First post here. I've been lurking for a few weeks sucking up knowledge. Some of you people are amazing, especially you Hydrashocker. I'm no expert on Dodges, but I'm pretty well versed in Hydrashocks, in the ballistic sense of the word.

Anyway, I inherited Dodge problems from a girlfriend. I've never owned a Dodge. Just a Chrysler several years ago and several Jeeps. Here's the story

Girl had engine rebuilt. 2001 Durango, 4.7L, 2WD. Mechanic was a crook and an idiot to boot. I noticed her oil pressure gauge wasn't working. Upon inspection I found that the mechanic had broken it off during the rebuild but had failed to replace it nor even say that it was broken. I replaced it and life goes on.

On further inspection I have found several similar small problems. Nothing real serious in the short term, just shoddy work. Most I have been able to fix or reconnect, no problem.

Now I have what appears to be a simple problem, but I can't figure it out. There is a flat braided wire that connects to the fender well on the body on the passenger side engine compartment. From there it branches in 2 directions. One goes directly to the engine. The other branch connects has a connector that isn't connected (THE PROBLEM) and then connects to the firewall as a ground I presume. I have reviewed the Haynes manual but haven't had any luck since the pics aren't all that good. Wiring diagrams there are great but don't really explain to newbies exactly where the connections are. This is probably about a 2 second problem for anyone with a clue, and another hour trying to explain to me where it connects. I'm no genius but I'm motivated. Any help? Hopefully the attached pictures help explain.



Thanks in advance for the help. I expect I will be a regular problem poster here on the forum.

 

HI Brian, welcome to the site. I have a 2001 4.7 too. Looks like you have an aftermarket air intake. I think the loose ground is supposed to connect to the frame from underneath the stock air box. Here's a pic. #1 looks like it's connected to the frame. #2 looks like it goes under the stock air box. HTH. If I got it wrong, please don't flame me.

 

Thanks for the reply. Don't worry about me flaming you. The only responses I tend to get annoyed at are the "you should get that checked out" type responses. Yeah sometimes maybe I should, but how about a little more info as to why. If it were that simple, I wouldn't waste my time on a Forum looking for the answer.

It's obvious that your engine compartment is much cleaner and in much better shape than hers. I really need to steam clean the engine. Tomorrow in the light I'm gonna compare hers with your pics. As for the after market air cleaner, I'm not sure. Like I said, I've never owned a new Durango and have no clue what everything is "supposed" to look like. That's part of what I'm trying to fix. Obviously this wire isn't a make or break thing, since the truck runs fine and everything seems to work, but I imagine it's there for a reason and would like to know what that reason is. Thanks again

 

Thanks for the compliment, Brian. There are much cleaner engines out there, believe me! It's all in the flash! Here's what a stock airbox looks like on the 4.7:

It's a rectangular shape about 6"X11". The more I look at it, the more I think the braid goes under the airbox location. If you don't get a response proving otherwise, I'm gonna look inside my engine bay after work to make sure. Please disregard that travesty of a cold air intake. I have since corrected it!

 

Well thanks for the complements Brian!


I would say the frame.


1. Engine Block (engine)
2. Outside firewall (for PCM)
3. Cab (interior electronics)
4. Frame or top of the motor? Also I COULD see a conection under the airbox close to the TCM which is located by the intake tube (Dark Intake tube in Dan's photo) by radiator.

Please get us a bigger photo or pull the air box Dan?

 

Okay, I think I've found the loose conenction. I took some pics so here goes:
Ground overview:

#1 is the firewall ground

#2 is the loose connection

Sorry, it was the best closeup I could get.
#3 is the connection under the airbox, just like your first pic, Brian

Here's a closer look at where the loose connection should look like. It should be right under the 5/8 in. heater hose shown here and beneath the two cables wrapped in braided hose.

Sorry hydra, I couldn't pull the airbox. I got home late from doing OT and the pics were the best for now.

 

Thanks to all for your effort in such a trivial problem.

Dan, I think you are right on in where it connects. The length matches. It looks like on yours, it has a connection on the valve cover close to the firewall. I can't see exactly, but that's what it seems like. However on hers I can't find anything in the vicinity to attach it too. I'm gonna keep looking and will let you know what I find. If any of you guys happen to run across it while your working, let me know.

By the way, you're right about the breather. It is a K&N performance kit. Didn't notice it 'til you mentioned it.

Thanks again.

 

No problem, Brian. Glad to help. Yeah, it's a PITA to see where that last conection is...LOL. Keep us posted!

 

You can only do what you can.....Thanks for trying!

 

I had the timing chain fixed then the truck still wouldn't start i notest those braided wire s were all broke would that keep it from runing thanks a million😩