Rough-Running Caliber Needs Urgent Injector Diagnosis

I experienced nearly identical symptoms with my 2010 Dodge Journey diesel at 115000km. The rough running and power loss initially pointed to fuel injectors, but diagnostic testing revealed a failed head gasket causing low cylinder pressure. The head gasket failure was actually a consequential issue stemming from a stretched timing belt that had skipped teeth. This caused valve timing problems which eventually compromised the head gasket seal. The repair required removing the cylinder head to replace both the head gasket and timing belt, plus new spark plugs since they were damaged from the poor combustion. This was classified as a major repair job since it involved disassembly of critical engine components including the intake manifold and camshaft to access the damaged parts. The symptoms match your description, poor fuel economy, rough running, and check engine light typically indicate pressure-related problems. For proper diagnosis, you need compression testing and timing belt inspection first. These issues tend to cascade into bigger problems if not addressed promptly. Consider having a certified diesel specialist examine it, as general mechanics sometimes miss the root cause when dealing with diesel-specific timing and pressure problems.

Thanks for sharing that experience. I also faced similar symptoms with my Caliber last winter. The engine knocking and power loss had me worried it was the turbocharger, but turned out the piston rings were worn causing compression issues. The diagnosis process sounds exactly like what I went through. Could you recall what the total repair cost was in your case? Just wondering how it compares since prices vary so much between shops. Also curious if youve had any related issues pop up since the head gasket replacement?

Had the issue properly diagnosed by a certified diesel specialist who found the stretched timing belt had affected the camshaft timing. Since this was the original cause that led to the head gasket issue, the entire repair was covered under the previous work warranty, costing 0€. The fix has eliminated all cylinder pressure fluctuations completely. The engine now maintains steady compression across all cylinders, with no issues between the crankshaft and piston rings. Its been running smoothly for over 8 months now with proper power delivery and normal fuel consumption. No related problems have surfaced since the repair. The head gasket seal remains intact and compression tests show optimal values. The turbocharger performance is also back to factory specs now that the engine has proper cylinder pressure. Keep in mind that catching timing belt issues early is crucial, they can quickly escalate to more serious engine damage if left unchecked.

I took my Caliber to a certified diesel specialist last month after reading the responses here. The diagnostic testing revealed worn fuel injectors causing uneven fuel delivery, leading to the rough running and power loss. The engine knocking was a clear indicator something was wrong with the combustion process. The total repair came to 1200€ including parts and labor. They replaced all four fuel injectors since they showed similar wear patterns. The mechanic also suggested replacing the timing belt as preventive maintenance since it was approaching the recommended change interval. The repair process took two days but was worth the wait. The engine now runs smooth with no power issues or strange noises. Fuel economy has improved significantly and the check engine light hasnt returned. Overall, much better outcome than my previous experiences with general repair shops that couldnt properly diagnose diesel engine issues. Just wanted to close the loop and share how it turned out. Thanks for the helpful advice that pointed me in the right direction.