Ok Neon fans, here's one for you:

I'm about to pickup a 2000 neon that will not start...

I think it may be as simple as an ignition switch but I'm not that experienced with the 2nd gen Neons so I'm looking for guideance. Here's what I know:

A) it an automatic - year: 2000 (w/ 150K miles)
B) the problem came on suddenly, pulled into the garage and next day it would not start.
C) Battery and connections are good.
D) Shorting the ground on the starter motor the motor spins but does not seem to engage the fly wheel (I think this is normal).
E) When you turn the key you get dash lights but nothing else. No clicks, no sound from the starter, no sound from a fuel pump, nothing.

If its not the ignition switch, could it me something with Shift handle?

Otherwise what else should I check.


One other thing. At some point, the oil was drained from the motor and it sat without oil for weeks. But the engine did not run or try to turn over. Is there anything to worry about with this? (Oil is in it now).


Thoughts anyone?

Thanks.

 

Was the timing belt changed?

 

Timing Belt - don't know, don't think so, doubt it.

But I don't think we're that far yet.

At this point I don't hear fuel pump or any relay noise and no noises at all.

I've checked power to the starter and it's good. But there is no signal from the key at this point.


What would cause no prime of the fuel pump and no starter.

Dash lights are good, battery voltage seems good at 13.8.

What to try next? - Next I'm planning to turn the motor by hand to see if it turns.

 

I ask because if it broke (supposed to be changed at 105K), it'll have bent the valves in the head. Might do a compression test and a leakdown test to check the internal engine condition first if you are unsure.

 

Dude I'm having the same problem with my 2000 Neon. It sat for over a year before I bought it. I changed the ECM after I rebuilt the engine and it started right up. Then the ECM died again. Have a blog asking the same problem. I think its a wiring harness.

 

Look at the number 10 (15a) motor relay fuse.

 

I'm thinking you should see if you're getting spark and fuel first. It'll just help narrow things down.


Compression is kind of inconclusive to in extent because low compression could mean a lot of things. Blown head gasket, bent valves, broken timing belt, etc.

If you aren't hearing a fuel pump, lay under the car and have someone turn the key to on. You should be able to hear it. If you don't, you most likely aren't getting fuel.

I'd look at fuel pump fuse and relay also.

 

Try starting it in neutral then park. Sometimes the neutral safety switch can trip and cause that.