DODGE NITRO MISFIRE AND SMOKING FROM TAILPIPE DIAGNOSIS

In todays case study we are looking at a 2007 dodge Nitro with a 3.7l v6 engine. The vehicle is running rough, jerking and smoking from the tailpipe. The check engine light is flashing and using a scan tool to read trouble codes we find a P0306 cylinder number 6 misfire. Follow along as I take you step by step trough my troubleshooting process to diagnose and repair this vehicle. Also, included is the story of how I came to own this vehicle and the headache that came along with using a bad mechanic.
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[@jeffreydeleon5630]

Man that story gave me a headache 😂😂😂. You gave him more then enough times

[@MrJgonzalez2]

Your storytelling is as entertaining as your diagnostics skills. In the end you did the right thing for the shop's sake. Lesson learned.

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

I don't like to fire people but I lost so much trying to help this guy. Thanks for watching!

[@abbasmohammed1306]

Dear brother...... You have a very nice heart.....keep on the track..... I hope all the success to you and your family in the life...Abbas from Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

[@prmayner]

Oh my God, I had to laugh and keep on laughing in hopes I wont start crying. Man what a mess. Bless you my man, you are more of a man then me. I would have turned into a killer. Very interesting story for sure. Thanks for sharing.

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Man some of these comments have me crying with laughter! This is very therapeutic for me lol! Thanks for watching!

[@ashanti1149]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYLCeahpfZWZsMk

[@laddie5133]

What u did was right give a person a chance but u have to watch how they work if unsure always ask life's for learning we are all on this life for learning for the best cut the crap I'm boring ukeep up yr videos A1 from my heart yr videos count customers shud be flooding yr doors ps I'm Steve in UK I'm a master tech work on fiat use to work on lancia and Alfa Romeo in younger years but I've enjoyed the ride and still fixing today just like u hold yr head up high

[@laddie5133]

The guy might respect u in years to come when he now's it's not the job for him but look and visit u in years to cum and respect u more pal that's how it works

[@johnshuttleworth6879]

Great video your obviously a nice guy some people are just not meant to work on vehicles your patience with the ex employee is honourable

[@bobbobbobbob2111]

I just bought a 2010 nitro heat 3.7 today and when I got it home it started missing real bad. The check engine light flashed for a bit then stayed solid, then the miss went away. From your vids I've seen, it sounds like a PO30 code, but I need to take it to a place that has a code reader and get a number right off. I mentioned to my wife (I know sometimes plugs and wires can cause that, I'm kind of an old school mechanic) that it was plugs and wires, but this gives me a great idea of what I'm getting into. Thanks alot bro. Just discovered your channel

[@spelunkerd]

What a story! I know this is too soon for you to see the humor in this, but in a few years you'll appreciate how funny it is. That sweet little lady was so wise, to let you have it for $600. This is another excellent video, Eric! As difficult as this car was, it will live on for years as an outstanding teaching case. Dave

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Yeah...she knew when to quit lol! Thanks for watching!

[@8power0]

THANKS FOR THE VIDEO , I REALLY LIKE HOW YOU KEPT GOING STRAIGHT TO THE END THAT HELPS THE UNDERSTANDING FACTOR GREATLY THANKS AGAIN !

[@fireford13]

This is awesome, I have a 2007 nitro 3.7 and this is exactly what mine is doing. I keep it as a second vehicle for work so hopefully I can fix it myself. Wish me luck

[@pl5882]

Welp. At least that guy gained enough experience to work at the dealership... He’s probably employed at Clear Lake Dodge now.... Good vid!

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Hahaha!

[@ryanwheelis382]

Clear Lake Dodge keeps sending me mail lmao couldn't bring myself to own a chrysler had to do the coolant temp sensor on my mom in laws 2013 avenger what a horrible pos design.

[@stevebredemann331]

Great story my friend!! Made my morning. By the way you were rubbing your head the entire time, you gave yourself a headache just telling the story. You have the patience of a saint brother.

[@DylanRabier]

Oh god you are a very patient man Eric. Don't know anybody who would give someone so many chances. Great diag and video. Thanks for sharing! 👍

[@Maxwelshouse1]

Love the story! Thanks for the humility

[@cjayjayjay2973]

Thank you for taking the time share these knowledge approaches you take.

