Im having 2 problems with my 96 neon sohc, im not sure if the problems are related because they dont happen at the same time. My first problem is a thumping noise coming from somewhere in the front during quick acceleration, or just having my foot on the gas when I hit a bump it bangs pretty hard, but if I take my foot off the gas over a bumb it doesnt bang.
My second problem is a really bad miss during acceleration at low rpm, I have to gear down to stop the missing. As long as the car is at high rpm it wont miss. Also, when I first start it, it idles really rough until it warms up. My check engine light is on, and I tried to pull the codes, but it wont work. Im at a loss with both problems and not quite sure where to start, any help would be greatley appreciated! Thanks!

 

Try pulling the codes again with the on-off-on-off-on trick. It does work, you have to complete the cycle within 5 seconds. Post back with the codes.

I'm guessing one is a Code 43...cylinder misfire.

 

Ive tried pulling the codes many times. My manual says to turn the key on , off, on, off, on, then count the number of times the engine light flashes. But mine wont flash! I assumed to turn the key off would be the off position, or should it be the lock position?

 

That is correct, but you should bet something...if nothing else you should get a code 55, which means end of codes. Try going somewhere like Autozone, where they do the free scan.

 

the thumping sounds kinda like a tie rod or ball joint, get the front up on jacks and wiggle the wheel, it shouldnt move, but if it moves front to back then its a tie rod, up and down should be a ball joint, and every direction would be a wheel bearing( wheel bearing is easy, when its in the air, spin the tire and see if it grinds)

 

when you turn the key, are you turning it to "run" (just before start) and then one click back to "off" or something else? first time i did it it didn't work for me. good luck.