For a while my 98 D has had the check engine light on and nothing seemed to be wrong. It was thowing a PO505 code that appeared one night after I drove a short distance on the freeway with the overdrive off. Then about a week ago after filling up I noticed the CHECK GAUGES light was on. I was at Costco not far from home so I decided to chance it. I went and did my shopping but when I went back out to my D it wouldn't turn over (battery was acting drained) So I got out my jumper pack and it started hard but seemed to be fine (no bad noises) but checked the altenator and battery with my meter and the altenator was only putting out 8.4 volts? The other problem was it would not go out of 1 gear or above about 25 MPH. I Went and did some more testing replaced the Battery (it was original) and it seemed fine so I cleared the codes and went for a short drive. Shut it off for a short while went back to start it 20 minutes later and it has the check engine and the CHECK GAUGES on again. Checked the battery and it was quickley being drained. Checked the altenator again and of course it was putting out 8.4 volts. When this all occured the Durango has 80k, I just had filled it up and it was the 1st day I had used the air conditioner and I had done a tune up the week before all this went down. I read somewhere about how if a certain kind of code is thrown that it shuts the engine down to minimum running condition. I can't find anymore info on this effect, what things cause those problems or any clue on what to do to fix it. The last code after the new battery was 1420. Has anybody had the impaired engine effect or similar problems??

 

shadtreejeff,

the only time I had my check engine, abs, gauges lights on was when my vss went out. This caused all sorts of problems. But usually one code goes and then another it's like the dominoes effect. after scanning it with a diagnostic scan you will probably need a more refined scan to find the exact problem. Once I changed my vss everything went back to normal. Thanks to Chryslerpartsdirect.com. I got my vehicle speed sensor for about $20 plus s&h. I also bought my water pump from them. I hope this helps.

 

check your codes out here
http://www.obdii.com/codes.html

 

that's a pretty cool list of codes very helpful.
thanks rock.

 

just share'n info. I put it in my favorites. never know when or who you might need it