Firstly, can anyone advise me on the correct tyre pressures for a 99 Durango Magnum SLT running on Goodyear Wrangler RT/S P235 / 75R15...?? I've ordered an owners handbook but its yet to arrive here in Saudi Arabia - so I'm running blind at the moment...

Now for the bad problem - and just when I thought I had a trouble free machine...which for 5 weeks has been a whole lot of fun to drive.
I took it into the dealer (they do Dodge, Citroen and a whole lot of other makes - so a real specialist on Durango's, not...) to have a 110k service done and some minor accident damage sorted...see earlier post.

Then I got ambitious...there was some wiring hanging loose on the drivers side in the engine compartment. One wire had been spliced in to the wiring loom near the computer and there was a small black plastic box hanging off some of these wires in the area of the battery - there are a couple of similar sized electrical boxes bolted to the side of the compartment in the same area.

Anyway I told them to clean this up and return it to standard condition....Lord knows what the previous owner had been running off it, anything from his car stereo to his trailer lights.

Of course I'm now having problems...the engine is overheating with the water temperature gauge swinging way off to the right. Just tried taking it for a run here in Riyadh at night, now that things are cooler - same problem. I also lost about 2 litre's of water out of the engine coolant from this afternoons run...

Is there likely to be a connection between these issues...?? Are there any repairs that someone might have fudged to get it up and running before selling it on to me...??

The air conditioning in the Durango has never been great - but this weekend has been a hot one - and its only going to get hotter..!!
I'd put up with it till now...but I do notice that in traffic when the engine revs are low the A/C really stops working. I'll get the dealer to check this as well, or is this susposed to be like this...?? What should he look for to reduce the temperature of the cold air flow...?? Also when I came back from Bahrain a week ago (no probs with overheating on the trip), the A/C stopped working altogether for most of the journey. Reading posts in this forum indicates that the vehicle does this to protect itself under certain conditions, correct...??

Finally, there is a "check engine" warning light on the instrument panel - no, it hasn't come on yet....but should it have...??

Just when I thought I was lucky...!! Chris

 

As for tire pressure, you don't need the manual. Look on the tire you are running on truck. It will tell you what max rating is. Probably around 35-45 lbs.

A/C probably needs a little charge, but it should blow warmer at lower rpm's than at higher rpm's. That's the way they are designed to work.

Overheating, check your tstat, have you seen fluid loss under the vehicle. Check your oil dipstick, see if you are getting radiater fluid in the oil. If so, you have a bad head gasket or a cracked head. Don't believe your wiring mishap has anything to do with overheating.

Check engine light I would think would come on when overheating. May have a bad bulb.

 

Thanks, yes it does say 44psi on the side of the tyre...this is the max inflation pressure. Is there any difference between the front and rear tyre pressures on the Durango...??

Checked the oil this afternoon - looked clear and nothing to suggest that water had entered the lubricant system....
No evidence of water under the vehicle, so I don't think a coolant leak....

Thanks for your suggestions...Chris

 

I can't see how the wiring cleanup would have caused the cooling problem.
Make sure the coolant system has been flushed and a new thermostat installed. also sounds like your A/C is low on Freon or may have other problems?
Is there a label on the door pillar or jamb for the tire pressures?

Here's a Service Bulletin on temp problems.

