sell replacements? Because we’ve all been on the hunt!

[@jesuscolangjr8166]

Now this is really helpful now we're getting somewhere thank you brother

[@carlin2329c]

Dodges are the fkn worst for working on. Go ahead like en all you want but I despise working on em. In finding however more info is being left out for service and repair all around

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I’m not saying I like them LOL, and I agree that info is missing everywhere...it’s like this relay box doesn’t even exist!

[@nobodythatyouknow241]

Engineering at its finest. 😒 My caliber is doing the same thing.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Rust and corrosion...it’s never ending!

[@JennEliseJohnson]

2010 ddg cal sxt...I really hope if I change this relay that my ac would work again... I've basically replaced the whole ac system and this is my last hope. Unless that is you might now where the fuse relay for my composure might be .. lol. Wish I was kidding but either way thanks for the video it helped me alot.

[@Vertigoneardeath]

Update on the 2011 Dodge Caliber. Saturday, July 13th, 2024. I removed the TIPN and cleaned it. Didn't find any superficial abnormalities. However, on the control module male/female connectors I opted to just in case remove the connectors and see what's up. I noticed some oil film on the connector bay interior body. I cleaned with WD40 and brake cleaner. i reconnected. I then went back to my TIPN and scratched my head a little. I got out of the chair and gave the control module another look see. The connectors were saturated with oil. Keep in mind I had just cleaned them not more than 5 minutes ago. I removed the control module. I decided, what the hell. The car is not working. I am thinking about junking it. I'm going to crack open the control module. After some time. I did crack it open. it has some adhesive factory seal. No biggie. When I cracked it open oil spilled all over my jeans crotch area, down the chair and onto the garage floor. The control module was full of oil. In fact, it looked just like a transmission oil pan right after removal. Now, what am I going to do? We'll I'll keep you up to date. As for today, I will give this part a good cleaning and see if the car responds.

[@awhinawilliams2576]

When I replace the relay do I have to unattache the battery in case I get fried? Lol 2011 dodge caliber sxt! And came across this vid! still having problems after I changed the alternator and battery:( ....

[@MyDIYAdventures]

It never hurts to disconnect the battery! Thanks for watching!

[@veritasparadoxum6525]

Thanks for this video brother. I had just fixed my 2009 Dodge Caliber SXT yesterday. Same damn issue. I was like, "why did Dodge ever put that relay box below the headlight?" Nonetheless, this video helped my fixed the starting issue. Cheers from Calgary.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I’m glad this helped! Yeah, that car has often times been the bane of my existence LOL

[@richardwsarver9407]

From what I said earlier today: I use silicone grease on any electrical connection, bulbs, grounds relay any and all will prevent corrosion. TIPM fuse box is too near the battery...I would remove all fuses and clean connections such as a product like DeOxIT which cleans and protect contacts...very important there! These low current contacts are the most important....the processor gets confused.

[@mikoda92]

Mine is a 2011. They said that I'm having this same problem. Guy said he's calling dealerships and might be able to find something in a couple of days. My fear is what if they can't! I'll be without a car and we need transportation!

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I don’t know a whole lot about car designs, but I do know that this is one of the worst designs ever! I’ve also learned over the years that if you’re going to drive old cars, you need a few backup cars...I sure hope you get fixed and back on the road soon!

[@charlesmeade8832]

Dodge should have been made to recall every fucking caliber from 2007 thru 2012 because I have had to replace everything in the rear of my 2009.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I can’t disagree…everything on them falls apart!

