Hello, I was hoping I might be able to get some help regarding a few issues with my 2001 4.7L 4x4 Durango.

First, when in reverse, there is a squeaking noise that sounds very similar to squeaky brake pads (but the noise happens when I am not braking). I have not been able to pin-point where about the noise is coming from, but perhaps this is a common issue?

Second, lately, it has been difficult to put into reverse. I can get it in reverse, but I have to wait for 15-20 seconds (granted it has been an average of 20° outside), the transmission fluid levels are good, is it possible that it just takes longer to get the fluid through the system when it is this cold out?

Third, after changing my oil this month, I noticed a gasoline odor. From what I have found, this is a relatively common problem, but can end up damaging sensors and cause a lot of other issues if it isn't addressed. What should I do to remedy the problem?

I appreciate any help you can provide, I am a recent graduate and cannot afford unnecessary repairs from a mechanic.

 

1)squeaking noise that sounds like brakes probably is squeaky brakes, these trucks are notorious for warping rotors which would make them contact the brake pads even when you are not pressing on the brake pedal.

2) yes it take a little longer to engage the trans when it is cold, it also shift differently until it warms up, however 15-20 seconds is excessive, you could have a clogged trans filter restricting flow and causing pressure to build too slowly, or a weak pump (i would lean towards the filter myself)

3) gasoline odor in the oil is not common, and is usually caused by running too rich, i bet your mpg has been pretty low lately too?? if so it could be a sticky fuel injector not closinga ll the way or a bad oxygen sensors giving the computer bad readings

 

Thank you so much for you're help! I wondered about it being my brake rotors, but there is no wobbly-ness when I brake, so I figured it had to be something else, but my front left brake has been squeaky, so it could be that too. I will definitely get a new transmission filter, and for the gasoline smell in the oil, I will take it to my mechanic to see what he suggests. My MPG hasn't been terrible, it is around 13-14 in town and about 19 highway, which I thought was normal for the vehicle, but it is possible I am wrong about that too.
Thank you again for your help, I appreciate it more than you know!

 

13-14 around town? i only get like 11.9 and on the highway i get MAYBE 17

 

yea my winter mpg is 13.5 or so to 15 around town (solid 17 in the summer) and 16-17 highway in the winter (19-20 inthe summer) your mpg numbers are good,

so now i have to ask, do you do alot of short trips? alot of idling? if the oil smells like fuel then it must be getting in there somehow

 

I make sure my tires are aired up and do regular oil changes. The drive to my office is about 4 miles one way, I do go home for lunch, so its two trips to and from a day. I let it coast when I can and pay attention to how my acceleration and braking is affecting my MPG. Also, I live in north east Kansas, so the landscape might help (we DO have hills though, haha).

 

ronnie, with such short trips you should not expect to get much better gas mileage than that, the truck takes time to warm up before it runs efficiently, a 4 mile trip is about long enough to get the engine warm enough to go into closed loop operation (the most efficient run cycle), if you dont get into closed loop your mpgs will never get better its just the way things work

 

Thanks, shrpshtr325; however, I wasn't complaining about my gas mileage. I am aware of the gas mileage V8's get. I was simply explaining some of the reasons for my gas mileage being a bit better than you and Duralude09's. As far as letting it warm up, I have remote start and it idles for about 10 minutes before I even leave the house.

 

Duralude09's truck has to be a 5.9 to have that mpg. If it is a 4.7, then 11 mpg sucks and has issues.

5.9's averages 10/14 mpg for city/highway if you have the 3:92 rear end. other wise, you can push maybe 12-16 if you have the taller gears.