Engine - Overheats In High Ambient Temperatures.
NUMBER: 07-03-99
GROUP: Cooling
DATE: Nov. 5, 1999
THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 07-07-98, DATED NOV. 27, 1998, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES AND NOTED IN THE 1998 TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN MANUAL (PUBLICATION NO. 81-699-99003). ALL REVISIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS** AND INCLUDE CHANGES TO PART NUMBERS, CHANGES TO THE PROCEDURE, AND CHANGES TO THE TIME ALLOTTED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR.
SUBJECT:
Engine Overheats In High Ambient Temperatures
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves installing a revised fan, fan drive, and fan shroud.
MODELS:
1998 - 1999 (DN) Durango
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Some Durangos may experience a high engine temperature condition (temperatures greater than 116°C. (240°F.)) when the vehicle is operated in stop-and-go traffic with ambient temperatures exceeding 32°C (90°F). The result from the high engine temperature may cause the following:
^ Engine Temperature Gauge To Read Higher Than Normal
^ Check Gauge Lamp To Illuminate
^ Warning Chime To Sound
^ Vehicles Equipped With Air Conditioning May Have The A/C System Disabled
NOTE :THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) IS DESIGNED TO DISABLE THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WHEN ENGINE TEMPERATURES EXCEED A PREDETERMINED VALUE AND/OR THE A/C HIGH SIDE PRESSURE EXCEEDS 470 P.S.I. +/- 20 P.S.I.. THIS IS A NORMAL CONDITION DESIGNED TO PROTECT THE ENGINE FROM OVERHEATING AND FROM DAMAGING THE AIC COMPRESSOR. ONCE THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE AND/OR A/C HIGH SIDE PRESSURE HAS LOWERED, THE PCM WILL TURN THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM ON.
DIAGNOSIS:
1. Examine the vehicle's cooling system for proper operation. The DRB III can be used to ensure that the engine temperature does not exceed 99°C (210°F) during normal operating conditions. If the engine temperature exceeds 99°C (210°F) during normal operating conditions, the cooling system must be inspected and repaired. Refer to the 1999 Durango Service Manual (Publication No. 81-370-9116), pages 7-9 through 7-20 for information regarding Cooling System Diagnosis And Testing.
NOTE :THIS BULLETIN ADDRESSES ENGINE OVERHEAT CONDITIONS THAT OCCURS ONLY IN STOP-AND-GO TRAFFIC WITH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES EXCEEDING 32aC (90°F).
2. If the vehicle's cooling system is operating normally and the customer identities that the vehicle exhibited the previously stated SYMPTOM/CONDITION, perform the Repair Procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:
1 52027709 Fan, Cooling
1 52029767AA Drive, Fan
AR (1) **52029012AD** Shroud, Fan, Four Wheel Drive
AR (1) **52028614AC** Shroud, Fan, Two Wheel Drive
POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation No: 07-20-01-94 **0.5 Hrs.**
FAILURE CODE: P8 - New Part


Repair Procedure
THIS REPAIR IS COMPATIBLE WITH DAIMLERCHRYSLER'S MOBILE SERVICE PROGRAM AND DOES NOT REQUIRE HOISTS OR OTHER FULL SERVICE FACILITY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT.
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
2. The thermal viscous fan drive/fan blade assembly is attached (threaded) to the water pump hub shaft. Remove the fan blade/viscous fan drive assembly from the water pump by turning the attaching nut counterclockwise as viewed from the front of the vehicle. Threads on the viscous fan drive are RIGHT HANDED. A Snap-on 36 mm fan wrench (Snap-on number SP346 from Cummins Diesel Tool Set (Snap-on number 2017DSP)) can be used. The water pump pulley can be held in place by one of the two following methods based upon whether the water pump pulley is pressed onto the water pump or held in place with four attachment bolts.
^ Pressed-On Water Pump Pulley
The water pump pulley can be held in place by using Spanner Wrench (Special Tool 6958) and Adapter Pins (Special Tool 8346).
^ Bolt-On Water Pump Pulley
Place a bar or screwdriver between the water pump pulley bolts to prevent the pulley from rotating.

3. Remove the four fan shroud bolts securing the shroud to the radiator.
4. Remove the fan shroud and fan blade/viscous fan drive assembly as a complete unit from the vehicle.
5. Remove the four bolts attaching the fan blade to the viscous fan drive.
6. To allow for adjustment of the **revised** fan shroud, drill the **revised upper fan shroud (see Parts Required section)** attachment holes to 15 mm (0.59 in.).
7. Attach the fan blade p/n 52027709 to the revised viscous fan drive p/n 52029767AA using the four bolts removed from the old assembly. Tighten the bolts to 23 N-m (17 ft. lbs.).
8. Position the fan shroud and fan blade/viscous fan drive assembly to vehicle as a complete unit.
9. Install the **revised** fan shroud onto the radiator leaving the attachment bolts loose.
10. Install the fan blade/viscous fan drive assembly onto the water pump shaft. Tighten the nut to 27 N.m (20 ft. lbs.).
11. Rotate the fan by hand to ensure no contact between the fan blade and the fan shroud. Adjust the position of the fan shroud so that the clearance between the fan blades and the fan shroud are equal throughout the circumference of the shroud and there is 8 mm (0.30 in.) of clearance between the fan blades and the fan shroud. The fan shroud attachment holes can be enlarged even further if necessary to achieve proper clearance as long as the fan shroud bolts continue to have an adequate clamping surface. Tighten the fan shroud bolts.
12. Connect the battery negative cable and reset the clock.
13. Start the engine. Firmly apply the service brakes and put the transmission into "D". Perform a "brake torque" check to ensure that the engine motion does not cause the fan blades to come in contact with the fan shroud.
14. Perform the same test but with the transmission in "R".
15. If the fan blades came in contact with the fan shroud at any time during the previous two tests, readjust the fan shroud as necessary.