[@charlesmeade8832]

@@MyDIYAdventures honestly it's either the entire front or rear that evaporates on every caliber and that -1 camber on the tires turns into a inside tire eating machine.. it's completely ridiculous... Anyone that owns one should be given back their money inorder to purchase a different vehicle.. ( Dodge caliber the very first biodegradable Vehicle.. should have been the slogan in a commercial ) after a year of driving in the condition you may as well bring the driver and passenger seats in the house sit them in front of the T.V. and use them as recliner's because the caliber rusts away 😂😂😂😂

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Yup, I put brand new tires on the front of mine, and they were toast in a couple months. Swapped them with the back tires and replaced the A-arms and have been lucky so far.🤞

[@gregpekar7328]

2007 Dodge caliber. this was the exact problem. You are a great American. Thanks for sharing.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

👍🇺🇸🫡

[@huandoan123]

i did it and i soldering the pin direct to the relay , so i don t need to replaced it.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Nice! I don’t have a soldering iron🤷‍♂️

[@Hendogg28]

She said it started happening after a big rain and she drove though some water in the road. Said car ran fine all the way home and the next day it started just fine but continued to crank even while running. So I guess I’m just gonna go ahead and buy it and see what I can find since the car only has like 105k miles on it..

[@patriciasgemsnewyork]

I have a 2010 dodge caliber sxt 2.0L I'm in California SF bay area rite by bay Bridge the salt water is very bad. I have electrical problems at first I broke the key off in the ignition I left the broken part in the ignition and was using the phob end and turn the ignition it worked for along time. Something drains the battery and I can't make a spare key no code from when I bought it from a Ukraine used car sales lady as is. So I hate this car yes it is stupid. I wish I didn't waste my money on it. I'm trying to just start the car and move it I don't want replace the starter. I'm sure it mite start by changing the relay I replaced the alternator compressor clutch and belt it shredded I ain't spending lots a money on it any more it's a car to get rid of

[@freedomfighter1000]

im understanding your pain... thank you

[@mp2087]

Thanks man!! I have this same problem going on and couldn't find the fix. This vid was a big help!!

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching!

[@DeathcoreRitchyTV]

I have a 2007 Dodge Caliber SXT and lost power in an intersection 2 weeks ago. Managed to get my car started to get home but next day nothing and no power on the middle positive wire. Thought it was my alternator or battery but my multimeter said differently. Brought it into an mechanic and it was the relay again that corroded from all the mud, snow, etc. Got a new wiring harness with a plastic sleeve because this is the second time since I have owned the car it has happened.

[@kappuccino693]

Hello. Anyone have a diagram for the relay box of what different relays do and fuses do? it would help me very much thanks

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I’m sure a shop manual has a diagram, but I haven’t been able to find a diagram online...it’s like the relay box doesn’t exist🤷‍♂️

[@mashnach]

Check oil SEnSOR! PO522 ! Failure of relay would be shown when you connect diagnostic scanner

[@angeladion1]

Hi I have a 2008 Dodge Caliber and we put a new battery in it! And it will not start! The lights come on it clicks when I turn it over. Should I try to check the relay box?

[@MyDIYAdventures]

It probably couldn’t hurt

[@sylvesterlarrabee7586]

I just keep watching all these videos so I have an idea what ever comes my way because an mech. is only going to charge you big bucks for a shitty job so ya got to come back and be charged again. Sucks.

[@bertrialmarshall5746]

My headlights stopped working and I think it's the relay

[@lawrencevaile6120]

It’s a separate part together with a wire harness

[@TheH2p]

had the same problem years ago on my 08 caliber... I put in a new box from a junkyard as well. I think I may be having a recurrence now... car won't start and no communication with scan tool. I'm so over this thing.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I’ve realized that they’re pretty much throwaway cars

[@matus1976]

What's the symptom here, are these not evening turning over (starter relay issue) After a short trip my 2010 caliber sometimes just turns over and doesn't fire up, but it always starts when it's been sitting hours/overnight. Is there a fuel pump relay in there?

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I believe there is a fuel pump relay in that box also, sounds like that could be your problem.

[@mauriciogarcia2407]

Im actually fixing my caliber thats doing the same thing

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Good luck! Let us know how it goes!👍

[@irlredline7965]

I'm having electrical issues. Dodge Caliber SRT4 replaced the alternator. Nothing so I know it's a relay.

