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99 Dodge Durango PO206 and PO306: White Smoke, Gasoline Odor, Injector Circuit Issue

Model: 99 Dodge Durango Fault Code: P0206 Posted: 2009-10-29 09:24

My 1999 Dodge Durango is blowing out white smoke from the exhaust with a strong gasoline smell. I've already replaced all spark plugs and two fuel injectors, but the issue persists. The PO206 code indicates an open circuit in cylinder 6's injector circuit, while PO306 shows a misfire in cylinder 6. The problem worsens when the engine is under load or running at higher RPMs. I suspect either a faulty fuel injector or wiring issues. Despite replacing injectors and spark plugs, the white smoke and strong gasoline odor remain. I'm now considering whether the issue stems from a cracked head gasket—though that typically produces antifreeze smell or coolant in exhaust—which I don't currently observe. However, the persistent PO206 code suggests an electrical fault rather than combustion-related problems. I've tried using a noid light to check for injector pulse on cylinder 6, and it stayed solid instead of flickering—indicating no proper pulsing from the engine control module (PCM). This points toward either a failed injector or a wiring short. I'm seeking advice on how to properly diagnose this issue without needing advanced tools or professional help.

Related fault codes
P0206P0306
Comments (12)
Anonymous 2009-10-29 10:51

Any ideas? Use a noid light to check if the cylinder 6 fuel injector is receiving pulses. If it's pulsing, try swapping the injector with one from another cylinder—this will help determine if the injector itself is faulty. If the code changes, then the injector is defective. If not, the issue lies in the wiring or a faulty throttle position sensor (TPS).

Anonymous 2009-10-29 16:05

How difficult is it to replace the fuel injector wiring harness? Is there a common location for these connections on a 1999 Dodge Durango?

Anonymous 2009-10-29 16:47

Why swap parts without testing first? You should test the injector pulse and circuit integrity before replacing components. A noid light or multimeter can quickly identify whether the issue is electrical or mechanical. Swapping injectors may introduce more problems than it solves—especially if you don’t have experience with diagnostics. Have you tested the injector pulse yet?

Anonymous 2009-10-29 23:01

The fuel injectors for cylinders 6 and 8 were loose, so I replaced both. After replacement, the misfire code disappeared.

Anonymous 2009-10-30 04:51

And have the codes cleared? Does the truck run smoothly now?

Anonymous 2009-10-30 11:56

No—the misfire code is gone, but PO206 (injector circuit open for cylinder 6) remains. White smoke and gasoline odor are still present.

Anonymous 2009-10-30 12:39

Could a cracked head gasket be causing the PO206 code? Many people suggest this, but I don’t smell antifreeze or see coolant in the exhaust—so it seems less likely. Is there any way to confirm if combustion pressure is leaking?

Anonymous 2009-10-30 18:24

Which code appeared first—PO206 or PO306? Have you tested compression in cylinder 6? Did you check the injector circuit for continuity? White smoke could be related to a misfire, but it might also indicate an electrical fault. Is the white smoke like condensation burning off (non-antifreeze), or does it smell like antifreeze? First, verify injector pulse using a noid light—follow the advice in earlier posts!

Anonymous 2009-10-30 18:52

Here's what I found: PO306 shows cylinder 6 misfire. I replaced the spark plug and fuel injector. The injector appears to be running wide open, dumping fuel into the exhaust—explaining both white smoke and strong gasoline odor. How exactly do I test for injector pulse or wiring faults? I’m not very mechanically skilled—I’ve only read about these issues in forums.

Anonymous 2009-10-30 23:43

Go to a parts store with a loaner tool program and borrow a noid light (available at Harbor Freight for under $20). Unplug the injector on cylinder 6 and connect the noid light. Start the engine—if the light flickers, the PCM is sending pulses. If it stays solid or doesn’t flicker, there’s likely no signal—indicating a wiring issue or faulty injector. If you're not confident in your mechanical skills, consult a professional mechanic. A digital multimeter (DVOM) can then be used to test resistance and circuit continuity. Check the injector's resistance—if open, it's defective.

Anonymous 2009-11-01 11:21

I tested with a noid light—it stayed on solid, not flickering at all. Now I’ll get a digital multimeter to check the wiring circuit for shorts or continuity.

Anonymous 2009-11-01 17:55

So the injector isn’t pulsing at all—was it new? That suggests a short in the circuit. Use a wiring diagram and DVOM to trace the path from the PCM to cylinder 6’s injector. Look for any damaged wires, connectors, or grounding issues along that route.