1995 Dodge Neon Engine & Trans problem linked?

CEVALE

MEMBER
1995 DODGE NEON
0.6L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
110,000 MILES

Car runs horrible and acts as if it's not getting gas. It burps, Farts and coughs terrible. I've replaced the plugs, erg value throttle sensor and the coil pak, all to no avail. Can it possibly be a bad modulator value on the tranny? When I experience all these issues and place the transmission in neutral it runs like a brand new car. It seems to only mess up when there is a load on the engine. HELP !

5 Replies

JOHNNYT73

MECHANIC
924 POSTS

Check fuel pressure to see where you are on that.

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Wednesday, December 31st, 2014 AT 2:06 PM

CEVALE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

The fuel pump was checked by a mechanic and he said it was fine. Not sure if he said 74 or 84 PSI when using his gauge. I've replaced the plugs and wires too but like I mentioned, once I put the car in neutral the motor runs just fine. I had a mechanic at some other shop attempt to diagnose the problem. He charged 164.00 and I got nothing but excuse after excuse for his not finding the problem. He wouldn't refund me a dime claiming he spent " all " that time on the car. Talk about grief ! All that " time" for an improper result too.

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Wednesday, December 31st, 2014 AT 2:22 PM

JOHNNYT73

MECHANIC
924 POSTS

If you had your own scan tool to read three temp values of your sensors. That would be a good thing to look at such as your coolant temp sensor, intake air temp, and ambient air temp. I would also get a can of throttle body cleaner and spray around the intake manifold for leaks while the car is running. If the idle suddenly changes then you may have found a leak. Also ask around for a reputable pro to take it to. Were you getting any codes at all?

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Wednesday, December 31st, 2014 AT 3:50 PM

CEVALE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I have trouble putting batteries in flashlight ! I have few mechanical skills when it comes to auto's. I was just curious if a modulator value could or would cause the problem I've described. What baffles me is that as soon as I put the car in neutral, it IMMEDIATELY goes away, It feels like it's starving for gas and I get hesitation in the acceleration. I can drive 500'never changing the position of my foot on the gas pedal. The car will begin to buck as it losses the fuel (?) Indwell intermittently cleanup within another 500' All the while the foot on the pedal has not moved at all. I've read of others having a similar problem with this make and model of the neon. I'd burn it but my neighbors would likely complain !

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Wednesday, December 31st, 2014 AT 4:48 PM

JOHNNYT73

MECHANIC
924 POSTS

Could possibly be clogged injectors. Also maybe a vacuum leak somewhere. You can get a can of throttle body cleaner and spray around the intake manifold and intake tube while the car is running to see if the idle changes.