[@pokesoul1ify]

Do you know what relay you bought? I am about to pull mine apart to do this and was just wondering if you knew.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Honestly I’m not sure, I grabbed one from my father in law’s shop. I think it’s just a “standard” relay, but it wasn’t exactly the same as the one I took out of the unit on the car.

[@cricketward9889]

I ordered relays online last time. Theres a part number on the individual relays. Crazy that they dont have the box though

[@MyDIYAdventures]

You found the correct relays online?

[@teddyswope]

The relay in your link don’t fit the 08 Caliber with the 2.0. The outside two pins in the row of three pins are to thick.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Unfortunately I haven’t ever been able to find the correct relay. I had to modify the box and use one of those relays when I fixed mine. If you can find the correct relay somewhere, let us all know. We’ve all been looking for them at one time or another!

[@samnelson4339]

Thank you, you helped confirm my suspicions. I very much appreciate the work you put into this video.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Glad it helped!👍

[@EdwardPtaszynskiJr]

had the same problem with a 2011 dodge caliber, the wires from relay box the engine compartment breaking and corrode. replace with a new wiring harness from dealer cost was not to bad. new one comes with a hard plastic sleeve to keep wires from breaking, has worked for 4 years now. FYI relay box comes with the harness.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Thanks for the info!

[@Vertigoneardeath]

Update on 2011 Dodge Caliber. Monday, July 15th 2024. I visited a local auto salvage yard. I found this one 2011 Jeep Patriot. I removed the control module. I brought it home. I installed it into the caliber. I also installed the TIPN in where I was troubleshooting it. I connected the positive negative battery posts. I inserted the key. The chimes began. I gave it one small twist. I gave it another after that. The instrument panel lit up as normal. I also had the four tranny gear selector icons working. I twisted the key to the run position. The car cranked. The car started. But quickly shut off. I tried this about two or three more times. The car would crank, start and quickly shut off. Some tries later the car no longer wanted to crank at all. My question. Do I have to get a Computer tech to reprogram the computer that I got at the salvage yard with my existing cars factory program?

[@MyDIYAdventures]

That would be my guess, that’s exactly how my Cherokee acted when we put in a different engine. Had to have the computer reflashed.

[@petal2metal884]

I replaced my starter after my car wouldn’t start. Now it’s not starting again intermittently. Is the problem my relay too?

[@MyDIYAdventures]

That would be my guess! That’s exactly what was happening for me

[@petal2metal884]

Thanks!!!

[@knowmad9991]

Currently have this issue, hoping just replacing the relay does the trick. Really don't feel like hillbilly splicing wires but I will if I must hahaha

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Ya do whatcha gotta do!😂

[@rodneywright9156]

My 2008 dodge caliber has the same issues.. Time to junk it!

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I’m still limping mine along...I’m stubborn LOL

[@michaelpenn8521]

Same, 2012 Patriot...pin broke off in one of the sockets from corrosion. Worst place ever to put a relay box 🙄

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Yup

[@JerryMiller-j4c]

How did you find the box? Hmmmmmmmm. You found my video. I said the same thing.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Ok

[@jeniabondartchuk8062]

I have same problem Yesterday I replaced new battery but it won't run Today I replaced the alternator and doing same won't start and low power light on the dash .. I hope that fuse it's the problem

[@MyDIYAdventures]

That box seems to control a lot of things on the car…good luck!

[@jeniabondartchuk8062]

@@MyDIYAdventures well now I took the relay out and it's the same condition as your .. so I guess that's the issue, thank you so much .

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I’m glad my troubles helped you figure out yours!

[@AnibalArellano]

Yup, today I had the issue with the front fan relay, fans were on all the time and drained battery... thanks for the video.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I’m glad it helped! Thanks for watching!

