1999 Durango 5.9L Engine Malfunction Questino???

Gentlemen;

My D with 120K miles has started doing something strange and I don't know
what might be causing it. Before I bring it to the dealer I thought I
would try asking here.

It's been running quite well. However, about 1-2 weeks ago it started
cranking very slowly. I thought it might be the battery so I've been
carrying around a self-contained jumper pack. However, here's how the
symptoms usually go:

I try to crank it and it barely or does NOT turn over. Sounds like its
coming up on the compression cycle and stops cranking. However, when I
connect the jumper pack it then seems to turn over normally then starts.

Once started, is won't continue running. If I heal & toe it I can keep the
revs up sufficient to keep it running. But, when I shift into drive it
will stall. But this time it cranks over just fine and usually starts.
Then, when I back down my driveway into the road and stop to change
direction, it stalls. Another restart. I drive <1 mile to the corner of
my street and it stalls. Another start on its own power and the engine
starts but when I come to the next stop sign... it stalls.

Obviously I cannot drive this car like this. Does ANYONE have any ideas
relative to this problem? When it runs... it runs great. But not this
time.

I will be eagerly awaiting any and all replies.

Thank you,

Bob M

bobmct wrote:

> Gentlemen;
>
> My D with 120K miles has started doing something strange and I don't know
> what might be causing it. Before I bring it to the dealer I thought I
> would try asking here.
>
> It's been running quite well. However, about 1-2 weeks ago it started
> cranking very slowly. I thought it might be the battery so I've been
> carrying around a self-contained jumper pack. However, here's how the
> symptoms usually go:
>
> I try to crank it and it barely or does NOT turn over. Sounds like its
> coming up on the compression cycle and stops cranking. However, when I
> connect the jumper pack it then seems to turn over normally then starts.
>
> Once started, is won't continue running. If I heal & toe it I can keep
> the
> revs up sufficient to keep it running. But, when I shift into drive it
> will stall. But this time it cranks over just fine and usually starts.
> Then, when I back down my driveway into the road and stop to change
> direction, it stalls. Another restart. I drive <1 mile to the corner of
> my street and it stalls. Another start on its own power and the engine
> starts but when I come to the next stop sign... it stalls.
>
> Obviously I cannot drive this car like this. Does ANYONE have any ideas
> relative to this problem? When it runs... it runs great. But not this
> time.
>
> I will be eagerly awaiting any and all replies.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Bob M

Gentlemen - some additional progress information...

Taking your advise I suspected the battery and/or charge system. The
battery, being 3 years (it was replaced once) old was replaced this morning
and the alternator seems to be pushing 14+ volts just fine.

None the less, I replaced the battery and once connected the underhood light
came on bright and shiney. OK I said. After securing the cables I went
inside and swithed on the ignition. NADA! Not even an odometer reading.
Out of frustration I then connected my jumper pack again and turned the
starter switch again. This time it started.

Any other ideas as to where to look?

Thanks,

Bob