[Neon] Please Help me!!!

[jher]

Dear everyone,

I got a problem on my neon. I have 95 dohc plymouth - manual transmission - neon. (mileage : ~ 100k)
It shows to have complicated phenomena, but I think eventual problem is that "my car is losing its power".
Let me tell you what I experienced.

1. When I tried cold start, it really complains and responses a BIG stumble.
(Because my car is manual, I have to be extremely careful for releasing the clutch at this point,
otherwies, engine will stop.)

2. Once the engine is warm enough - thermometer reads about middle point of its range - the car seems Ok,
but it becomes gradually slow. And it can not accelerate. Well, it accelerates, but very slowly.
Moreover, when I put 5th gear, my car's RPM won't going up - even though I put the gas pedal firmly.

I tried to solve above problems. I checked self-diagnostic step, and it said just normal(55).
I changed my battery and spark plug. But the problem is still there. Nowadays I'm scared for driving!!!
Please please someone help me to fix above problems.
Thank you in advance.

- J.H.

Ps. My car is not a dodge neon, but plymouth neon. However, I think this board is more popular, so I post this here as well. Sorry if you're confused.

[KatWoman]

A few questions for you:

~Aside from slow acceleration, how does the motor run?
~Do you have any obvious leaks?
~Is your idle smooth or rough?
~How's your gas mileage?
~When was your last fuel injector service?
~When is the last time your fuel filter got changed?
~Have you had your fuel pump checked?
~Is your air filter clean?
~Have you cleaned the throttle body?
~Do you run your car below ¼tank of fuel often?
~Are your spark plugs gapped properly?
~When is the last time you changed your O2 sensors and/or EGR valve?
~Do you keep your tires aired at the proper PSI?
~When is the last time you had your tranny checked?
~Have you had your clutch serviced or replaced?

If you are getting no codes at this time, I am willing to guess you have a clog/debris in the system somewhere....the above things I am asking about are things that could lead to crappy performance or compromise good gas mileage.

Check on the things I asked about and see if there is anything in question or out of the ordinary.

I've been thru quite a bit with my Neon, but have not yet come across something like this. Mine's an automatic, but I know manuals need some attention paid to them too.

Let us know what you find and maybe we can be of better assistance

[jher]

Thank you for kind reply.

Up to now, I'm suspicious about the dirty throttle body among your list.
I'll try to clean them. After that, I will post the results.

Thank you again! Have a nice day!!!

- J. H.

[jher]

Hello, again...

I just clean the throttle body with spray can, and reset the ECU by removing (-) electrode
of battery for a while. I think the 2nd problem of above my problem is solved. I hope so.

But still the 1st question, esp. the stumble at starting point is remained.
I tried 2nd gear starting, as well. For the case of 1st gear's fault. But it seems same.
I can manage to start to move my car, but it is so annoying... you know.

Let me ask few more questions. The parking brake sign is not 100% off when I release it.
I mean, if I pull it up, of course, the parking brake sign - the red "BRAKE" lamp - is on.
But it is supposed to be off when I release that, isn't it?
But the red "BRAKE" sign is still somewhat on... Not really on, but obscurely I can see the "BRAKE" sign
even though I release the parking brake fully.
I can distinguish between the two states, because the brightness of lamp is different.
However, I am sure that the lamp is not really off, even though it can. ( because if I turn off
the whole engine and electric system, the lamp is really off - I can NOT see the "BRAKE" sign at all.)
I wonder that is this some sign of my car's computer? or some symptom or something like that?

Another question is : I heard some creaking sound when I put 'OFF' the foot brake.
is that a problem of return spring of foot brake pad?

Is there some possibility that the above phenomena is related to the stumble at starting?

Thank you very much for your reading. And kind advices, as well.

Ps. Ms. Katwoman, Belows are my answers up to what I know for your list.
(Because my car is second hand, I said I don't know for some questions.)
1. Seems powerless, and somewhat noisy.
2. I think I don't have any leak so far.
3. Hard to say... sometime, looks fine, sometime, not really good.
4. I don't know well. Looks not so good.
5~7. I did not checked or serviced, after being my car.
8. Well, I have seen it, and it 's dirty (of course) but not really dirty.
9. No.
10. No.
11. I just changed them. so i believe it must be correct.
12. I don't know...
13. So so, but the tires look OK.
14. tranny? you mean the radio? I don't think that is related the problem...
15. No.

[KatWoman]

Check your brake fluid level. If it is low, that can cause the brake light to flash. If your fluid level is fine there may be a short somewhere in the system causing it to come on.

Tranny = transmission

Ummm lemme think.......judging by your answers it sounds like your car is due for some servicing. Clean air filter, possible new O2 sensors, new fuel filter (I think they need to be changed every 30K miles or so). If the fuel pump is your original and not working properly that may need to be replaced. Your fuel injectors may be clogged too.

As for your stumbling on start...a possible cause may be the camshaft posistion sensor. It's usually on top of the motor just to the right (when you are facing the car) to the valve cover. If there is oil leaking from it its time to replace. Also if it gets the slightest crack it doesnt read properly the car will run like crap,if at all. Last time mine went out, the car would turn over but not start.

Other sensors that affect performance to look into are:

Crankshaft position sensor
idle/air controller
intake temp sensor
throttle position sensor
MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor

Since there are several possibilities your best bet may be to find someone who knows cars well to help you do some diagnosing or take it into a shop to get it checked out.

You can also check out the forums at www.neons.org/forums
they have a section for 1st gen. Neons and there are alot of knowledgeable people there. I am also a moderator on that site. Theres a good group of people on there who do all their own work and have good knowledge of the Neon motor. That would be a good start before heading to a shop.

[jher]

Thanks a lot, Katwoman! You are really buddy.

I have checked the brake fluid level, but it is full. (in fact, i think it's too full).

I asked about this to some of my friends around, and some of them recommand to check clutch cylinder fluid. But I can not find where it is on my car. There is only brake fluid cap. Where is the neon's clutch fluid cap?

and... I'll check the CPS. Thanks again.

- J.H.