[@unrealdevop]

Could you please maybe give me some advice? I'm a Veteran and I can barely afford to feed myself right now until I get this car paid off in about 2 more months.... I got to the relay's, mine weren't corroded but 1 of the 4 relay's had what appeared to be scorch marks. 2008 Dodge Caliber I had the battery checked twice and the alternator checked once and AutoZone told me the battery was good, and then the other place told me the alternator was good and that the battery wasn't holding a charge...So I figured maybe Autozone was wrong and spent $200 on a battery, I had to take out a lone to buy it because I'm a Veteran living on $1500 a month. 6 months later I got to crank up the car and it won't turn over, so I think damn the battery is dead again...but it's not but a few days from being 6 months old....so I removed the terminals from it and it snowed so I waited about 2 days for it to warm up and the snow to start thawing and so I go back out there to see if it would still turn on it and it wouldn't. So not knowing anyone with jumper cables I had my neighbor take me to go back to where I bought the battery. The guy followed me home and connected a battery with terminals on it he says will jump of his huge truck, but when I open the door and put in the key nothing turned on at all....not even the dashboard, no clicking nothing. He told me it was obviously something else other then the battery....If the battery had completely died or was damaged would it still do this? He insisted that I have a tow truck haul it up there so he could run some tests on it, but I have a feeling he may just be trying to scam me. So I'm going to take the battery up to Autozone again and have them test it.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Keep in mind, I’m not a mechanic, just a guy who wants to save a buck and help others do the same. But sounds to me like a battery issue if you put the key in and got nothing. There is a starter relay in that relay bank, but I’m not sure if that would cause the whole thing to be dead. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, you may have to pay someone to finally give you a good diagnosis.

[@unrealdevop]

@@MyDIYAdventures Thanks, I'll take the battery to Autozone tomorrow. I think it's possible that the guy wanted to make more money off me since he would have to replace the battery for free if it was bad.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Good luck!👍

[@rhiannablumberg4803]

@@unrealdevop oh my sounds exactly like what im going through with my 09 caliber! im not a vet but a single mom trying to figure out these electrical issues! ive already bought a new battery and had a shop put in a new starter but im still having tons on issues but nothing else was coming up on the 200 electrical diagnostic scan they did TWICE on my car but im really convinced my problems are probably relay related and im about to tear up my front end personally to try and fix it myself because i certainly cannot afford to pay 600 plus a pop to have them guess what the problem is! please tell me what happened to your car!

[@unrealdevop]

@@rhiannablumberg4803 Well I ended up splicing the cable and the cable was so short I should have replaced it, but I don't think I can get to it down in the engine because of how tight everything is. Instead, I stretched it as much as possible and it's really tight. I had to strip it because the couplings on the battery were actually the main problem for me. They are made out of some cheap tin, I think. Anyway, one of them actually broke in half while I was trying to tighten it and that's how I figured that out. I have a red dot, that I believe is for the security system I didn't know I had, coming on constantly. I also have the check engine light coming on randomly as well. The change oil message is constantly coming on and I can't seem to reset it at all....to top it off now my blinker is starting to go out on me too. To be honest, I can see why they discontinued that model. The electrical system in it is just horrible. My A/C hasn't worked since I got the car. I'm working on getting a new vehicle before this one goes out on me....I'll be lucky if I can get $2000 for it...I would actually be pretty happy if I could get that much lol, but I don't expect to get more than $1000....hell I may end up having to sell it to a scrap yard just to get rid of it.

[@kenmalatia4009]

There is not a starter relay down there. 3 cooling fan relays and a main relay are there

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Must be the main relay that I replaced then

[@MyDIYAdventures]

First!😂

[@Auriralynn]

I went through a puddle with mine relay box went underwater now it won’t start no noise nothing do I have to replace just a sensor or the whole box

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I just replaced the relay because I couldn’t find the box for sale anywhere.

[@glengronlund4679]

hang in there step away for a little bit , more coffee

[@lunnlunaful]

Having the same issues , draining my battery and a clicking sound on my passenger side . Sound like the something is trying to adjust or close but can't and it's draining my battery. Anyone know what the cost could be to fix?