[@stuzman52]

I got to say that you’ve got more patience than me to give that guy multiple chances to redeem himself. Sorry that you had to go through all this grief. Glad to hear that you finally got the vehicle running. 😀👍

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

My customers would even tell me to get rid of him, but I guess I just felt bad for the dude. Thanks for watching!

[@turtlebeef1299]

Man...you friggin rock! thanks alot ! the auto shop tried to tell me i needed a new engine...this totally fixed all my issues!

[@mr.hollywoodflores3661]

Did you have a blown gasket on dodge nitro ?

[@billyr9840]

Wow ! You have patience like a Saint! I was just about to say change the oil, but you beat me to it !

[@m.s.k.2367]

thank you for taking out your time 2 share the case.

[@vidalcorrea2498]

Great video. Much thanks. You are helping me progres in my career for sure.

[@pontiacsrule8761]

i really enjoy his videos. Very informative

[@johndarrinscottlong]

Great job guys, thanks so much for all your help

[@vicjanwa]

good jobs and very easy to understand. well done

[@ljviper8460]

Great videos. I've been learning a lot.

[@thebaldmechanichardatheari1124]

Good diagnosis. I would have punted that employee after his second mistake!!! You have a lot more patients than me.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Oh man what a story! That must have been so frustrating to deal with so many mistakes made by the other mechanic. And awesome demo on the fuel injector :)

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

I'm still trying to get over it lol. Thanks for watching!

[@laddie5133]

Everything's a learning experience hold that to u heart keep up the good work plz I beg of u always

[@Silentb00]

I loved the rant. Yes I clearly understand you. I’ve worked with someone that broke everything he touch. Lmao now reminiscing of my time working with Mr. Break it all

[@debclark7795]

Hi. I've tried several times to contact you. Your videos are so motivating and your truth comes through. Sometimes we even sit in the car to watch your videos with popcorn and pepsi, like the drive thru. PLZ HELP I NEED OUR 2011 NITRO FIXED. I feel I can trust you. Plz say yes at least you will consider it.

[@Crazyreviewer123]

Man crazy story my grandpa who worked on cars would have most likely let that mechanic go after the second screw up or even the first he doesn’t play games like that he’s serious like you on what he does. I almost had a headache listening to the story I can understand why you got so stressed. Good video

[@bigmacsnoobselectronicsrep8032]

Fantastic video as always what more can you expect from this guy

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Thank you!

[@LucivoryPhotography]

Bro! You explain everything that I been going through with the last Two videos I watched and I took my Jeep Wrangler to over 7 shops. Thanks for everything you do. When are you coming to Fort Worth Texas.

[@billrimmer5596]

That story was crazy. Some people r not cut out to b mechanics. Great diag!!

[@michaelherbert8213]

Awesome story and video. Your great at making videos.

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Thank you!

[@elihernandez7235]

We need more case studies I know damn well you do more cars in one day lol

[@Berverlyhillbillie93]

Best story ive ever heard

[@davidjoegamez5901]

Wow, you give people the benefit of the doubt. 😬 btw I’ve had more luck replacing the injector and the connector together. 🤜🤛

[@tracycolorado]

Most Excellent Video , Dude

[@trackrunner11]

I really enjoyed this. I learned a lot. I had a a problem recently with torque wrench. It's old and when I looked at the torque specs for the transmission pan, it was 8 foot -pounds. I set it on 8 and began tightening my bolts and I noticed the wrench wasn't clicking soon enough because 8 foot pounds is really not that much pressure. I looked at the torque wrench really hard and immediately noticed that the dial had faded and only partially showed the digits. It was really on 28 foot pounds ! So the rest of the story is a nightmare from Hell. I damaged 4 of the bolts . It was too late!

[@nicholaspaul2458]

Wow. The patience of Job!