 

A/C - Warm Air From Vents at Idle
NUMBER: 24-013-01
GROUP: Heating & A/C
DATE: September 28, 2001
SUBJECT:
Warm air blows from panel outlets with A/C on at idle.
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves installing an electric cooling fan kit.
MODELS:
1998 - 1999 (DN) Durango
NOTE :THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Some 1998 - 1999 (DN) Durangos may blow warm air out the instrument panel outlets while the A/C is ON in conditions of ambient temperatures exceeding 30°C. (86°F.) and the vehicle not in motion. In conditions of "stop-and-go" traffic or while idling in high ambient temperatures, the A/C high side pressures may exceed the high-pressure switch shut off of 450 - 490 psi. causing the A/C compressor to disengage. The compressor will re-engage once the high side pressure drops below 270 - 330 psi. The root cause of the problem may be related to inadequate airflow through the A/C condenser in high ambient temperatures while the vehicle is not in motion.
DIAGNOSIS:
NOTE :THIS PROCEDURE WILL NOT CORRECT A CONDITION WHERE THE A/C COMPRESSOR DISENGAGES DUE TO EXCESSIVE HIGH SIDE PRESSURE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. NOR WILL THIS PROCEDURE CORRECT ANY A/C PERFORMANCE COMPLAINT OTHER THAN THE LOSS OF A/C IN "STOP-AND-GO" TRAFFIC OR IDLE CONDITIONS WHILE IN HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES AND HUMIDITY.
Verify A/C system operation by performing an A/C Performance Test. Refer to the 1999 Durango Service Manual (Publication No. 81-370-9116), pages 24-13 through 24-16. If the vehicle passes the A/C performance test as identified in the 1999 Durango Service Manual, yet the customer complains that warm air discharges out the panel ducts with the A/C ON with the vehicle NOT in motion, install the Electric Cooling Fan Kit. If the vehicle did not pass the performance test, repair the vehicle as necessary. This procedure WILL NOT be able to correct the condition.

NOTE UE TO THE ELECTRICAL LOAD REQUIREMENTS OF THE ELECTRIC COOLING FAN, THE 136 AMP GENERATOR IS REQUIRED ON ALL VEHICLES. SOME 1999 MODELS MAY HAVE THE 136 AMP GENERATOR. 1999 MODELS EQUIPPED WITH TRAILER TOW PACKAGE (SALES CODE AHC) ARE EQUIPPED WITH THE 136 AMP GENERATOR. TO ENSURE THAT 1999 MODELS ARE EQUIPPED WITH THE 136 AMP GENERATOR, VERIFY THAT THE PART NUMBER ON THE GENERATOR IS 56028920AA. ALL MODELS NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE 136 AMP GENERATOR MUST USE KIT 05019227AB.
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
Detailed instructions are included in the parts kit. Refer to the instructions for the Repair Procedure.



[IMG]local://upfiles/21718/4FCAEC4D334247BDA94BAD2C8A5939AB.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/21718/D00E880302F24235A5F96A5F2FCAC94F.jpg[/IMG]

 