[@MyDIYAdventures]

The clicking may be a blender door actuator, I’ve had one go bad on my wife’s Chrysler: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aX2ud2CPa994r6c

[@methatlovescats3602]

Bummer I've got One too

[@jasonmahaney683]

We got the same problem , and there’s I think 4 out of 5 relays with pins corroded off and the pieces are left down in the panel . We called the dealer and those run expensive at $48.00 each here in Canada . Don’t know what we’re gonna do . Expensive fix

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Maybe you could find one at a junkyard?

[@Pinelapy2005]

Exact issue with my 2010Jeep Compass! Pin corroded off in the box and everything. So frustrating!

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Thats the beauty of old cars...or something LOL

[@Jay-qo9co]

My headlight on the driverside light and turn signal does work at all passenger side work great. Can I jump a wire from the passenger side to the driverside.there is s 3 wires different color wires from the driver side to the passenger side which ones do I jump or fix the problem the proper way thank you for your help

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I have a headlight jumped like that, I’m not sure which wires it was that I used, I played around with it a bit to figure that out.

[@calebmartin547]

Did you get that fixed? I had turn signal and headlight issues and finally after long last figured out that there were ground wires corroded off. There's a cluster of wires bolted to the frame, one on each side. Passenger side is down kind of below coolant reservoir and drivers side (in your case) is right up top behind drivers side headlight. If any of those ground wires are corroded, you're having problems.

[@april1935]

Mine keeps breaking because of fucking snow. 😒

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Snow will definitely cause that!

[@jayviator100]

Awesome vid, thank you very much for taking the time to explain what you found. My 08 had the exact same issue and found it very easily thanks to your effort here. No communication with ECM and no crank.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Glad it helped!

[@stephk5255]

Just found same corrosion you showed on my son's car. Can you tell me more of what you did to fix it?

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Basically, I just cut the wires that had bad ends and added new terminals and then put a generic relay in it, the best advice I have been given is to find a decent unit at a junkyard and replace the whole thing...I didn’t have the patience for that when I already had access to the other parts I used.

[@stephk5255]

@@MyDIYAdventures Thanks for the help. I'm tackling this soon!

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Awesome! Keep us posted!

[@judoguy1975]

i feel ya i had a recent customer that had the same issue you should check my video out on it . its on my shorts reel

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I checked it out…that box was roached!

[@davidteagie6626]

Is there any way 2check the relays? Do all 4 have 2 b n box 4 car 2 start?

[@MyDIYAdventures]

You should be able to check the continuity of the wiring and the ohms on the relays. All 4 do something different, I’m not sure is they all need to be functioning for the vehicle to run🤷‍♂️

[@bigeydgurl89]

Same issue. Rely box was replaced and it still won't start. :(

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Maybe there’s other corrosion somewhere else on the wiring?

[@Hendogg28]

That’s good to know that is there. Since I’ve been looking at a 2010 that will start and run and drive but the starter keeps cranking after it starts. So must be that relay has went bad. I figured it was built into the fuse box or TIPM.

[@keithottersberg9410]

Exact same issue.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

It seems pretty common!

[@ZkReAr-fs5do]

I have a no crank no start and battery seems fine, I have corrosion buuuut I already switched up the cooling fan relays for the starter ones but still no crank no start so I think there might a wire cut or the starter is bad

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Could be, or the actual relay box has corroded and merely replacing the relay won’t help.🤷‍♂️

[@ZkReAr-fs5do]

@@MyDIYAdventures >< Idk but we will find out next week, I will probably end up connecting the new relays directly to the wires see if that works.... I ordered 5 of them from ebay ....

[@ZkReAr-fs5do]

@@MyDIYAdventures and if that doesn't work I will probably have to swap the entire wiring harness which is going to be a pain to remove and replace *_*

[@robertlaurain3094]

Yes, im having the same problem r.n...s.m.h.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

The best fix seems to be replacing the whole box with a junkyard box, I may end up doing that if the corrosion continues

[@aaliyahmonay7468]

Mines didn’t work 😭

[@MyDIYAdventures]

You’ll get it, keep hunting 👍

[@kevinstembridge4561]

Ill fix your for free! I had the same problem mine works great ever since I rewired it!! :)

