Hi All,
I have had issues with my 2003 Dodge Neon SXT for some time.
Often under acceleration in 4th or 5th gear, the engine light flashes (and ocassionaly stays on - usually P0303 or P0304) and I have sluggish acceleration as the car misfires.
While this car was under warranty I complained 4 times and the dealer would tell me things were fine. The last time they said they swapped a spark plug wire (in fairness it was better for a couple of months). The car is now off of warranty and the dealer doesn't really want to see me.

This weekend I have replaced the spark plugs, the air filter, the spark plug wires and the ignition coil. No Joy.
Stronger pickup, but still a problem with this light and in 4th/5th gear.

Has anyone else seen something like this or have any other ideas?
Thanks,
jm

 

those codes are for a cylinder 3 and 4 misfire. if your sure the plugs and wires are ok then I would look into a new coil. also make sure the plugs are copper cheapies and not platinum and they are gapped correctly

 

Flashing engine light means CAT damage so fix soon or you will add a CAT to your repair bill

 

i would say its prolly your cat or it could just be a bad sensor, or a short in one of them, or you may be misfiring in the 3rd and 4th cylinder... and tell that mechanic hes an idiot if he cant fix it, and you may wanna get your timing looked at if your misfiring....just a thought though good luck :-D

 

A coworker suggested I try an injector cleaner additive. I filled the car with 93 octane to give things a boost then dumped the additive in the gas tank and it seems to have helped.
The light no longer comes on and acceleration has imporved. I am still hesitant to admit the problem is "solved" but things are better for now. If only i tried this before replacing everything...

 

my wife's 2000 did this and was quite deciveing .. CHECK THE GAP ON YOUR PLUGS>>>>> her neon burns thru plugs faster than my 429..

I replaced plug wires .. lifetime warranty.. and took it in for computer check .. said same thing.. misfiring cylinders but didnt do it in all rpm ranges... but it was the plugs gap..

hope this helps

 

My 2005 neon does the same thing. Did you ever find out what the problem was.