'96 neon --> acceleration???
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2
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'96 neon --> acceleration???
im no car buff by any means, nor do i have a lot of money to throw at my 96' neon - but i have run across a really troubling issue with my car and have abosultely no clue what to do or who to ask....
i have a 96' dodge neon, 98k miles, 2.0 dohc, standard - it has run fine for the longest time until the radiator leaked dry and subsequently over-heated my car, so i had the radiator replaced, a coolant flush, and oil change. it then ran fine, but a couple weeks later, it has developed a really low and rough idle, but typically doesn't die. however, the worst thing is the sporadic acceleration, especially in low rpm's. i can start in first gear, hit the gas/release the clutch normally, the car will jerk along really hard until the rpm's reach about 3-3.5 and then it will take off suddenly. the same type of jerky accelerating happens in every gear, even 5th at low rmp's. it feels like it's about to die, then suddenly will accelerate, then become jerky again, then take off again,. im completely lost as to what to do.
please help!
cheers,
steve [8D]
i have a 96' dodge neon, 98k miles, 2.0 dohc, standard - it has run fine for the longest time until the radiator leaked dry and subsequently over-heated my car, so i had the radiator replaced, a coolant flush, and oil change. it then ran fine, but a couple weeks later, it has developed a really low and rough idle, but typically doesn't die. however, the worst thing is the sporadic acceleration, especially in low rpm's. i can start in first gear, hit the gas/release the clutch normally, the car will jerk along really hard until the rpm's reach about 3-3.5 and then it will take off suddenly. the same type of jerky accelerating happens in every gear, even 5th at low rmp's. it feels like it's about to die, then suddenly will accelerate, then become jerky again, then take off again,. im completely lost as to what to do.
please help!
cheers,
steve [8D]
Legend
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 9,112
Likes: 1
From: Spring, TX
RE: '96 neon --> acceleration???
When was the last time you did a tune-up? Spark plugs, wires, air filter, PCV valve and such? You are also nearing the 100,000 mile timing belt, water pump, and tensioner pulley replacement.
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
RE: '96 neon --> acceleration???
hi, thanks for the reply!
honestly, i can't remember when i had a tune up last,. ive had to replace parts here and there, and im pretty good about getting a regular oil change - but my concern is that ill unnecessarily blow a wad of cash on a full tune up when i really only have to replace one piece of the equation,. out of all of the items that might be causing the trouble, which do you think would be the most likely culprit? id hate to walk into an auto shop asking for a full tune up and have them rip me off for all sorts of stuff that i don't need (or cant afford) in order to fix what is actually causing the trouble right now,.
i realize my "solution-for-now" type approach isnt the best for my car, but my wallet seems to be calling the shots.
any ideas?
.steve. [sm=gobble.gif]
honestly, i can't remember when i had a tune up last,. ive had to replace parts here and there, and im pretty good about getting a regular oil change - but my concern is that ill unnecessarily blow a wad of cash on a full tune up when i really only have to replace one piece of the equation,. out of all of the items that might be causing the trouble, which do you think would be the most likely culprit? id hate to walk into an auto shop asking for a full tune up and have them rip me off for all sorts of stuff that i don't need (or cant afford) in order to fix what is actually causing the trouble right now,.
i realize my "solution-for-now" type approach isnt the best for my car, but my wallet seems to be calling the shots.
any ideas?
.steve. [sm=gobble.gif]
Legend
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 9,112
Likes: 1
From: Spring, TX
RE: '96 neon --> acceleration???
Well if you change the plugs, wires, and PCV valve yourself, you are out maybe $50. Get stock copper champion plugs($5), some decent wires($30), PCV valve($3), air filter($10). But if you wanna take it somewhere, I'd start with plugs and wires.