Hello

I am a newbie in this forum. I already searched for this and i didn't get a definitive answer. I just bought a used 96 neon sohc, due to raging ridiculous gas prices. There are only 3 problems with it. 1-Upon sudden acceleration the car "sputters" or "stutters" what ever you want to call it. 2- there seems to be something loose in the passenger side rear, I think it's the strut that is loose. 3- the steering wheel is off a little, to the left (or counter clockwise). There are no codes showing up other than 12 which is the battery disconnect. My questions are 1- what seems to be the problem causing the sputtering? It only happens sometimes and when i accelerate hard. Is it coil packs? Fuel Pump? The guy who i bought it from said 2 mechanics told him it was the timing belt. What do you think? 2- What can be loose in the rear passenger side near the wheel? 3- Can I adjust the steering wheel myself? 4- how much is it going to cost if I get everything done professionally? And where's the best place to get it done?


Thanks guys, can you guys reply ASAP becuase tommorow I might get everything fixed.

 

Sputters and stutters could be casued by a fuel pump going bad, it could also be spark plugs fowling out. I doubt the timing belt would only cause it to sputter. About the back i have no idea. And to have it professionally done, Do you have an arm and 2 legs? A fuel pump isnt hard to change, ask some friends to help out! spark plugs are easy too! Hope this helps! And welcome to the dodge forums!

 

Are there places that can try to find the problem for free or no obligations to fix it at that place? Pepboys? Autozone? I just want to know what the problem is for sure before I end up replacing everything.

 

Most auto parts places will try to help you troubleshoot the problem. I would start with the basic tune-up stuff, (plugs, wires, PCV, air filter, oil filter, fuel filter-if applicable, throw in a can of seafoam in the gas tank) Start there and see if it just needs a tune-up

 

THe owner just recently tuned it up, papers and receipts say so and all. ANy particular auto store that are good in help finding problems w/o hassling you to get them serviced with them?

 

clean all contacts on spark plugs
clean contacts on coil
clean coil input plug

put dielectric grease on all contacts

this should fix your studdering problem

Get an alignment done and tell them the whell is off. This will fix the steering wheel problem

check your struts. sometimes rubber parts wear out and sometimes they just get loose.