2000 Dodge Durango Engine Light On

2000 DODGE DURANGO
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GRIFFINB1
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Computer problem
2000 Dodge Durango V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic 121K miles

I used my free question and got a quick response and it helped solve my turn signal flasher problem. Thank You for that. Now for a hard one which I expect to pay for your help. Hope you can solve this one.

About 3 months ago the battery failed. I was told that it shorted out internally. The engine light came on. The battery was replaced and all is fine except that the engine light is still on. Autozone connected a piece of equipment that gives the error codes. No error code was shown. They issued a command to clear all error codes. The engine light is still on.

Thanks
May 3, 2010 at 7:49 PM
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CARADIODOC
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Hi griffinb1. There IS a code in the Engine Computer. The code readers the parts stores use don't do everything the expensive equipment does, and sometimes won't read every code. GM products can have a Check Engine light on with no stored codes, but bot Chryslers. When that light is on, there is a code that will lead to the circuit or system with the problem, not necessarily the bad part.

Find a mechanic with a hand-held computer, called a scanner, to read the code(s). You can also read them yourself. To read the diagnostic fault codes, cycle the ignition switch from "off" to "run" to "off" to "run" to "off" to "run" three times within five seconds, then leave it in the "run" position. If the starter ever engages, even for a second, turn the ignition switch off, wait a few seconds, then start the procedure over. Older vehicles flashed the Check Engine light to read the codes, but yours will display in the odometer. Record the code(s) and holler back with the results.

caradiodoc
May 3, 2010 at 11:49 PM
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GRIFFINB1
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I got the following results regarding the diagnostic fault code procedure you needed me to perform:
The display was as follows after the 3 on/off cycles:

P doNE
Cruise <--- this blanks out and goes to trip mileage

Thanks for the help,

Brad Griffin
May 4, 2010 at 2:14 PM
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CARADIODOC
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Then there has to be a code in another computer. Inexpensive code readers only read the codes in the Engine Computer. I've never seen one yet that will access the Body or Transmission Computers. For those, you will have to visit a mechanic with a scanner that can look at all of the computers. Any problem that is detected that could adversely affect tail pipe emissions is supposed to turn on the Check Engine light. When the problem is detected by a different computer, it tells it to the Engine Computer because he is the only one in charge of the Check Engine light.

caradiodoc
May 4, 2010 at 2:53 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.