[@rebel8440]

@@kevinstembridge4561 pleaseeeee I need your assistance! I have a 2010 dodge caliber...won't start

[@ShawnButera]

Hey hey Mr. DIY...are thoes relays that were corroded special order? I read that they were. Having that same issue along with bad starter so an going to tackle it today. Just need a heads up before I go to the auto parts store if you had to order them. Thanks, Buffalo NY here.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I believe they are special order, luckily, my father-in-law has a stockpile of things like that so I was able to find one that worked in his stash. It wasn’t exact, but I didn’t have time (or patience) to try and track the correct one down. I hope this helped...ish!

[@ShawnButera]

@@MyDIYAdventures Thanks for taking the time to reply. I will be prepaired to wait for the relays then. (lol I always use the word "ish" too!

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I’m using “ish” more and more these days...heck, it was in the thumbnail of my last video 😂

[@rogerscollier7424]

My wife has had her ‘07 for 13 years. I’ve been trying to persuade her to get rid of the thing. But she won’t. She has kept it in great shape but issues such as this pop’s up time and again. A pain to say the least.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

They definitely are a pain...luckily my son currently has the car away at college, so he doesn’t drive it too often which means it’s not falling apart as quickly😂

[@phantomwalker8251]

@@MyDIYAdventures its a modern car,,should be junked after 2 yrs.. get yourself a 1970 something.. or a toyota.. for the missus..

[@cricketward9889]

This is my 2nd time fixing mine. I'm going to salvage yard to find a new box and switch the wiring as I disconnect the old one

[@cricketward9889]

I also checked with parts stores for new box and they cannot even find it in their systems or a supplier

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I haven’t found anyone who sells a replacement box yet…it’s like it doesn’t exist!

[@nyuykidivine9160]

Please I need your help

[@MyDIYAdventures]

With what?

[@mrmarwingee1]

Thanks.lol😂

[@montydaniels1054]

@My DIY Adventures. I did find 1 (One) video on KZbin where the guy showed how to disassemble the Box & fix the corroded wire-ends. But I just tried to find it & it must have been taken down by the owner because it's nowhere to be found... Yep, All Jeep Lines have those damn Relay Boxes mounted on the lower part of the frame. My 2010 Patriot Relay Box had already the wires corroded issue and the owner before me wired 1 relay outside of the box. Wire popped off of it because he put the wrong end on the wire so it wouldn't stay connected to the Relay. I fixed that & after I made sure everything was working, I put a plastic bag around the entire Relay Box & the one outside like I mentioned above. Shitty Engineering on Chrysler's part. I feel bad for folks that bought any of these Chrysler Vehicles & live in the Rust-Belt States, sooner of later they'll start running into all sorts of wiring issues....

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I feel like this video has become a support group for people who have bought these Chrysler vehicles…we all come here to vent about them LOL. Wiring the relay outside of the box isn’t a bad idea!

[@montydaniels1054]

@@MyDIYAdventures I agree with you. I just found a KZbin video where the guy took the relay box apart, fixed the corroded area & replaced the bad Relay. Too bad I can't copy the link here but I just typed ''relay box issues for 2010 Jeep Patriot'' & the Video Title is ''Jeep Compass No Start Fix (P0688) 2007 thru 2017'' I found it helpful & already copied it to a Jeep Patriot Forum so I could help a couple guys out....

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Awesome! That’s why I started this channel, so we can all help each other out!👍

[@wendybarnett6873]

Yes I had the same problem 2009

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Glad it helped!

[@andyargueta6948]

Jeep patriot same thing.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Such a great design, they used it on multiple platforms!🤦‍♂️

[@sandradavila4201]

My brother has the same problem I told him to replace all 4 relays for now and see what happens hopefully it will start. I hope he doesn't have to do what you are doing to the box.

[@serverscreen_]

Does you're car try to turn over?

[@MyDIYAdventures]

It was intermittent between starting fine, and not even cranking...that’s how I figured out that relay box is prone to corrosion.

