Hi,</P>


I have a DodgeNeon 97 model automatic gear, it has about 102,000 miles on it. I am having problems off late, the car seems to knock / jerk when I try to speed. It seems to choke and then takes a jerk and picks up. Its not as smooth as it use to be before winter. I showed it to a mechanic and he said I have to tune my engine. I dont know much about the car, if someone can please guide me what I should do. Is this a common problem with Dodge, will engine tuning solve the problem? How much shouldI pay for engine tuning?</P>

 

A tune up could solve your problem. When was the last time a tune up was done? All they do in a tune up is change the spark plugs, plug wires, change the oil and oil filter, change the air filter and put a bottle of injector cleaner in your gas tank, which on a Neon is very easy. First try a bottle of injector cleaner and see if that does the trick.

It could be alot of other things as well. It could be the transmission, it's supose to be serviced at 100,000 miles. It sounds like it might be the transmission kick down. When you hit the gas to pass someone the transmission should kick down to a lower gear to make it accelerate faster, and it sounds like yours is having trouble doing it.

 

Thaks for your reply, appreciate your help. I bought the car with 90,000 miles on it. I have never done engine tune-up nor any transmission work. How bad can be the transmission problem, should I not be driving the car considering it make it worse? </P>


The car gets better if its less cold,it givessome chocking-effect initially but after driving slow for a while it gets better. Is there a website where I can find a good dodge meachanic in my neighbourhood.</P><edited><editID>fjmercha</editID><editDate>38013.3457060185</editDate></edited>

 

Does it seem to be an engine related thing or can you tell its the tranny?</P>


</P>


Bad plug wires can make the car act very bad. Very common problem.</P>


Considering the mileage plugs and wires are a good start to a tune up.</P>


Plugs= $1.10</P>


Wires= $15-40 depends on brand</P>


Try that if it feels engine related.</P>


</P>


jeff</P>

 

Always start with the cheapest possible solution first. First try the injector cleaner, then the plugs and wires. Check your air filter, if it is dirty replace it.

"The car gets better if its less cold"
If your talking about the cars temperature itself and not the temperature outside, then it sounds a little more like it could be the transmission. Try the cheap stuff first though. When checking out repair shops, ask for references. If they do good work and don't screw too many people, then they should be able to give you a few names and numbers of satisfied customers. Also check the Better Business Bureau to see if they have a bad history.

 

I have a 96 Neon and it started doing the exact same thing. It would jerk really bad as i would accelerate. I took it in for a tune up and it did the trick. never had a problem with it sence.