2000 Dodge Neon Clicks/won't start!!!!!!!!

[brothersja]

I have a 2000 Neon. It has 24K miles. I have never had any problems with it until last week. It wouldn't start. When I would try to start it, it'd make clicking sounds. The radio wouldn't turn on, the a/c didnt blow and the bell didn't ring letting me know the key was in the ingition with the door open. The lights were dim. After several moments, all of the above came on but, the car still wouldn't start and those things would turn off again.

Finally, after an hour, it started as if nothing was wrong. Regardless, I had it towed to the dealer. They said the battery, starter and alternator were fine. They said it was a 'loose battery cable'. Took it home on Thursday and on Saturday, the same thing happened again. After about an hour, it started.

Took it to another car repair since the dealer was closed and they said the same thing as the dealer, it is fine. They also said they can't tell me what is wrong till it breaks down again.
It doesn't die while driving. This only happens when I try to start it and it is intermittent.
I am thinking something electric. Has anyone heard of something like this before? Got any suggestions?

[d.boyd]

I believe it is a loose battery cable as well. The same thing happened to my brother's 1999 Intrepid. If possible, try to get that repaired or fixed or if you can, use electrical tape to fasten the cable. Good luck!

[Dropped2KNeon]

I had the same problem w/ my Dodge neon 2000. I was told it was the brushes of the starter, so they changed it. It worked fine for a few months.. now I am getting the same problem (Intermitently), Ill turn the key and nothing, no sounds, or clicking or anything. I'll try it again and it starts up fine. I'm bugging about this, could be the coil, or like the other person said the battery cable. Im getting it checked out soon and Ill post up what the problem was.

[brothersja]

Thanks but, the dealer tightened up the battery cable and checked the alternator, starter and battery the 1st go round...

I'd have thought it was a done deal until the same thing happened on Saturday.
I am open to ideas..

[joeval]

Sometimes the connections at the battery are extremely dirty. You might want to disconnect them and clean them with a wire brush. Make sure the terminals do tighten because they do wear out and even though the nut is tight, the terminal is not squeezing the terminal post.

[brothersja]

Well...I just talked to the Service guys at the dealer and they said they have cleaned off cables, check, ignition switch, battery, alternator, etc and still no sign of what it could be. They said it has to 'break' again before they can tell what the problem is. So...my car sits and I am stuck without a car....

This is werid...any suggestions..ideas..prayer beads...

[FuriousMachine95]

Sounds like you might have a short somewhere. Take it to a place that specailizes in electrical systems, and they might be able to help you out.

[209 neon]

take it to the shop.....

[Dropped2KNeon]

try doing CEL diagnostics. If you don't know how.
Put the key in and put it to the accessory position and turn it off then repeat that a total of 3 times. The check engine light will start flashing. Count the number of times it comes on and pair it up. For example: If the light flashes 2 times and waits then flashes 1 time, that means a code 21.

Go to: http://www.xtremeneons.com/how-tos/c...necodes2k.html

All the info is there. Hope this helps.