96 neon wont start (something with electrical) pleaaaase help!!!!

[96neonwidriver]

ok two days ago i was running an errand for work in my car when it chugged on me soo instinctively i turned off my subs and music only to look up and see check engine and then two seconds later hear my engine fad away to nothing. soo after the cops showing ( cause i was in the intersection) and getting towed back to my house i started tearing in. my first check was the obvious oil level, gas level, turning over, pressure in all pistons. then i checked for spark nothing after checking the code on the obd II with the check engine light i found code 12 according to hayes its a power failure to the pcm (ecu) within last 50 car starts. so i checked these items then crankshaft sensor auto shut off relay, egr, fuses, grounds, and powers to most sensors. i tried everything. my last resort was picking up a new pcm i then installed it and i got nothing except for a short 30 second start only to hear it die again. soo thats were im at. you guys have any other ideas??? im getting desperate.

bob

[das2123]

You really didn't need a new PCM...have you had your battery checked? Check all your battery connections and wires, even under the battery tray. Battery acid may have corroded some wires and make sure you clean your terminals, real shiny!

[96neonwidriver]

hey das thanx for the reply its a dry cell though and yeah i know now that the pcm isnt needed. soo yeah i still dont know . the only wires under the tray is the battery temperature sesor wires. i just turned the car over to a shop but i still would like input.

[das2123]

My best guess right now would be a bad ground!

[96neonwidriver]

found out what is wrong guys. the camshaft position sensor was worn to a nub by the camshaft.. the camshaft actually walked itself out a qaurter inch out the drivers side.. soo im pulling to valve cover to check it out and resetting to timeing belt pulley. sooo wish me luck ill be doing it tommorow


bob

[dniemyjski]

Did that fix the problem? I have a 97 neon that throws out the same code and stalls out, but only when i drive through a puddle or when it rains...was it a rainy day when this happen to you?

[96neonwidriver]

yeah it did fix the problem. i learned alot from this ordeal though. the code (number 12 ) is a very broad code so until you bring it to the auto store and have the code checked by a computer it can be any of the sensors in the car or a failure to the pcm (ecu) itself. this came from the mechanic i went to go see. so i ended up getting a new timing belt , alternator belt, power steering belt 9bypassing the ac for more power) camshaft seel, sensor, and valve cover seal. plus i bought the ecu. the ecu is still learning but it is all back and running. but hey das is it a problem if the rpms drop to 400 when i push in the clutch after going hyway speeds... is this just part of the ecu learning thing?

bob

[96neonwidriver]

Originally Posted by dniemyjski

Did that fix the problem? I have a 97 neon that throws out the same code and stalls out, but only when i drive through a puddle or when it rains...was it a rainy day when this happen to you?

it wasnt raining though. i was going about 30 at low rpms (2500) when the engine failed.

[das2123]

Originally Posted by 96neonwidriver

i ended up getting a new timing belt

Hope you got a new water pump and tensioner pulley as well with the timing belt.

[96neonwidriver]

ummm tensioner pulley was fine and i never really thought to much about the water pump. it seems to be working alright . Why? i had the tensioner looked at by a mechanic friend.

[das2123]

Originally Posted by 96neonwidriver

ummm tensioner pulley was fine and i never really thought to much about the water pump. it seems to be working alright . Why? i had the tensioner looked at by a mechanic friend.

Because on the neon, they all go hand in hand. If your water pump seizes or your tensioner breaks, then so will your timing belt and probably bend some valves in the process. You might as well change them since you are already in there for cheap insurance. The timing belt is a 100,000 mile belt and the pump and tensioner last about that log as well, maybe longer but it is a risk you run!

[96neonwidriver]

Originally Posted by das2123

Because on the neon, they all go hand in hand. If your water pump seizes or your tensioner breaks, then so will your timing belt and probably bend some valves in the process. You might as well change them since you are already in there for cheap insurance. The timing belt is a 100,000 mile belt and the pump and tensioner last about that log as well, maybe longer but it is a risk you run!

very understandable thanx for the info. the belt was replaced only 50,000 miles ago i just replaced thinking it would be less thing to worry about down the road i will deffinetely look at getting a pump and tensioner though.

bob

[das2123]

Originally Posted by 96neonwidriver

very understandable thanx for the info. the belt was replaced only 50,000 miles ago i just replaced thinking it would be less thing to worry about down the road i will deffinetely look at getting a pump and tensioner though.

bob

No problem, just trying to help you keep another neon on the road

[96neonwidriver]

ok guys heres a great and funny update. since i posted this string i have gone through two ecu both from different companies and both gave me the AUTOMATIC pcm. my car is a manual which means the ecu is throwing a torque converter seleniod problem. the car has actually died and hasnt come back to life again yet since the second ecu. the right one is on its way. im thinking the ecu screwed another part up in my car. grrrrrrrrrr. its a wiring problem between the coil and the pcm. keep in mind this is a dis on neon. the middle wire at the coil is reading + 12 volt then one on left side - 7 volt and the other - .25 volt , and not blinking with indicator light when turning over. i hate to say it guys but im losing faith in the neon it must be getting realy cold down there. cause i said it was going to be a cold day in hell when i give my baby up. hit me back if you have advice.
das

[96neonwidriver]

ok guys heres a great and funny update. since i posted this string i have gone through two ecu both from different companies and both gave me the AUTOMATIC pcm. my car is a manual which means the ecu is throwing a torque converter seleniod problem. the car has actually died and hasnt come back to life again yet since the second ecu. the right one is on its way. im thinking the ecu screwed another part up in my car. grrrrrrrrrr. its a wiring problem between the coil and the pcm. keep in mind this is a dis on neon. the middle wire at the coil is reading + 12 volt then one on left side - 7 volt and the other - .25 volt , and not blinking with indicator light when turning over. i hate to say it guys but im losing faith in the neon it must be getting realy cold down there. cause i said it was going to be a cold day in hell when i give my baby up. hit me back if you have advice.
das .....