[@eriktengwall2704]

You must have the patience of a saint. I cringed and laughed.... only a little laugh! As mechanics, this is oddly a familiar story. Over the years I have had the pleasure of working with several people who talk the talk, and have cleaned up many a mess created by them! I do hope you get some miles out of it, and manage to sell it before it breaks down again! What we in the UK call a lemon! I run a 1998 Range Rover, an ace machine, however it is in The Shed Of Hope, as i call my work shop,as she needs a head gasket.... that started with a missfire..... went through a coil pack before it finally blew like a shot gun going off. will film the strip down and rebuild and up load it. Thank you for your content, I have found it all most educational. you are an excellent teacher, and explain what you are doing expertly. For me, at 50 years of age, and only just getting into the computer age , you are a dream come true. I am a timeserved mechanical engineer, but have never had the need until recently to do the sort of thing you do. like you, Ican strip and breath new life into any dead vehicle , be it a tractor, a bus or a car. Good luck and thank you. Love, light and peace.

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

I look forward to the video. Thanks for watching!

[@eriktengwall2704]

Thank you. I am on facebook if you fancy a rummage through pictures of our small holding, and some of my vintage plant and machinary. I have a fondness for scrap Massey Ferguson diggers and tractors... Would be good to welcome you, should you drop me a friend request. Love, light and peace.

[@akhtarkh]

Very informative.

[@benjaminlevi7792]

Ofcourse Useful all your videos are Useful thanks

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Thank you!

[@alexblanco9687]

Holy cow man, what a story. You’re more patient than I. If I couldn’t trust the man to work on customer vehicles I would have had no use for him. I’m sorry he cost you so much money like that.

[@broderickwallis25]

Hey man, great engine lessons you give... And thanks. Its hard to say "mate, your fired" but even if this was just bad coincidence situations... His bad working history set a bad vibe for you both... And, well... "Mate, your fired"... 😅😂

[@vicarod]

The back story was more interesting than the repair... You are a good person for trying to give the guy a chance, sorry it didn't work out for you.

[@robertmedina6875]

Great video!! Luv the channel! The part where you said about being a nice guy...... reminds me of myself sooo much! I have a situation where that I am in right now kinda like that.... my fault! I just wanna believe in people! I also like to help people and yea it's a fault of mine also! Good luck in the future!

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

My kindness is what is killing me. Thanks for watching!

[@roxanneabbott8424]

Wow you sure went thru a lot, I used to own a 2007 Nitro, I loved it, no problems, but I ended up dying in the hosp and lost it! So yes I bought another Dodge this time a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4. It purrs like a kitten!!! So I guess I got a good one:)

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

I'm glad everything turned out ok. Thank you for watching!

[@alrifainidal]

great video . thank you very much

[@arthurfricchione8119]

Eric, excellent video. you definitely have the patience of a saint with your employee. In my area of expertise (aviation) incompetence like that would get someone killed. I have to agree with your trust in Chrysler Fiat or whoever they are owned by now would never be my choice but I understand why you purchased it. you win some you lose some. Anyway excellent video. 👍👍👍

[@markferraro5250]

wow that injector was leaking thanks great job Eric

[@mikesabin8568]

Allright guys awesome video 😉

[@v4vauxhall498]

Nice one Eric, I would have also checked for a faulty driver, just in case the injector was being constantly powered on, I know you had the injectors unplugged, but I think its worth mentioning its a fault I come across regularly , both on injectors and coils.Regards Joe

[@richardcranium5839]

when you were telling the story i had to check my calendar to make sure it wasn't april 1st. i had a guy like that. i didnt hire him but the boss told me theres my help. i give him the benefit of the doubt on the first 2 screw ups and then started askin some hypotheticals. not a clue on even basic stuff. didnt make it 2 weeks. was causing me more work than i had originally.

[@nicknicu1787]

Oh God,I feel for you man!

[@andrewvillanueva4222]

Totally agree with on brands. I have had dodge, ford, etc. I learned my lesson only Toyota and Lexus vehicles. My 2001 lexus ls430 has 320000 miles with regular maintenance. Replaced radiator at 250000 miles. Original alternator, starter, engine and transmission. These cars are bulletproof.

