2003 durango 4.7L V6, 2WD, 161,100 miles.
codes p0420, p0456, p0300, p0308.
Been running hot, keep adding water to radiator and back up tank (dont know what to call that thing). Have to add water every time. Usually dies at first stop. acts like its going to die a lot. Bought off car lot with knocking noise and check engine light on. I KNOW IM STUPID.
Now the truck wont even start. There is power though bc my radio come on. need to know how much this is going to cost me, what the next step should be. I have a mobile mechanic coming to take a look tomorrow but since I know absolutely NOTHING about cars, Im afraid of getting screwed. Please advise if I should just getting running and trade it in or fix it. Im at a loss. Thank you for your time.

 

Code p0420 is to do with the catalytic converter, that wouldn't make it not start. The knock sounds like the motor isn't running to great. You have a bad coolant leak somewhere and that needs addressed. Your best bet since there is a compound of problems is to let the mobile mechanic look at it unfortunately

 

What do the other codes means? & what is the average amount to fix coolant leak

 

honestly im willing to bet that the codes are all related to one problem, and i would wonder if it has been overheated

i second the coolant leak, as for cost to fix, no clue, it depends on where it is leaking from and what has to be done, just be sure to ask for details on the estimate so that you can share them with us and we will tell you if the price seems fair.

 

Is it leaving puddles on the ground? Cause if its not the leak could be internal such as the head gaskets and it a major repair. That would also explain the catalytic converter code. If its getting soaked with water it isn't going to work right. Same with the miss fire. Sorry, but it sounds like the thing was overheated at one point and not fixed.............

 

ahh real men that I can talk to and trust about my car. lol I love this site. Yes I have been driving it hot bc my ex husband (army) says that its fine and to just add water. ie, not his problem so screw it. then when I called his dad in another state he told me never to drive it hot. before it died completely I would add water in the radiator and make sure it was full. It took me a bit to get it started and while I was at a light the gauge (cold to hot) would stay centered but the truck would be smoking on the right side. It also looks as if my motor has been extremly hot bc I have melted areas on the top underneath my hood. ****, I dont know what to do. Ive got like a 1000 bucks to work with here. do I fix it, tow it, junk it, sell it privately on craigslist, or try to get it running just to trade it in. Two repos and ****ty credit so no financing. need car yesterday. and the guy thats coming (mobile machanic) cant seem to let me a lot. on top of that I need an aglinment bad and the heater wont work advise???

 

The heater isn't working because its overheating. Without physically seeing what's going on I can't really point you in the right direction. If u check the oil does it look like chocolate milk or black oil? How often do u put antifreeze in it?

 

A video would be helpful. Also your ex is full of it, you should never drive a overheating vehicle unless absolutely necessary. If there is steam coming from the passenger side it sounds like there is water hitting the exhaust, most likely from the line going to the heater core or out of the heads. Again pictures and maybe a video would be nice.

 

Sounds like one problem turned into many. I agree with everything thats been said so far and by having it looked at you can narrow it down to whats going on. As warned before the water may not be cutting it anymore.

 

Sounds like a bad head gasket to me.....Just my 2 cents.