I was thrilled to get my 98 Dodge Durango SLT (5.2L, 8cyc). I've had my '98 for about 8 months now, and other then letting the battery drain down I've had no issue with it at all. However, before going away on vacation I left the lights on and drained the battery. After recharging the battery, I incountered a new issue- the engine won't hold idle. In order for it to run I need to give it gas. Too much gas and it smokes; the smoke smells a little like gas. Any suggestions on things to check or solutions to similar situations? All help will be greatly appreciated!

 

Check and make sure the battery terminals are clean. If that's not the problem you may need to replace the battery.

 

in these trucks if the battery dies it needs to be replaced 90% of the time.

lead acid batteries do not like being discharged all the way, and letting them discharge all the way often causes damage to the cells (not physical damage mind you, but they dont hold or take a charge properly afterwards)