A/C System - Cooling Performance Deterioration
NUMBER: 24-11-99
GROUP: Heating & A/C
DATE: June 25, 1999
SUBJECT:
A/C Cooling Performance Deteriorates After A Few Minutes Of Operation
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves adjusting the temperature control cable or installing a new A/C Evaporator
MODELS:
1998 - 1999 (AN) Dakota
1998 - 1999 (DN) Durango
NOTE :THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR CONDITIONING.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
A/C cooling performance deteriorates after a few minutes of operation.
DIAGNOSIS:
WARNING :EYE PROTECTION MUST BE WORN WHEN SERVICING THE AIR CONDITIONING REFRIGERANT SYSTEM. TURN OFF (ROTATE CLOCKWISE) ALL VALVES ON THE EQUIPMENT BEING USED BEFORE CONNECTING TO OR DISCONNECTING FROM THE REFRIGERANT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THESE WARNINGS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
NOTE :THE AIR TEMPERATURE IN THE TEST ROOM AND IN THE VEHICLE MUST BE A MINIMUM OF 21°C. (70°F.) FOR THIS TEST.
1. Connect a tachometer and a manifold gauge set to the vehicle.
2. Set the heater-NC mode control switch **** in the recirculation mode (Max-A/C) position, the temperature control **** in the full cool position, and the blower motor switch **** in the highest speed position. On Durango models with rear NC, set the rear A/C blower control **** to the OFF position.
3. Start the engine and hold the idle at 1000 rpm with the compressor clutch engaged. Refer to the appropriate Service Manual, Group 24, Diagnosis and Testing section if the compressor clutch does not engage.
4. During the test, the engine should be at operating temperature, the doors and windows closed, and the hood mostly closed.
5. Insert a thermometer into the driver side center A/C (panel) outlet.
6. With the compressor clutch engaged, record the panel outlet temperature every 30 seconds for at least five minutes. The temperature should drop at least 20°F. below the ambient temperature within the first 60 seconds of operation. The temperature should continue to drop. After five minutes, the outlet temperature must be at or below those listed in the Performance Temperature and Pressure Chart identified in Group 24 of the appropriate Service Manual.
7. If the suction pressure meets the requirements listed in the Performance Temperature and Pressure Chart identified in Group 24 of the appropriate Service Manual, record the outlet temperature reading. Clamp off both heater hoses (inlet and outlet). Wait five minutes and record the temperature again. Compare the second reading to the list in the Performance Temperature and Pressure Chart. If the temperature is now within the appropriate ranges, the temperature control cable must be adjusted. Refer to the appropriate Service Manual, Group 24, Adjustment section.
8. If the panel outlet temperature began to rise after two - three minutes of operation and eventually levels off at ambient temperature or, the suction pressure drops to 13 psig or less, or the clutch disengages and begins to cycle, perform the Repair Procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:
AR (1) 05015440AA Coil, Evaporative, Durango Models
AR (1) 04885579AA Coil, Evaporative, Dakota Models
AR 82300101 Refrigerant, R134
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
R134a Refrigerant/Recycling/Charging Station
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
1. Replace the evaporative coil. Refer to the appropriate Service Manual, Group 24, Removal and Installation procedures.
POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation No:
24-50-25-93 Adjust The Temperature Control Cable 1.5 Hrs.

24-65-02-98 Replace The Evaporator Coil 3.8 Hrs.
FAILURE CODE: P8 - New Part

 

Make sure your thermostat is working propely because if its not opening your engine will behave just like it is now. Also there should be a sticker on your driver side door when you open it on the side tellign you tire pressure i do belive it recomds 35 psi all the way around. As for a/c it sounds like 1 of 2 things A). the simpler of the 2 problems is low on refrigerant (r-134a) or B.) your a/c compresors on her way out but i doubt this jsut yet. Do make sure your condesor and radiator is clean between the fins aswell not piled full of mud and sand.

 

thanks for this...
cooling problem solved - leaking water pump...
A/C still not the best, but bearable for Saudi Arabia
sticker on driver side door all in Arabic, didn't know that it contained tyre pressure info - however I've finally got hold of the owners handbook from Ebay, and yes its 35psi all round.
next ptoblem is that drivers side rear seat passenger window doesn't power wind down - again this appears to be a common fault in this vehicle...

Chris

 

Your not so cool A/C problem may be the blend door issue if you checked that it has enough refrigerant. My top A/C panel that blows air to the back of the Durango is always ice cold, but the air coming out of my vents are not as cold. After getting my heater cored replaced when it went out, my mechanic re-assembled the airbox where it had the blend door and I don't know if he re-aligned it or fixed it where the blend door now shuts tight, my A/C coming out of my vents are just as cold as the air coming out of my top A/C panel. I rarely have to put my fan speed on my front vents beyond the 2nd from lowest setting to keep the cabin cool now. This is set on A/C (Max recirculation) mode. Rarely use external air for cooling as dallas traffic has too much smog and pollution and its 100+ ambient air temperatures don't help much either!

 

You know.... you can run a cooler thermostat. I put a 180 degree thermostat in mine and it helped alot. I belive they come with 210 degree thermostats when they are stock.