2005 Dodge Neon SXT - Idle slowly drops to 550 RPM
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2005 Dodge Neon SXT - Idle slowly drops to 550 RPM
Hello,
I just bought a used '05 Dodge Neon SXT, automatic. It has 53,000 miles.
Everything seems to run fine with the exception that sometimes when I come to a complete stop at a traffic light or bumper-to-bumper traffic, the idle will slowly creep down to as low as around 550 RPM. If I turn the air conditioning on, it will idle at a normal level ~700.
When it is idling near 500 RPM it starts to feel a little shaky or hesitant (seems as if the fuel/air mixture is not rich enough). It will only happen after I've driven the car around a bit and have it warmed up.
I replaced the air filter (which wasn't that dirty) and the problem still happens. The check engine light is not illuminated.
Is this normal for an '05 Dodge Neon? Should I have this looked at?
I'm not an auto guru so I am hoping someone can offer some advice. Thanks!
I just bought a used '05 Dodge Neon SXT, automatic. It has 53,000 miles.
Everything seems to run fine with the exception that sometimes when I come to a complete stop at a traffic light or bumper-to-bumper traffic, the idle will slowly creep down to as low as around 550 RPM. If I turn the air conditioning on, it will idle at a normal level ~700.
When it is idling near 500 RPM it starts to feel a little shaky or hesitant (seems as if the fuel/air mixture is not rich enough). It will only happen after I've driven the car around a bit and have it warmed up.
I replaced the air filter (which wasn't that dirty) and the problem still happens. The check engine light is not illuminated.
Is this normal for an '05 Dodge Neon? Should I have this looked at?
I'm not an auto guru so I am hoping someone can offer some advice. Thanks!
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Joined: Dec 2010
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Same here... Idle drops to 500rpm
I purchased a 2005 Dodge Neon SXT with 70K miles. I consider it a sound car, but I’m having the exact same problem you’re having, although it doesn’t drop to 550 every time I come to a complete stop. The car runs great at normal rpm i.e. 700 rpm.
No problem with starting in hot or cold weather and I get good gas mileage; I’ve tracked it over a month and its averaging 27mpg. I’ve put new plugs, plug wires, filters, brakes and fluids to establish a baseline in order to maintain the vehicle. My guess the problem is the timing belt and pulleys since it’s got 70K miles on it and the recommend maintenance is replacement at 100K.
I don’t get any “check engine” lights and I put a meter on it and there were no codes and all sensors checked out OK. I ran across a thread regarding about “flashing” ECM, but I’m not sure how that will improve anything, nonetheless it was out there as a solution to the problem. Let me know if you determine the root cause to the problem.
No problem with starting in hot or cold weather and I get good gas mileage; I’ve tracked it over a month and its averaging 27mpg. I’ve put new plugs, plug wires, filters, brakes and fluids to establish a baseline in order to maintain the vehicle. My guess the problem is the timing belt and pulleys since it’s got 70K miles on it and the recommend maintenance is replacement at 100K.
I don’t get any “check engine” lights and I put a meter on it and there were no codes and all sensors checked out OK. I ran across a thread regarding about “flashing” ECM, but I’m not sure how that will improve anything, nonetheless it was out there as a solution to the problem. Let me know if you determine the root cause to the problem.
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Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Northern California
I purchased a 2005 Dodge Neon SXT with 70K miles. I consider it a sound car, but I’m having the exact same problem you’re having, although it doesn’t drop to 550 every time I come to a complete stop. The car runs great at normal rpm i.e. 700 rpm.
No problem with starting in hot or cold weather and I get good gas mileage; I’ve tracked it over a month and its averaging 27mpg. I’ve put new plugs, plug wires, filters, brakes and fluids to establish a baseline in order to maintain the vehicle. My guess the problem is the timing belt and pulleys since it’s got 70K miles on it and the recommend maintenance is replacement at 100K.
I don’t get any “check engine” lights and I put a meter on it and there were no codes and all sensors checked out OK. I ran across a thread regarding about “flashing” ECM, but I’m not sure how that will improve anything, nonetheless it was out there as a solution to the problem. Let me know if you determine the root cause to the problem.
No problem with starting in hot or cold weather and I get good gas mileage; I’ve tracked it over a month and its averaging 27mpg. I’ve put new plugs, plug wires, filters, brakes and fluids to establish a baseline in order to maintain the vehicle. My guess the problem is the timing belt and pulleys since it’s got 70K miles on it and the recommend maintenance is replacement at 100K.
I don’t get any “check engine” lights and I put a meter on it and there were no codes and all sensors checked out OK. I ran across a thread regarding about “flashing” ECM, but I’m not sure how that will improve anything, nonetheless it was out there as a solution to the problem. Let me know if you determine the root cause to the problem.
Some Neon's just do this, sorry to say. Mine does this crap too, though I'm supposed to get a computer update to fix my problem (my year has a TSB).
Amateur
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 34
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From: Washington
Mine would do this when I first got it in WARM weather; not so much in the cold for some reason. It never idled as low as 500 RPM; but would idle lower than the normal 7-800 RPM that I prefer. I just changed alternator and timing belt/water pump and has not done anything funny. The RPMs do NOT drop under full electrical load anymore either. I changed my plugs when I first noticed this problem and no change. I dont think it idled any smoother either.
I'm gonna assume this happens mainly at stop lights after the car is well warm? If so then can you either put it in neutral, or blip the gas while holding the brakes and it goes away? (auto trans)
I'm gonna assume this happens mainly at stop lights after the car is well warm? If so then can you either put it in neutral, or blip the gas while holding the brakes and it goes away? (auto trans)
Last edited by turbo talon dl 94; Jan 10, 2011 at 07:12 PM. Reason: additional info
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From: Tucson, AZ
I have had this problem too. In my auto trans, when decelerating to a stop, I can see my rps as the tranny downshifts. Sometimes, the final downshift doesnot happen until I am fully stopped then the rpms will dip a little low then return to normal. Does this sound like what miht be happening?