[@orville58]

That’s the funniest horror story I’ve ever heard 😂😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

I'm glad I can laugh about it now but I am still feeling the pain lol

[@neilmurphy845]

@@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO ya from driving that bad truck is that a bit of kocking from the engine at hi rpm

[@halwesth0]

OMG !!!!!! I dont know , i laugh or cry !!! Damn man , you are a really nice guy , i mean really if it was me it was not going right lol .... thanks bro keep the great work , i learn alot from you, thank you very much

[@mikepagan6300]

Good work

[@jimkillen1065]

Yea on the quality. I just drive my truck because it's a 12 valve. Holy crap I be done this train wreck ..thanks for the video

[@fredsalter1915]

I was literally riveted to my monitor while listening to this poor guy tell this outrageous tale! Dang! I have coworkers at my job, too that break absolutely everything they work on just like this guy's employee did. No patience, no finesse, and no common sense.

[@blueplasma5589]

Thank's for telling the WHOLE story! And I thought my "getting experience" stories were bad, I taught myself patience of a praying mantis. how about that damaged cat. did it need replacing?

[@billyyoder8171]

Thank you Eric. Cracking me up brother. This guy had the Midas touch. I thought surely after 2nd issue, done. Nope, 3rd times a charm. I guess he's the one who gave you all the thumbs down. 11 different aliases. He should have stayed at the wrecking yard. Would've fit right in.

[@Cheepchipsable]

That's the problem with employing friends.

[@samisolissolis6556]

Compa eres un perico ablando .pero buen trabajo .esto de la mecanica es un rompe cabeza

[@j.maxwaddell2557]

I learned a long time ago, that if you think about your employee(s) outside of work, its time to let them go. Sorry for all your troubles, you were trying to be a nice guy for to long for this guy that did not care. Keep being a nice guy, just learn where your new cut off is and stand strong with your decision.

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

I tried for over a year to help this guy out but it pretty much costs me everything I had. Thank you for watching!

[@juweekhan]

Good video thanks

[@hassanhassa5817]

Sar very naice work I'm yor fhyn gud vidve I'm mecanic in uae thanks

[@tgoodm1]

I think you should’ve given the guy 1 more chance.

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

I just spit my coffee reading this lol! 😂

[@joea505]

Haha

[@joeandgod1]

@@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO You should have given him the chance to fix that radiator with JB weld and make it right.

[@wldmhd]

tgoodm1 ,,, You go ahead and give him a chance,,

[@dporrasxtremeLS3]

@@joeandgod1 Oh No he would probably mess that up that radiator trying to fix it too!

[@themechanic6117]

what a nightmare! i feel bad for you just listening to that story. I get customers/friends asking me all the time if they can help me work on their car for experience or learning how to do it ....hell no! ill do it myself because i can work faster by myself, nobody to distract me, and most importantly nobody to mess shit up. thats a crazy story ,im amazed how many chances you gave that guy.

[@Ottonic6]

Sounds like one of those comedy shows where the guy keeps screwing things up. I can't believe that really happened. Kudos to you for going above and beyond what anyone else would have done just to give a guy a fair chance...

[@GOTTRD]

Oh shit! This car and friend killed your shop! No wonder. He shouldn't be paid for comeback repairs too! Thanks for the great dg/repair!

[@MrJoeyet]

Nice story man! I've waited to end of that story, you are a very patient man. Anyway I have the same problem with my Nitro. My mechanic refuses to change the fuel injector he told me that's not the problem. Until now it still shakes and misfires. How's your nitro now after replacing that injector? Thanks man for this video.

[@on-site4094]

Great video on the diagnostic Chrysler is a fiat good for mechanics raw deal for consumers thanks You have the patience of jobe giving your friend some many chances god bless. all that fingering on that injection port Lol 👍

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

hahaha! Thanks!

[@IAMNOSLEEP]

Hello from Calgary

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Hello!

[@gaelylesly]

historia de terror. Buen video😂

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Es mi realidad jaja!

[@faustogonzalez8397]

Great video thanks, just one question, would have been effective to compare the Primary Ignition Waveforms of a good working cylinder. But then again with such a massive #6 injector leak, I suspect the overall rail fuel pressure would have been low and all cylinders would have somewhat of a Lean condition, thanks for the video.

[@jittychitty]

We've had horrible technicians too... they are super frustrating! We're about done trying to find a competent tech... they are very hard to find!

