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Dodge Durango Repair Question


Topics covered: Engine, Check engine light, Mechanic.
Mileage: No information provided.

Asked on November 1, 2007

Durango eating gas and blowing black smoke from tailpipe

Our 2002 Durango SLT plus had gone through a large puddle which ruined the engine. We then purchased a used engine with 68,000 miles, and our local mechanic installed it. After getting it back we've only gotten 6 miles per gallon instead of the 18-24 we used to get. In addition to his problem, our car kind of lunges, has black stinky smoke coming from the tailpipe, and takes more than a few times to get it started. We are at a loss here and don't know what to think. Any ideas or suggestions would be very appreciated!
Avatar Asked by meadows575

Answer

Replied on November 1, 2007

Is the MIL on? Check engine light? It should be...did the engine come from a comatible year truck? It sounds like the engine is running in open loop, or cold engine mode. get back to us on the MIL! if you need to read the codes, go to autozone the do it free, and they give you a printout, for what is needed!

Tiny Answered by merlin2021 (expert)
18,145 answers provided
Replied on November 1, 2007

I am not certain what an MIL is? My hubby is at work and I was just doing some investigating. I do know the check engine light was on but it was before for some reason (think some small crack in a hose that was hard to get to).
I will tell my husband about Autozone. I do know our mechanic used his handheld scanner thing and did not come with any errors.

Tiny Response from meadows575
1 question asked
Replied on November 1, 2007

Check your PM's as you also pmed me!

Tiny Answered by merlin2021 (expert)
18,145 answers provided

Replied on November 1, 2007

I appreciate you taking the time to explain to me what open loop means. I'll have my husband take a look at the things you mentioned. I'm making a donation right after sending. I'm sure I'll be back here again soon. ha! Thank you!

Tiny Response from meadows575
1 question asked