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Questionable performance

Tiny
SELFSUFFICIENT
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 DODGE DURANGO
Engine Performance problem 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic 99000 miles

Why does my truck accelerate slowly, won't switch gears, and shuts off when ac/vent is turned on?
Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 AT 9:10 PM

51 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,752 POSTS
Has the check engine light ever come on? It sounds like you have a plugged catalytic converter. Here are a couple of guides so you can run some tests.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-has-low-power-output

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers

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Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 AT 11:21 AM
Tiny
SELFSUFFICIENT
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
You hit it right on the money it was the cat that was plugged I got it replaced and now it runs like new. I love this site.
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Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 AT 2:09 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,752 POSTS
Good to hear, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 AT 7:41 PM
Tiny
SELFSUFFICIENT
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I will! :)
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Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 AT 7:47 PM
Tiny
HMRODEN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 DODGE DURANGO
2000 Dodge Durango V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic

Cannot get truck started, loses all power when I try to crank it. Have tested battery, starter, and alternator. I am at losss for what else it could be and am looking for suggestions. Could anyone help a non-mechanic compile a list of possible causes?
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Saturday, October 21st, 2017 AT 4:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Pick your symptom:

Cranks but no start condition:

Fuel and Spark:
Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine at least 3/16 away from ground -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it.

No crank at all/nothing/nada:

Could be the starter, starter relay, clutch switch/park and neutral switch and ignition switch assuming the battery and connections are good.
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Saturday, October 21st, 2017 AT 4:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DEBORAH DOUGLAS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2000 DODGE DURANGO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 148,000 MILES
Engine Performance problem
2000 Dodge Durango V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic 148000 miles

The gauge lights keep coming on and some heating from engine
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Saturday, October 21st, 2017 AT 4:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,752 POSTS
Is the engine overheating?
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Saturday, October 21st, 2017 AT 4:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DEBORAH DOUGLAS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I found out that the hose to radiator clamp needed replacing. The coolant was lo
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Saturday, October 21st, 2017 AT 4:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,752 POSTS
That is good news and an easy fix. Let us know if you have questions in the future.

Joe
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Saturday, October 21st, 2017 AT 4:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KRIS2KEEN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
  • 1998 DODGE DURANGO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 123,000 MILES
Electrical problem
1998 Dodge Durango V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic 123000 miles

ok, ive replaced the battery and the alternator.I know both were in good condition cause I took the altenator off my dakota. Problem is something is draining large ammounts of power. So bad to were the truck drains and dies after short driving distance. What is it? I've been told a/c clutch or ground. Need this running I got 3 kids.
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Sunday, October 22nd, 2017 AT 5:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,752 POSTS
Here is what I need you to do. You need to check for a draw. It sounds like you will find one. I will provide directions at the end of this post. What to do is this. You will be connecting a volt meter between the neg battery terminal and cable to see the draw. Remove one fuse at a time until the draw stops. That way we will know what circuit is attached to the draw.

Let me know what you find.

https://www.2carpros.com/first_things/why_is_my_car_battery_dead_over_night.htm

NOTE: YOU CAN READ ALL THAT IS THERE BUT THE LAST PARAGRAPH IS THE BIGGEST HELP IN YOUR CASE.

Joe
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Sunday, October 22nd, 2017 AT 5:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KRIS2KEEN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Well I found it it was an a/c clutch drain.I unplugged it and now my volts are at 14 and running great but no a/c.
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Sunday, October 22nd, 2017 AT 5:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,752 POSTS
Have you tried replacing the clutch?
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Sunday, October 22nd, 2017 AT 5:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KRIS2KEEN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I also have an 01 dakota. Its flashing a PCM code yet all the forums i've read said their trucks ran fine with that code flashing. Mine LAGS really bad.I changed the plugs and plug wires that didnt do the trick. So I was thinking it was the CAT being glogged. Whats your take on it?
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Sunday, October 22nd, 2017 AT 5:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,752 POSTS
What code is it? And yes, the converter will cause a power loss.
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Sunday, October 22nd, 2017 AT 5:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FLYBOY0183
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2002 DODGE DURANGO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 185,000 MILES
Engine Performance problem
2002 Dodge Durango V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic 185000 miles

I have a 2002 Dodge durango with 185,000 miles on it. Lately its been having really bad gas mileage, the engine will rev real high when I press on the gas pedal then a huge cloud of black smoke comes out the exhuast and the truck takes off. It has no real power now and slows really down going up hills. It also has a real strong smell of gas. I've pulled out the oil dip stick and checked the oil fill cap and both smell of oil and gas. I don't know what to check first.
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Sunday, October 22nd, 2017 AT 5:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check the injectors and fuel pessure regulator if it's leaking. If not-inspect and test the following items below:

1. Defective Oxygen Sensors.
2. Coolant temperature sensor out of calibration.
3. Restricted air intake system.
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-1
Sunday, October 22nd, 2017 AT 5:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KRIS2KEEN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Its flashing P0601. Which is a PCM fault. But others said it ran fine with that code flashing. Thats why I figured the CAT was it.
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Sunday, October 22nd, 2017 AT 5:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FLYBOY0183
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
How do I check the injectors and fuel pressure regulator for leaks?
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Sunday, October 22nd, 2017 AT 5:49 PM (Merged)

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