stumble on accelleration

[paparoach]

I have a 1995 dodge neon manual tranny sohc and every once in a while usually on really hot days or when it warms up the engine seems to hesitate when accellerating rapidly. I change the spark plugs first and that didn't help the problem. I was wondering if this was a problem that neons run into and if anyone knows what the problem could be. The car works fine other than a little valve tick when you start up cold. after it warms up that goes away. There is no engine codes every thing looks normal.

any ideas?

thanks

[Polygon]

Explain the hessitation in more detail.

[paparoach]

fine than when i accelerate with the mo- fo pedal to the floor it act as if it is holding back.... hesitates a little than picks up and goes till you shift to another gear than it hesitates till it goes past 4000 to 4500 rpm than it smooths out. notice it more in 2nd 3rd and 4th gears.

[Polygon]

Hmm, don't mind those two.

It could really be a number of things causing it. You've taken the first step and changed the spark plugs, but you could also have a bad wire. It also could be something to do with the fuel delivery system. Try some fuel injector cleaner see if it improves. You might have a bad fuel pump, bad injector, or a clogged fuel filter.

Taking it to the dealership would be a good idea. They can check most of this out for you. It just sucks when it is a pretty general thing.

[JD@af]

In my experience, mid range RPM hesitation is most often a bad coil (not sure if you have just one, or multiple coils in your Neon). I would see if you can get your coil(s) checked at a local Auto Parts store (Auto Zone advertises offering limited, free help in areas like this). The procedure is pretty simple, as a coil is basically a capacitor, so checking if a coil is sparking at the correct voltage is not difficult if you have the proper equipment to test it. I'd hate to think of the cost of getting this checked at a dealership.

Also, I've found that a fuel system problem often can be noted best through slow starting. If your car starts quickly and without drama, I would think that your fuel system is in good working order.