Somewhere in the last 8 year period I have gotten used to my neon and don't want to sell it. With that in mind, I am paying a high price because it always breaks down on me. Luckly I have a second vehicle. Anyways, getting to my current problem. This time my 97dohc 2l will not start. I have a few theories, but I really need some help and/or directions from anyone willing PLEASE? Basicly, when I put the key in and turn, nothing happens. I checked over the usual eg; battery is good, battery connections good; starter good, and so forth. It seems like there is something wrong with the electrical side of things. But, it will not even turn over. The interior/exterior lights are working. This is the kicker, if I leave it sitting over night, it will start in the morning just fine. It will run for a couple of days, and again I'll get in and out of the blue it will not turn over.
Second issue [&:] its burning oil. Once a week I have to add engine oil into it. I don't think there is a leak as there is never any oil on the ground. Is this a head gascket issue?

Any advice would be great. Thank you.
e-mail: patrykmagyk@shaw.ca

 

The not starting is probally a crank sensor. Are there any codes?

How many miles on the car, it could be a bad head gasket, or bad rings.

 

Thanx for the reply casper. Yea the code is 12 Direct battery input to PCM was disconnected within the last 50 key-on cycles. Car has 160 thousand km.

 

I would check the crank sensor. Not sure exactlly what 160,000km = in miles, but I would not be suprised if at 200,000 miles or so you are burning a quart of oil every say 1000 or so miles. As the motor get more miles on it seals, rings, gaskets are gonna wear and breakdown.

 

is it an automatic or manual car? does the starter try to crank..like clunk or clicks?