Ok so i got the base model 02 neon. At 76000 miles i had to have the tranny over hauled due to the lock out failing on the tranny. Since then I have changed the plugs, air filter, oil, and oil filter. oh and cant forget replacing the throttle position sensor.

Recently my check engine light popped on and i took it to autozone to get their free diagnostic. they plugged in their reader and told me that it was the app sensor. They went to look up the part and all they could find is a throttle position sensor. Replaced that, took off the battery cable to reset the light and clean the cables. Yesterday the light came back on. I did the on off thing with the key and its giving me a code p 1281. as far as I have been able to determine the 02 neon doesn't have an APP sensor, correct me if I am wrong please. so my question is what is causing this code to pop up?

on a side note, what type of transmission can I swap into my neon so I can stop worrying about my Tranny failing on me again?

 

P1281 is a code that indicates the engine is not reaching operating temperature. And you don't have a whole lot of choices on transmissions, just change the oil every 30k miles like recommended.

Also with that CEL on for that code you aren't going to get TCC operation anyways because you will be in open loop.

 

Ok thank you. And your talking about changing the tranny fluid over 30k miles correct? and what is TCC?

 

It is recommended to get the fluid changed about every 30k, your trans should have a long life if you do that.

TCC is torque converter clutch which I am assuming is what you were referring to as lockout.

 

ok. I am not sure. I was headed home from a 2 hour car trip when i felt the car jerk and then it drove fine for a couple of minutes, then started to slow down rapidly. when i had it towed to aamco thats what they told me caused my problems, the lock out failing

 

i dont know of any car that has an APP sensor(is that for your Ipod)?

perhaps they were saying "MAP" sensor??

 

Nope the people told my accelerator pedal position(app for short) sensor

 

Never heard of that sensor before. It's not an electronically controlled throttle...

 

pretty sure it's the TPS