Dodge Journey Engine Knock + Smoke = Pre-ignition Alert

As a 2013 Dodge Durango owner, I encountered nearly identical symptoms. The engine knock during acceleration and power loss were classic signs of carbon deposits in the combustion chamber. The smoke typically indicates fuel not burning properly due to incorrect ignition timing. The repair required: Complete combustion chamber cleaning, Replacement of spark plugs, Ignition timing adjustment, Engine tuning to restore proper fuel mixture The root cause was carbon buildup affecting the pre-ignition process. Piston slap was also detected during diagnosis, which explained the knocking sound under load. The entire repair was significant, requiring specialized equipment to properly clean the chambers and reset timing parameters. Key warning signs to watch for: Knocking increases with engine temperature, Rough idle after cold starts, Power loss most noticeable during acceleration, Dark exhaust smoke This issue typically becomes worse if left unaddressed, potentially leading to serious engine damage. Would recommend getting it diagnosed soon, as carbon deposits can cause permanent scoring in the combustion chamber if the engine knock continues unchecked.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the Durango. Did similar issues come back after the repair? My Journey symptoms match what you described, especially the knocking that gets worse as the engine heats up. My knock sensor might be failing too since the engine management isnt adjusting timing properly. Getting worried about potential cylinder head damage from all the detonation. Could you share roughly what the repair cost? Want to budget properly before taking it to a shop. Also wondering if they recommended any specific fuel octane rating afterwards to prevent future issues?

The repair fixed my Durango issues completely, with no knocking combustion returning after the work was done. The entire job cost 425€, which covered cleaning out stubborn carbon deposits in the combustion chamber and recalibrating the ignition timing system. The mechanic recommended switching to higher octane fuel to prevent future engine knock problems. Running 93 octane has helped maintain proper pre-ignition timing and kept the carbon buildup under control. A failing knock sensor can definitely cause similar symptoms by not adjusting timing correctly under load. The investment was worth it to protect the cylinder heads from detonation damage. Regular engine tuning checks have kept everything running smoothly for the past year. Would suggest having your Journey looked at soon, as these symptoms tend to worsen quickly if left unchecked.

After getting some great advice here, I wanted to share how things turned out. Took my Journey to a certified shop that specializes in engine tuning. The diagnosis confirmed serious carbon buildup affecting the combustion chamber, plus a faulty knock sensor that wasnt protecting against pre-ignition. The final repair came to 520€ including: New knock sensor, Full carbon cleaning, Ignition timing adjustment, Fresh spark plugs Started running premium fuel with higher octane rating as recommended. The piston slap noise is completely gone and engine runs smooth even under heavy load. No more smoke or power loss during acceleration. Really glad I got it fixed before any major damage occurred to the cylinder heads. The shop did great work, they even showed me the carbon deposits they cleaned out. Learned my lesson about regular maintenance and using better quality fuel to prevent these issues. Thanks again for the helpful advice that pointed me in the right direction for diagnosis and repair.