I recently had my front driver's side tire blow out on my 2000 Dodge Neon ES as I was heading down a major highway at around 75 MPH--this is the average highway speed in the fast lane on the section I was driving. The rubber or belt from the tire destroyed my driver's side mirror as well--the mirror was in perfect shape before and the tire also looked like it was in great shape with good tread. I had to replace the whole wheel, but my check engine light--which wasn't lit before--is now on. I took it to an auto parts store and their code reader came up with two codes: P0340 and P0420. I don't know if these codes popped up by coincidence but the timing strongly suggests that something was damaged and I don't know where to look first.

I must say that I did pretty good getting it stopped, but this was terrifying to go through. When it blew, the car pulled right pulling me out of my lane through another before I made it to the shoulder. I didn't have a whole lot of control at the time. It is driving now, but I'm worried about those codes.

Pics from right after the blowout:

 

Wow, sorry to hear about your blowout. P0340 means there's a problem with your Camshaft Position Sensor. P0420 is a problem with the Catalytic Converter. I don't see how either of these codes could be related to your blowout. First thing I would do is clear the codes with a code scanner or by disconnecting the negative battery cable for a couple of minutes and see if they come back. Could be just intermittant problems that won't come back. If the P0340 comes back, you should definately look into that one, since it can leave you stranded. The P0420, I wouldn't stress over too much.

 

ive had some blowouts my day but whoa! Glad it wasn't summer with your arm out the window... pull the pcm fuel pump fuse after you r&r the cam sensor, get ready soon the crank sensor is next in line usually easy fixes though an cheap parts the cat code prob just a random code when the crank sensor went dumping in extra fuel that didnt burn @ highrpm speed

 

Well, I took my car to Certified Automotive Repair in Salem, OR and had them give me a list of what was wrong with my car--these guys are great and they always came under budget when they worked on my previous car--a '98 Bonneville. I have some expensive fixes--around $1.5k-2k total if there isn't anything else they missed in the inspection. After a short debate I figure I'll pay to get it repaired since I would have had to spend the same amount of money to get a car that may need work as well. I expect to get my excess tuition next week and I hope I can have enough time to get it repaired before I have to start commuting to school again.

I love this little car since the gas mileage is great, it has plenty of space for me inside, has a tighter turn radius and it fits into tighter parking spaces than my Pontiac.