98 neon automatic will not start. It has been having trouble starting lately where i have had to move the gear selector through the gears to get it start. I figured it was the neutral safety switch so i replaced it worked fine for a couple days then it start doing it again. I would have to move the selctor back and forth for it to start now it won't start at all. Has power i am wondering if its the ignition switch or if the cable for selector is not adjusted correctly any idea's would be great thanks.

 

I'd say start with the trans cable, never had a automatic neon, had the same problem in a older camaro, if its like anything like the clutch cable in my mtx neon dodge recommends replacement if the vehicle has over 100k miles....maybe this could just a simple fix.

 

There is a bracket that holds the cable close to where it attaches to the transmission. I have had it come loose before and it causes the transmission to not go into the gear that it's supposed to be in. That's my 2 cents.

 

Ok couple of days ago it would not start at all. So I had to have the car towed home. Tow truck dropped the car in the drive way it started right up. Now it wil not start again. It seems like the bracket and cable are tight the selector sits in the right spot when it is the selected gear. Not sure where to go from here.

 

I thought I would try this since it seems to only not want to start when it's cold out. I plugged in the block heater for about 2 hours and it started right up. This is a long shot but I am wondering if there is moisture getting in the Crank sensor and its freezing, when it warms up with the block heater the moisture evaporates. I don't think this is the problem seeing as how when you move the selector back and forth it will start but that seems to not work any more. I don't know I am lost as to what to do. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

try a new crank sensor... if its defective or even cracked same thing can happen.

 

I am going to try changing the crank sensor tomorrow. I am hoping that will solve this.

 

check the battery terminals also easy quick check also take it to atozone (if itll start) and get it ran for codes

 

Are you getting any trouble codes with this as well?

 

an obdII code reader is a nice thing to have i got one awhile back and its now already saved me 70$ not too sure on the cost of one mine was a gift but i was throwing a code for a coil p0301 after a little checking come to find out my miss.. was jus a dirty prong on my coil sanded it up and the miss is gone.