I don't know much about cars, but I am curious to know the solution to the problem I'm having with my car that is seemingly endless. When idle or turning slowly, my 1995 Dodge Neon will "spark knock" for the duration of the movement or just shut off my car altogether. I realize that my explanation is vague, but it's the best way I can describe it.

My dad is a mechanic, so he knows a lot about cars, but can't seem to pinpoint a solution to the problem I'm having. He's already replaced the power steering pressure switch and checked to make sure that the throttle body was clean. Performing both tasks did little, if not nothing to fix the problem. Now my dad wants to try replacing the PCM, but I'm not prepared to pay $200 for a part that isn't guaranteed to fix the problem.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

Check your plugs, your wires, and your coil pack... Also make sure all your grounds are secure and clean.. Neons are notorious for grounding issues!

Keep us posted!

 

Thanks for the quick reply. All plugs and wires have been checked recently by my dad; he reported that they are fine. The coil pack has been recently replaced (within the last six months). All grounds have already been secured and cleaned.

Is replacing the PCM a wise idea? What do you think should be done?

 

Considering the price of a PCM, I dont know.. Have you checked your fuel injectors? Fuel pressure at the rail? I know when I turn my wheel and the Power Steering pump kicks in, the RPMs go up. What kinda of gas milage have you been getting? There are many things to check before you jump into a new PCM and if you plan on doing any engine mods in the future, I would spend the money on a performance PCM!

 

One thing I have been noticing lately is a severe drop in average gas milage. I used to get around 30 miles to the gallon. Now I'm down to about 17. I'm pretty sure that this isn't a good thing, LOL.

 

Is there any corrosion on your terminals and/or wires? Check under the battery tray and behind the PDC for exposed wires.

I would hold off on the PCM for now though, because they aren't $200 from the dealer!!!

 

is it throwing any codes at all?

What does the car idle at? Your gonna drop revs if you crank the wheels to lock. If your idle is set pretty low when the car is warm and you drop that extra 100 rpm, that could be enough to stall it.

 

Especially if your not getting sufficient fuel or the fuel/air ratio is screwed up... Take it to Advanced Auto or something - even if the CEL isnt on - and get it hooked to the scanner and pull the codes..

 

I would also change the fuel filter. If you are getting 13mpg less then usual, something is up. It most likely isnt the pcm. Only way I could see it being the PCM is if it is running uber rich or uber lean.

 

You say it's a 95, but you didn't say how many miles on it?