I was REALLY hoping that someone out there could give me some advice about what I should do about my Durango before I pay a butt load of money to hook it up to a computer at the Dodge service place. I have a 1998 Dodge Durango SLT that has about 107000 miles on it and the other day I thought I smelled oil burning, thought it was just b/c I needed an oil change so I didn't think much of it...well today the "check guages" light came on b/c my engine temp. guage was spiking all the way at the hottest mark and then going down, then back up, then back down etc. I think it has something to do with my cooling system, but I'm hoping it's something simple that I can fix myself. If anyone has ANY suggestions PLEASE feel free to email me at keezy123@adelphia.net . Thanks again!

 

bring it to autozone and have them check what code it is, they do it for free

 

You might have a blown head gasket. Check the oil to see if there is any coolant mixed in it, if there is then the head gasket is most likely the problem. This could also explain the temp spikes that your seeing.

 

I agree with ghostRider. Do a compression check.