hey everyone, I'm new to the forum and a first time dodge owner. I recently purchased a 2001 dodge neon but unfortunately I'm having some idle issues. The throttle sticks and the brakes work fine but when the throttle releases I lose the brakes. I've replaced the TPS but that didn't help, any suggestions are welcomed. thanks in advance

 

Welcome to the site. I will move this thread to the second generation Neon section,
FF

 

Is it throwing any codes?
Because a majority of us can tell you what the codes mean and how to fix em.

 

where do I go to locate the codes, this is my first dodge. Still trying to turn on the dome lights

 

heh, I should have posted the directions to obtain them without a code reader.
Put your key in the ignition and flip it on and off 5 times.. you should end up with it in the on position. (on, off, on, off, on)
where the digital display is at you should see a flash of numbers most likely starting with a P. Then it says done and returns to a normal state. Let us know what comes up.

 

Btw if you need help turning on the dome lights it is on the same switch as your head lights just a little to the right. It is rigged and there is a rectangle on it, rotate it all the way towards the front of the car and your dome light should come on if working properly. It is also located on the switch you use for your turn signals.

 

okay, it worked like a charm but came up on the second switch on. the codes that it gave me are: P0743, P0123,P1281,P0551,P1299 and P0508.

 

P0743 = Torque converter clutch solenoid/trans relay circuits
Possible causes:
TCC solenoid
Fused Ignition switch output circuit open
TCC solenoid control circuit shorted to voltage/ground/open

P0123 = Throttle position sensor voltage high
Throttle position sensor sweep
TP sensor shorted to 5V/battV
TP sensor internal failure
Sensor ground circuit open
TP sensor signal circuit open
PCM

P1281 = Engine cold too long
Cooling system problems

P0551 = Power steering switch failure
Power steering pressure switch operation
Ground circuit
Power steering pressure switch sense circuit shorted
Power steering pressure sense circuit open
PCM

P1299 = Vacuum leak found (IAC fully seated)
Vacuum Leak
TPS sweep
MAP sensor open
TP sensor fully seated

P0508 = IAC motor sense circuit low
IAC motor
IAC motor driver circuit shorted/open
IAC motor sense circuit open/shorted
PCM


Hope this helps, but one of the first things is i'd replace the TPS and check the cable to see if it moves freely.
I'm sure others will chime in with their thoughts on the matter. Good thing cause they know more than I do.

 

okay, I've changed the TPS and the cable operates freely but I'm still having the same issues and its eating gas badly.

 

You've got two codes with the IAC as a potential problem. I'd have checked into that circuit first. A vacuum leak will cause problems, big and small, and can cause you to get worse gas mileage. It can be bad enough to where you will get a code for the engine running lean.

The cooling system one is pretty straight forward. You need to start checking everything. If I had to guess, something is going on with the thermostat. This code is most likely going to be the major source of your fuel consumption. This is from another forum in regards to this code: