Neon engine problems

[kellyrae]

So I have a '00 Plymouth Neon that just quit starting one day. Worked fine, took it to work, filled it with gas. Next day the car wouldn't start. Or I should say, it wouldn't turn over. It made the attempt, but it wasn't happening. It's got a full tank of gas, brand new spark plugs (that won't, however, spark), a newly re-charged battery, and it seems like the fuel pump is working. Don't know what to do. Any help is appreciated, especially as I am fairly close to a car moron...don't know much about them, to be honest!

[vgames33]

If it wouldn't turn over, then your starter is probably blown, or something realted to it is gone. Did you hear a clicking noise?

[kellyrae]

No, did not hear a clicking noise. How would I go about fixing the starter?

[vgames33]

So you didn't hear anything when you turned the key? No clicking or cranking? Was everything dead - dash lights, headlights, ect?

[kellyrae]

No, it's not dead. It cranks but engine just won't catch. There's no unusual clicking though, just won't turn over. Again, battery has been recharged, so that shouldn't be the problem. Dash lights and radio still turn on...

[INF3RN0666]

You described the situation as if the starter is turning the engine, but you have some common possibilities. The starter needs cleaning/replacement because it's turning the engine very slowly (and you can usually hear this). The battery might be weak (even though you recharged it). Try boosting your car off another car that's already running to rule out that problem. Now if you're not getting enough fuel, the starter will turn the engine quickly, but the engine will never start running on its own. For all you know, it could be a lose ground wire. SO quickly check all wiring, fuses, etc. Then concentrate on mechanical problems.

[curtis73]

Wait a minute. Let's make some definitions clear....

You're saying that the starter is working but its not turning over. Those two things are in contradiction. If its trying to start, sounding normal, just won't catch, then the problem isn't the starter. Its turning over just fine. Proper starter operation = turning over.

So if it sounds normal but just doesn't fire and run on its own, then you have some other problem. The more common problems are fuel pump, fuel filter, or a sensor has died not giving the computer the right information to properly run.

INF3RN0666 has good advice for the rest

[vgames33]

I read the last post as "the starter is engaging, but the engine isn't cranking." That sounds like the gear on the starter may be messed up so its not actually cranking the engine.

[UncleBob]

its cranking, its not cranking.....its getting spark, its not getting spark. It tries to start, it doesn't try to start.

From that helpful list, I say its NOT the radiator cap. Everything else is suspect