Hey guys, I'm new to dodge forums. I just picked up a 2003 dodge neon last weekend. it's running well, except for idle.

The car turns over fine, sometimes has a problem cranking (cranks twice instead of once before it turns) but that's probably just a need for a new battery.

At idle (700-800RPM) the engine wobbles, which makes the car wobble. This is the same wobble with AC on/off, clutch in/out. Revving up to 1100-1200 makes the wobble go away. I cleaned the Idle control Sensor and don't have any cracked tubes going to it. I've heard it could be the evap purge solenoid, but wouldn't that effect the entire car's operation? It just passed emissions last week so no check engine lights are on.

Any help would be appreciated, i'd hate to have to go to a mechanic for a part I can change out.

P.s. i've also thought of changing my plugs and plug wires, but again, i figure it would effect the ENTIRE operation of the car, not just idle.

Thanks!

 

Engine mounts.

 

Sweet, i'll try replacing the top passenger-side mount this weekend and report back.
thanks!

 

Be aware that there are 2 more on that same side that could be causing your problem.

 

True, I did see a schematic I found online. Top left is easily accessible, I'm hoping it's that one hahaha.

 

Seafoam the intake and gas. Doesn't hurt anything and cleans out a lot of the carbon buildup. Motor/trans mounts seem like the culprit.

 

no luck! Changed top and bottom passenger side motor mounts. Even though they are new and shiny, no luck on the rough idle. seems to be getting worse? I put a new battery in it, it cranks several times now before turning. I'm thinking its the plugs / plug wires. swapping those next.

thoughts?

 

If it's not the motor mounts that cause the car to wobble like that, then could it be the engine is running on low rpm? or about to die.

If I put too much refrigerant into the AC system, the car would wobble like that at idle. The AC put too much load on the engine.

Our cars idle at 700-800 rpm so that is not the problem.

The problem is with your alternator.
It's not charging the battery. The sparks is weak, or no sparks at all.
Because the battery is weak, it's hard to start the engine.
Also, your car has no power because it's miss firing.

 

To check if it is the battery, or the alternator.
Jump start the car, and start the engine the same time.
See if the problem goes away.

 

There is a 3rd motor mount on that side, remember. Also there is a special alignment procedure you're supposed to follow when installing one of the motor mounts, I forget which.