SO i got a 2002 Dodge neon sxt 2.0 4cyl automatic.

Here are my problems.

The car is plain out bogging down like no power when i accelerate. It hesitates really bad drops a gear and then over revs until i let off.

Plugs/wires Ok..

154,xxxmiles

well maintained


Also the trans is starting to slip and/or hesitate switching gears. What years can i use a tranny from?


any help im lost

 

How old are the plug wires? I ask because mine were the original with 104,500 miles on them. They looked fine and tested fine. My car was dying when I started it in cold weather and would cut-out when I tried accelerating on the heavy side. I replaced them and I have no more issues.

As for the transmission, how old (miles) is the fluid?

 

I dnt even know if the plug wires are original. they test fine and still look new. tranny filter and fluid around 5k miles

 

My wires were in the same condition as yours, yet they were the problem. I spent $45 on new wires and plugs and it's been running super since. Just something to think about.

Was the transmission fluid flushed, or just changed?

 

Gentlemen, remember electrical resistance increases with an increase in temperature. Your plug wires may check fine when they are cold, but resistance can increase as the wires get hot and the engine compartment temp rises. The recommended service interval for plus and wires is 60k miles. If they are overdue change them.

If the transmission is slipping, that will require a trip to a tranny shop. Sorry, there aren't too many DIY folks out there who have the training, tools, or equipment items needed to service a transmission, and if you get one from a salvage yard, it may be in worse shape than the one you're pulling, & you probably won't have a warranty.

 

Well with the plug wires Yeah i wouldnt doubt they need replaced. I changed the plugs and its running great. They were fowled out and shot and they werent even that old.

For the transmission. I would never go to a tranny shop. On average it cost 350-800 to diagnose the problem and 1200-3200 to just replace it. Thats ridiculous. I have called around. I would go to my Salvage yard or get one on craigslist. 3 month waranty $300 for the trans of my choice and they will even install it for an extra $100.