[@peewee19652010]

My friend had to buy a new battery for his. When the battery was installed the Dodge calibre wouldn’t start then I remembered your video realize not only is there no evidence of that box existing but there’s no wiring diagrams because Dodge hit them under there instead of putting them in their main fuse box which is under the hood but you would never have found it had not been for pulling the front end apart. This is one of those hidden things that Chrysler has been doing for decades and you would probably buy a new starter and then optionally a new battery and then nothing would work only to find out that it’s a hidden power box with relays in it. Keep up the good work

[@domingodeanda233]

Eres chingon! You kick ass man!

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Thank you, but I’m just a guy trying to save myself and others some money🙂

[@BrentDarlington]

Nothing at the junkyard?

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I just did this fix on the fly, so if it doesn’t work I’m definitely heading to the junkyard! Although I’m sure they’re probably all suffering from the same corrosion...

[@tiborcio6253]

Fix my friends car of the same issue. Went to the junkyard all four caliber sitting right there also has corrosion on relay box. Maybe thats the reason why they junked it.

[@ddkehr]

It's a Dodge....

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Yupper! The car is really a pain in the butt, but I traded a non-running Envoy for it so I can’t complain too much🤷‍♂️

[@Xochicoatzin]

Hey man, I know it's been years, my Cali is getting kinda the same problem but it starts in neutral, not in parking, and when I try to start it on parking there's a weird click sound on the shift change panel. I have to move the lever a little and then it starts on parking.... I'm doubting it's the relay.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Faulty neutral safety switch maybe?🤷‍♂️

[@billie-grant]

Wow! I feel lucky that I didn't have any corrosion issues when I replaced my relay. Though if my relay was that bad I would have likely called around to see if any junkyards had the part.

[@tncadamini4348]

Working on same issue now

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Good luck! These cars are electrical disasters

[@tncadamini4348]

Got it all back together ac still warm and my fans do not work🤦‍♂️might trade it in I have did nothing but dump money in this 2012 patriot

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I don’t blame ya for wanting to get rid of it!

[@jesuscolangjr8166]

Yeah my wife's car is doing the same thing I'm about to dig in there because the same thing that you're saying is what's happening to her truck thank you for making this video it helped out so much we done put so much money into her car and I just believe it's something simple like this thanks again bro

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I'm glad my frustrations can help someone else out! LOL

[@jesuscolangjr8166]

🤓

[@jamiesharpe11]

What is the name or part # of that relay Tks

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I wasn’t ever able to find the actual type of relay that it uses, but with a little modification you can make a standard one work. Here’s some: amzn.to/397L6mJ

[@jamiesharpe11]

Do you know if I took one of the other relays and switched it with the one that is preventing the car from starting work?

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Possibly, but then the fuel pump or something else important may not work

[@brandonboyce8678]

@@MyDIYAdventures this link is to a 4 pin relay. The relay I took out is a 5 pin. How did you wire this?

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Honestly, I can’t remember...I know the relay I used was not the same as the one I took out. The original relay may not use all 5 pins.

[@meekerstavern7180]

my jeep patriot has the same issue... thanks for sharing

[@MyDIYAdventures]

You’re welcome! That’s why I started this channel, so we can all help each other out with our DIY projects👍

[@Vertigoneardeath]

