97 starter probs

[mick2222]

k got a neon 97 dohc manual it turns over but wont start batterys fine and fuel fine
but get these codes
35.open or shorted condition detected in radiator fan low speed relay circui

37.an open or shorted condition detected in the torque converter part throttle unlock solenoid control circuite

i have no clue what they mean and not got the cash to take it to a garage
mike

[denisond3]

Neither of the conditions the codes descrube would result in the car failing to start, but there may be something like a loose connector at the PCM that was causing both problems; the codes and the non-starting. Try undoing the connectors to the PCM and reseating them. On our SOHC 97 Neon, the connectors 'click' in place when pushed that last half millimeter. (its takes a good firm push). If they arent 'clicked-in, they will soon loosen - when that happened on ours, the injectors stopped firing as I drove along.
An engine runs if it gets spark (at the right time), fuel (in a burnable mixture) and has compression.
About the only way to know if you have fuel at the injectors, is to open the Schrader valve on the fuel rail. This thing works like a valve stem, you push the 'pin' in the middle. Dont be standing in front of it - the fuel is under 49 psi pressure, or should be, and will squirt out. It should hold pressure for hours after use.
When the spilled fuel is dried, you can pull off a spark plug wire, and using an old or spare spark plug, push the spark plug into the 'cap', and with it lying on something metal on the top of the engine, crank the stater so the engine turns over 3 or 4 times. You should see a nice blue spark in the gap between the plug electrodes.
An 'audible' compression check, is to listen to how the engine is cranked by the starter. It should be uneven, making the unh-uh unh-uh unh-uh unh-uh sound. If the timing belt had given way, it would make a smoother sound; more of a hummmmm-unh-uh hmmmmmmmm-unh-uh, if you get my meaning. That would be due to the starter being able to turn the engine at a constant rate, except for one cylinder that would have compression because the exhaust valve was open.
If it has spark, and has compression, but isnt starting, pull the inlet tube away from the throttle body, and squirt starting fluid in there as an accomplice tries to start it. If it fires on the starting fluid, then the injectors may not be firing. And this could be several things, such as a lack of signal from the crankshaft position sensor, from the cam shaft position sensor, or ???? (Im going by what my SOHC would need to fire, I dont know if DOHC's are different).
I got my OEM Dodge Service Manual from ebay, for about $30, and it paid for itself in the first couple of days.

Another thing that can mess up the operation of a Neon, is if there is heat or wear damage to the wiring harness that runs to the engine. It not only carries the signals for the injectors, but runs behind the motor, where it connects to the crankshaft position sensor - among other things. I had to repair ours because the insulation had melted and wires were beginning to touch each other. I had the engine out (to replace a bad main seal), so could take the engine wiring harness off, and sit under shade tree to work on it. Then the car worked fine.

[HPNOTIQracing]

to add to the above when you push in the shrader valve if no fuel comes out it could be you fuel pump relay or the pump itself. definatly check those com connectors it happens alot.