Hi,
I just bought a 2005 Dodge Neon 50,000 miles on it. I do not know much about auto's and hope that someone can help me.

Of course I want everything to be perfect with the car and do not know if this is a warning or something starting to go wrong. When I bought the car, it drove smooth. When I pulled out from the dealer, it was like I wanst even driving ina car it was so smooth.It has been 2 weeks andknow when I start off and it shifts, it is an automatic, I feel a little kick shifting into the next gear. When it shifts into the second gear, I feel it slightly but it is a smooth action. Doesthis mean something is up with the transmission? I have a warranty on the big parts and do not know if I should take it in or not. I know this is dumb but if I have some of the windows up and some down I hear a sound that sounds like I have a flat tire. I am not sure if it is the air from having some ofthe windows down and some up.It is my first newer car and of course I dont want anything to go wrong with it. The only other thing I noticed was when I start it up, I hear the motor buta very slight noise like the muffler was getting a hole, somthing that I didnt hear when I drove it at the dealer. It was so quiet then. I hit the gas pedal and it seemed to quiet that noise a little

 

As far as the transmission I would check the fluid level, make sure the car is running when you do this. Maybe its low causing it to slip into gear when it shifts. Also check to see if the fluid smells like burnt metal. If so than you may have some problems. I doubt there should be anything wrong with that low mileage. As far as the windows being open and you hear a fluttering sound that is normal. Mine does it if I leave the back windows open and close the front windows. I tried doing that when talking on the phone and that made it much worse lol. The engines in the neon's are know for making a ticking sound which is probaly what you are hearing.

 

I think the muffler noise you're hearing might be the TB taking in air. They can be really loud on these cars. It might also be that flat tire noise, because that's what it sounds like.

I think neon trannys in general are a little rough. I put some synthetic oil and motor mounts and didn't recognize my transmission. Maybe try that? I know it sucks having to fix your car right out the lot. [&:]

 

you are so right about the bac k window being open. That is exactly when I heard it. I rolled up the back and put down the front and could not hear it, only when the back window is open.I checked the oil the best I knew how, being a woman I never did it before and it looks pink and doesnt really have a smell.WhatI mean bythe shifting is when the car starts off and you feel it shift, it is kind of hard compared to the other shifting it makes. Should the first time it shift be as smooth and as and as quiet shifting into the other gear as the others are. The first is kind of a little kick and then it is ok then I feel it shift again but so slightly I actually have to pay attention to hear or feel it. The other guy said he put in mounts, what is that? What is synthetic oil also. I did notice when I checked the oilI put my foot on the gas slightly and it looked like what may be the engine lift a little. Is that normal? I really dont want to sound stupid, but never had to pay attention tohow autos run before.I do appreciate both of you writing back and trying to help me... thanks...

 

I am not sure how the autos shift because i have a manual. You said you saw your engine move when hitting the gas? Try doing that while applying the brake and see if it jumps. Its going to move a little but if it moves alot you might need new motor mounts like stated above.The mounts connect the engine to the car. The upper motor mount is a couple inches to the left of the oil cap, you could check the rubber insert on the motor mount for tears. You would have to go under the car to check the lower mount.