Im hoping someone here can help me I have a 2000 neon sohc. The problem is that car was parked in my garage for 4 years due to a accident my daughter had. I have now started fixing it, I put a new battery in, it started to crank then nothing. I thougt the starter was bad I took it out got a new 1 had the new 1 test. I put it in with the new battery turned the key and nothing. it doesnt crank it wont start. The radio and windows all work it just wont start. can anyone help me

 

I hate to throw darts and hope to nail the problem, but have you wiggled the key while in the crank position? Same with the gear shift while holding the key in the crank position?
There could be some corrosion from storage in the switches and wiggling might create a good connection.
If you manage to find a faulty switch, I would recommend getting some contact cleaner from a local hobby shop, spraying it into the switch, and then working the switch to clean the insides.

Also, just confirm the battery and connections by turning the headlights on and then trying to crank the engine. If the lights dim, then the connections might be bad or there could be a defect in the battery.

Let us know what happens.

Joe

 

After checking the battery terminals and wires for corrosion, check the ASD relay and the ASD wires/connectors underneath the PDC for corrosion. If you live back East, or near the ocean, that isn't uncommon.

 

Make sure you didn't break the small terminal in the starter when you installed it, as that is usually pretty easy to do.

 

The connections are good, Tried the key thing that was suggested and starting in neutral and nothing. Im new to working on the car me i have 3 fords those i know. this may sound stupid but where is the ASD relay and the ASD wires. And i just really noticed this today. There is a red light that comes on when i try to start the neon it is on the right side of the cluster toward the top. Ive also plugged in my code scanner and its dead. i checked it on my cars and it works fine

 

Does it look like a reminder to put on the seat belt Like this one?

 

The ASD is in the fuse/relay box in the engine bay. Does the red light stay on, or does it turn off?

 

its not the seat belt. the red light comes on when i turn the key and stays on as long as the key is in the run position.

 

It's possible the car is locked out. That red light is for the SKIM system, and if it isn't working (or the wrong key), the car won't start. Still, check the ASD too.

 

Thanks for the help will check the ASD and wires Thursday. If the car is locked out how do I fix that. The key that I was using was the key that was always used. Could the car sitting for so long have caused it to get locked out?