[@bilalpakstni9704]

So sad.but finally vehicle is running good

[@donnierobertson3088]

Great person

[@JoelAutomotiveInaction]

I feel your pain about the hole mess that happens on that job, the primary wave form is weird because your indication was pretty much of lean conditions , for rich conditions on burn time it goes down not up.

[@masterjoe3000]

I felt your pain i had to put this on pause and take a few shots....😂👍

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

These comments have me crying from laughter lol! Thank you for the therapy.

[@MechanicTechnicianRepair]

Exselete diagnostic amigo nice video salude noel matute de California

[@enriquemartinez7990]

Thank you very much for your videos and sorry about what happened to you and your worker what do you think about him watching this video what do you think he will say 👀🌿 Thank you again

[@nestorlugo.]

Love the story lol

[@frankthomas2231]

I believe after being stranded in the interstate with my family, I would have fired him the next day. The 3.7l is not a bad engine if it is taken care of. I had one in my 2006 Jeep Liberty and the only problem I had was the aftermarket cam sensor i had to replace about every 6 months. Under lifetime warranty of course lol. I know, I should have gotten an OEM, but it was an easy 5 minute change.

[@mecarrillo1]

I have a Nitro 08 3.7L also, and live in H-Town too. My issue is that it knocks when I accelerate but on idle it’s fine no knocking rough at times but no knocking only when I drive it. Going to see if one of my injectors are doing that. I’ve been having the same misfire on #1 also.

[@MrJalcantar32]

U my friend have shown ur true colors and this tonto knew it , ur just a nice guy

[@OzFrog48Z]

That same guy must have worked at our shop. The breaking point was when he snapped off a tensioner bolt on the engine trying to loosen it, only to find out it was a left hand thread.

[@ra52]

How you did not strike a match with that vehicle and just burn it I do not know. Dam that guy messed things up but it's jinxed. However another great video very informative and educational thank you and I keep my fingers crossed you have some trouble free time with that nightmare vehicle.

[@raulflores1247]

Good story. It's difficult for a customer to know how good a mechanic is. I hope I'll never come across this angry so called mechanic.

[@maxwelanyanwu112]

You could use a picoscope and get the fuel injector waveform. Through that waveform, you can actually see when the pintle is commanded to open and when it actually opens. Just a thought.. Great video though.

[@chadgardee1496]

I did the same thing too this same engine 3.7 forgot too tightened cam gear on camshaft but I pulled back apart fixed the valves on my dime new head gasket put back together good too go. Since then a haven’t had any mess ups now I use a paint marker on every bolt I tighten then re check my work that one hurt me bcz I paid for my mistake but after this mistake you learn not too do again

[@eddyolivares7214]

Yo man, i just took apart my 4.0 nitro intake,bvalve cover on the count of cylinder 4 misfire. What side of Houston are you in? I need to get this going soon. It's my only transaction and all the symptoms sounds like yours on the fuel injector video.

[@tam1381]

What a story ,you were to soft with your friend but i think you know that now. I bet your friend spent most of his on his cell phone most of the time ?. That seems to be the norm these days. Enjoyed your video.

[@chadgardee1496]

Omg I feel your pain bro

[@michaelmobilautodiagnostic6705]

I didn't know your shop was in houston!!

[@louisaumann4367]

I love nitros and I am living in one that's in Indianapolis trying to get it running I bought for 600

[@CameronTucker06]

Bro, too much grace 😂

[@m.b.smoshitoa8325]

Hi Eric I am little confused here. According to the scope the firing line and spark line were both high. And you said that means " no fuel " in the cylinder. But as you go on the injector was stuck open. Was the scope lying. Moshitoa ( south Africa

[@lornaz1975]

I would have thought the wires leading from the PCM to the coil would be the primary wave form but apparently its the secondary. I would think the PCM ground siding switch would break the primary collapsing the wave and inducing the secondary inside the coil. Why is it that you can measure it from the wires leading to the coil? Is it somehow back feeding?

[@slavakarma6721]

I know this guy! He exist everywhere😂!

[@SergioSantos-dr2iz]

Hey i read in your bio that you are located in Houston Tx and I was wondering if i could possibly get a hold of you, would like to know where you are located.