Hello,
I'm helping my dad with his 2001 Dodge Durango SLT 4.7 V8 4x4. It has a little under 180,000 miles. He had it since new, overall it has been an excellent, dependable vehicle.
For the past few weeks it will idle rough and shake a little when stopped at intersections, and when idling. It seems to happen no matter what gear it is in, and in neutral. It has poor acceleration, and it also gets about 12 MPG since the performance issues have been observed, which is significantly worse than it usually gets. (Around 18+ combined is what it got before, when new it was 20+)
It idles at about 620-650RPM (not sure if this is normal). We just changed out the original copper plugs and coils, thinking it would help, and it has not. (But it needed to be done anyway)
I pulled the following codes: P0601 (Internal Control Module - Memory Check Sum Error), P0204 (Injector Circuit/Open Cylinder 4), and P0205 (Injector Circuit/Open Cylinder 5).
We reset the computer by disconnecting the negative battery terminal and turning the key over for 15-30 seconds, and all of the codes went away after reconnecting the battery and starting the vehicle. We took a short test drive and the Durango performed really well, with no codes appearing until we shut it down, and when we started it again, the 3 codes all came back, and the poor performance returned.
A little background, we replaced both the computer and crank shaft position sensor over 5 years ago to resolve a no start, "no bus" issue. (The crank shaft position sensor was the culprit) and it ran fine afterwards with no codes until recently. Not sure if this is related or not to the current issues. The computer was a refurbed unit.
Do you think we need to replace the computer again? I see on eBay you can get them for $150, and need to send the seller the VIN number. I also welcome any advice on how to check the cylinder 4 and 5 injectors/wiring, or if it could be something else. I've read to try replacing the TPS and IAC, both look like easy jobs and the parts are not too expensive, but I don't see how the codes point to these sensors being an issue. Regardless, should these be replaced due to mileage and age?
We also re-seated the three computer connectors, and checked the engine air filter. The battery is about 6 years old, but starts up just fine. I've also read batteries can cause strange issues, but would hate to throw a new battery at it prematurely.
Any insight would be appreciated!
Thank you very much, I know this was a long first post.
Alex
I'm helping my dad with his 2001 Dodge Durango SLT 4.7 V8 4x4. It has a little under 180,000 miles. He had it since new, overall it has been an excellent, dependable vehicle.
For the past few weeks it will idle rough and shake a little when stopped at intersections, and when idling. It seems to happen no matter what gear it is in, and in neutral. It has poor acceleration, and it also gets about 12 MPG since the performance issues have been observed, which is significantly worse than it usually gets. (Around 18+ combined is what it got before, when new it was 20+)
It idles at about 620-650RPM (not sure if this is normal). We just changed out the original copper plugs and coils, thinking it would help, and it has not. (But it needed to be done anyway)
I pulled the following codes: P0601 (Internal Control Module - Memory Check Sum Error), P0204 (Injector Circuit/Open Cylinder 4), and P0205 (Injector Circuit/Open Cylinder 5).
We reset the computer by disconnecting the negative battery terminal and turning the key over for 15-30 seconds, and all of the codes went away after reconnecting the battery and starting the vehicle. We took a short test drive and the Durango performed really well, with no codes appearing until we shut it down, and when we started it again, the 3 codes all came back, and the poor performance returned.
A little background, we replaced both the computer and crank shaft position sensor over 5 years ago to resolve a no start, "no bus" issue. (The crank shaft position sensor was the culprit) and it ran fine afterwards with no codes until recently. Not sure if this is related or not to the current issues. The computer was a refurbed unit.
Do you think we need to replace the computer again? I see on eBay you can get them for $150, and need to send the seller the VIN number. I also welcome any advice on how to check the cylinder 4 and 5 injectors/wiring, or if it could be something else. I've read to try replacing the TPS and IAC, both look like easy jobs and the parts are not too expensive, but I don't see how the codes point to these sensors being an issue. Regardless, should these be replaced due to mileage and age?
We also re-seated the three computer connectors, and checked the engine air filter. The battery is about 6 years old, but starts up just fine. I've also read batteries can cause strange issues, but would hate to throw a new battery at it prematurely.
Any insight would be appreciated!
Thank you very much, I know this was a long first post.
Alex
