Is this normal?

[LSUMike]

I just bought a '02 neon, automatic, 40,000 miles, and recently while driving on the Interstate I noticed that around 65-70 mph the car feels like the transmission can't decide what gear to be in. Is that symptomatic of this 3-speed tranmission or does the transmission need some adjustment? Also, about a week after I drove the car from the lot, the rear drivers-side brakes developed a squeak that happens when we lightly apply the brake. It doesn't happen when the brakes are applied firmly. I haven't pulled the wheel yet to check it, but am I going to not like what I find? Just looking for a boost to my morale before I yank that wheel.

[Scatch!]

It sounds to me like your transmission needs to be looked at. Have you checked the fluid level? The 3-speed is an extremely strong and reliable tranny, but things happen sometimes. IIRC, at 40K you should be looking at a trans fluid/filter change and adjustment soon anyway.

Squealing brakes are very common to Neons. I "fix" mine by driving about 20-25 mph and pulling up on the handbrake almost to the point of lockup. Don't do this when someone's behind you. Anyway, it cleans the crap off the brakes that is causing the squeal. It always works for me.

[yale329]

From Canada, I also have 2002 neon and the rough shifting on these 4 speeds is pathetic. The front pump was replaced and it shifts like a manic women, "no offence to all women". I have 33, ooo miles on it, the warrenty is off in 6 months. I will let you know if you keep in touch. "They will fix it, trust me". No adjustment can be done. Dodge replaced all my brakes at 20,000 with after market parts, free of charge. If you still have warrenty go get im. Good luck and please repond if you have luck. Best of luck

[mtzgrl9]

the rear drivers side brake on my neon squeaks too.. is that ok for the car?.. to pull the brake up like that?..

[yale329]

Originally Posted by Scatch!

It sounds to me like your transmission needs to be looked at. Have you checked the fluid level? The 3-speed is an extremely strong and reliable tranny, but things happen sometimes. IIRC, at 40K you should be looking at a trans fluid/filter change and adjustment soon anyway.

Squealing brakes are very common to Neons. I "fix" mine by driving about 20-25 mph and pulling up on the handbrake almost to the point of lockup. Don't do this when someone's behind you. Anyway, it cleans the crap off the brakes that is causing the squeal. It always works for me.

It's a four speed auto, and like I said the front pump on the tranny was changed along with fluid 6months ago. I know its not normal, but without codes, or so they say?? I'm kinda stuck
Wayne from Canada
Also Chrysler replaced my pads and rear drums and shoes at 20,000, for nothing. Got my neighbour to take a few vidios. I was tierd of people calling it the squeal mobile. They replaced them with after market parts. Brakes are fine since then.

[yale329]

Originally Posted by LSUMike

I just bought a '02 neon, automatic, 40,000 miles, and recently while driving on the Interstate I noticed that around 65-70 mph the car feels like the transmission can't decide what gear to be in. Is that symptomatic of this 3-speed tranmission or does the transmission need some adjustment? Also, about a week after I drove the car from the lot, the rear drivers-side brakes developed a squeak that happens when we lightly apply the brake. It doesn't happen when the brakes are applied firmly. I haven't pulled the wheel yet to check it, but am I going to not like what I find? Just looking for a boost to my morale before I yank that wheel.

\Wayne from Canada. Are you sure its not a four speed.
The first time my tranny started acting funny, jumped 400 rpm and down, and up, at a steady 65 mph. Kind of the same feeling of sliding in and out of a gear or slipping. Dodge repaired a switch by the brake pedal and it was fixed. I'll check and see what the work order said.