Cylinder misfire and engine shuts off when transmission is shifted into drive or reverse?

Tiny
JUSTMED73
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 DODGE DURANGO
  • 5.2L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 262,482 MILES
I've done a complete tune up on it and it still idles rough. It shuts off when you put it in reverse and sometimes drive. I get a cylinder 8 random misfire code. I've cleared the code and it won't come back on for a while. I'm using a quarter tank of gas on a 60-mile trip on the interstate. Any ideas?
Saturday, October 2nd, 2021 AT 9:41 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,640 POSTS
Hi,

Other than the cylinder eight misfire, are there any other codes? Also, when you delete the code, is the misfire gone?

This can be the result of several things. For example, a faulty temperature sensor, engine vacuum leak, fuel pressure (too high or low), a plugged catalytic converter, and so on all can cause it.

Let's start simple. First, let me know if there are other codes. Next, let me know if there is any gray smoke from the exhaust.

If you have a live data scan tool, let me know what the short-term fuel trims are. The will help me determine if there is an air/fuel ratio issue.

Here is a link to get you started. This explains how to check for engine vacuum leaks.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, October 2nd, 2021 AT 8:36 PM
Tiny
JUSTMED73
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
It's only the cylinder eight misfire code that comes up. I don't have a real time scanner. I'll check the vacuum and let you know what happens on it. Also, there is no gray, blue, or black smoke coming out of it.
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Sunday, October 3rd, 2021 AT 9:42 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,640 POSTS
The misfire can be a few things. Check for leaks and let me know if you find any. Also, if the mileage you listed is correct, we may need to check compression. Low compression in that cylinder may be the cause of the misfire. If it's good, then we need to confirm it is getting spark to the plug. If you are, then we have to assume there is a fuel injector issue.

If you decide to check for spark, compression, and so on, here are links to help you with the process:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-fuel-injector

Let me know. Also, feel free to let me know if you have questions regarding the tests and sequence. If it was me, the easiest thing is to confirm spark to that cylinder. If it is good, then I would check compression. If it is good as well, then check the fuel injector.

Take care and I'll watch for your reply.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, October 4th, 2021 AT 7:23 PM

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