This is my brothers 2002 Neon ES Auto trans. Long story short, it doesn't have the power it used to. When accelerating the engin will rev to about 5k rpm, but even when flooring it, not much power. It just has a very spongy feel, like the transmission isn't grabbing quite right. However when I let off the gas I get this sudden burst of acceleration as it downshifts.

Also... When at about 35mph it WILL NOT DOWNSHIFT!!! I about got flattened trying to merge onto I-95. Petal to the floor, 1500rpm. My brother says it does that a lot.

Just wondering what anyone thought on this. It's got two bad engine mounts that I gotta replace tomorrow, and an oil change. Wondering if I got a torque converter to change as well.

 

Changing the mounts might just be your problem and the oil and look and see if the tranny mount is bad also. I know when I changed my 3 mounts my sxt got so much better and got power back also. Most dont know how much those mounts affect.

 

I think the bad mounts affect the Knock sensor because of the vibration and the computer retards timing.

 

When was the last time plugs, wires, trans fluid/filter and so on were done?

 

"However when I let off the gas I get this sudden burst of acceleration as it downshifts."

Would this have anything to do with the throttle position sensor. Have you checked to see if it has any codes?

 

It's possible, use a scan tool or DMM to check for any "deadspots" in the TPS. I believe there was a TSB about a harsh kickdown from 4th to 3rd I forget the details.