Tuesday, June 9th, 2024. Been working on my 2011 Dodge Caliber for about three days, one to two hours per day. The car began having starting issues July 1st or 2nd. I don't drive the car. My wife does. She told me that the car would not start. I checked for the most common problems. I found nothing wrong. I tapped sensors, starters and fuses all over --- nothing. I opted to do some online research. One video similar to yours opened up my eyes as to what the problem may be. Sunday afternoon I took a steel bar about 1/4" thick and some 16" long....worked the bar up into this cavity where the relays are set. I banged on the relay bank while my wife cranked the car. It started but quickly shut off. Moving on to Sunday late in the day I had removed the relay bank from its bolted bracket and began tapping it. To my amazement, dry mud, dirt and dust was flying all over. I cranked the car and it started. I left the car running on it's own. It would still shut down on its own but It would start right up if I cranked it. Monday came, I kept banging on the relay bank to ensure that I could get rid of more dirt and dust. Sure, some did fly off. I turned the car on. it ran on its own for about one hour. I even drove the car around the block twice. I got home and parked the car. Everything was working. I turned the car off. I bolted back the relay bank in place. I fitted the tire well chap back in place. I installed the tire. Today, Tuesday, I got on the car to take it for a spin as I did on Monday......nothing. As if I had done no work on it at all. No more crank. No more start. The horn works. The lights work. The instrument panel works. I even went as far as checking the gear-shift whip (cable), to see if maybe that is the problem. It wasn't. Today I removed the TIPN. Cleaned all the connections (male/female). I cranked the car -- -nothing. Tomorrow I will see about visiting my friendly salvage yards and see if I can steal me a relay bank from one of these locations. But before I do steal me this relay bank, I will remove my relay bank and completely disassemble it and see that all the wires are intact. After doing this I will see if the car cranks and starts. Thank you for the video. And no, I will not steal anything. I was must being a comic.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I guessing you’ll find corroded wires inside that relay bank…good luck!

[@Vertigoneardeath]

@MyDIYAdventures Thursday, July 11th 2024. After a full day of a hard wire purge, I connected the battery to the car. It cranked and started. However, both abs icons stayed on. This is a head scratcher.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Definitely an electrical issue if you ask me

[@Vertigoneardeath]

@@MyDIYAdventures Friday, July 12th 2024, today, I will give it another shot. This time, my wife cranking the car I will troubleshoot the relay bank. I will ask my wife to crank the car while I have removed one relay at a time. When I find out which relay controls the starter crank I will remove this relay and take a trip to autozone and buy a replacement. In regards to my original post, I feel that the starter relay may have heated up an this is why it no longer wanted the following day; perhaps, I don't know. I will continue to troubleshoot. Thank you for responding.

[@Vertigoneardeath]

Update, July 12th 2024, 2:30 pm central. I connected the positive negative battery posts. The cars instrument panel showed me all four tranny icons, (P,R,N,D), ....I gave the key a twist.......nothing. I removed the key. I removed the relays from the bank. I tapped them on the cement. I installed the relays. I went inside my car. I inserted the key. I twisted the key....there were no more tranny icons and the car did not want to crank. The head scratching continues.

[@stevegreen7960]

Alignment would help

[@MyDIYAdventures]

A wheel alignment would help the electrical?

[@starshipcaptain4054]

What if theres a rattling noise that sounds like theres a bolt or screw clunking around by the front driver wheel will a bad starter make that noise?

[@starshipcaptain4054]

And when i try start my car now it wont start and i checkd my relay there was a little bit of corrusion and used a wire brush and same thing when iput it back it and tried starting it

[@starshipcaptain4054]

I have a 2007 dodge caliber sxt 1.8 litre

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I doubt the starter would make a rattling noise unless it was loose, you may have a bad ball joint, I had that problem

[@starshipcaptain4054]

When i have it in park the noise comes and goes it sounds like a penny in a metal container getn chucked around when i hear it

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Sounds like a bad bearing on something that is spinning, I’d say check the belt pulleys.

[@sammiamm97]

Got this problem RIGHT NOW 🤦🏿‍♂️🤦🏿‍♂️🤦🏿‍♂️

[@MyDIYAdventures]

There’s supposedly a whole new wire harness you can purchase, but I haven’t looked into it.

[@leandrodominguez3733]

Hi buddy, where is located the fuel pump relay of the 2007 Caliber? Crank but no start ( no voltage at fuel pump plug) Thanks for the video.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

As far as I can tell, there is no relay to the fuel pump, although I’m sure there is a fuse. If the fuse isn’t bad, you could try to jump the pump directly with 12v to see if it is bad.

[@britstevenson3315]

Yeah just found it the same thing

[@MyDIYAdventures]

It seems to be a big problem with these things!