96 neon having problems starting

Hello all.

My wife was driving the Neon out around town yesterday and she mentioned at a few times the car tried to die. She was able to get where she wanted.

After visiting with some friends for a couple of hours she went to leave and the car wouldn't start. The engine basically just wouldn't turn over. My first thought was gas, but the tank was more than half full, I next tried jumping it, but to no avail. When you turn the key the engine sounds fine it just won't turn over. We just left the car at her friends house over night.

So this morning, before heading to work, I went to get some things out of the car and thought I would just see if it would start. It fired up on the first attempt. I didn't have time to drive it around but it seemed fine. Any idea as to what would cause this?? Possibly spark plugs?? Starter?? Fuel pump?? I didn't see a check engine light. Any advice or suggestions would be very welcomed. Thanks.

rufman

try to check the crankshaft and camshaft sensors. also check the speed sensor, and o2 wiring

The hell I was just in. Engine stalls and stops can be so many things. Check the postings and ideas on Engine stalls on 96 Neon Expresso topic.

For me, I started simple. Assuming fuel pump. First thing to do is check the codes and see where the problem may lie. If it's the fuel pump the codes will tell you. As for other codes... I ended up checking my spark plugs for oil. I found some. So I replaced the engine seals, plugs and wires. Still had issues, so I replaced the cad sensor (which is prone to issues on most 90's Neon). It wasn't that. Lastly, I just replaced the cam sensor. And that was the culprit. Both sensors ran me about $200 and I replaced the seals and sparks myself pretty cheaply.

First thing is first though, check your codes to see where the issue may lie.

what is the code for cam sensor failure?

nevermind..found it

take it to the shop to make sure......

You must have a lotta cash or own a shop. It cost 100 just to let them open the hood.

Dave

I have a 96 dodge neon. i was driving to work it died on the way there twice and once i got off work and tried to start it, it didn wanna start. i was not gettin and fire to my spark plugs so got a new coil pack still wouldn start so changed spark plug wires, still its sittin at my work! what else could it be?

I also have a 96 neon and i was driving to work it died twice and one i tried to start it after work it would not start and its still sittin at work. I was not gettin spark in my spark plugs so changed my coil pack and spark plugs and bout six months ago had my fuel pump and water pump changed! what else could it be???

I have a 96 dodge neon. i was driving to work it died on the way there twice and once i got off work and tried to start it, it didn wanna start. i was not gettin and fire to my spark plugs so got a new coil pack still wouldn start so changed spark plug wires, still its sittin at my work! what else could it be?


Crank Sensor and/or Cam sensor are most likely the problem but not the only problem that can cause a no spark situation. One or the other should have thrown a code. If you can get a OBDII scanner and pull the codes, that would help you. If a scanner is not available, do the on/off/on/off/on with the key in the ignition and leave it in the on position the third time. (must be done within 3 seconds) Never go to the start position. Watch the check engine light as it will go out then flash in series. An example is Flash .................. Flash ...... Flash .......... longer pause .... that's a code 12. (that code means the battery was disconnected within the last 50 starts) When you see 5 flashes pause 5 flashes .... that's the end of the codes the computer has stored as fault codes. It's a good idea to write down the codes if any are given. Good luck.

i have a 98 neon replaced fuel pump there is power in the connector but the power is not turning the pump on to start the car could that have something to do with the cam sensor