I came here to see if you have any answer to my problem. My car is 2005 Dodge Neon SXT with appx. 66K miles on it. I did a lot of research online and I can't seem to determine what is causing the problem so I'm here to ask a question. My problem? It has been lagging a lot lately when accelerating from complete stops. It would get so bad at one point where it would break down. I've been following up on basic stuff that needs to be replaced occasionally - replaced spark plugs twice, fuel injection, battery and etc. I had a friend who's a former mechanic replaced transmission fluid-gasket-filter. It was bad fluid so it had to be replaced anyway but the problem still happens. Is it the transmission? or Throttle Position Sensor? I'm no expert but could a timing belt have cause lags? It would stutter to go into second gear in order to accelerate and I would have to go a little bit faster so it don't lag so badly but it would lags when I'm trying to slow down so I don't rear end someone. Any responses would be greatly appreciated.

 

What exactly do you mean by it lags? It just takes its own time getting to speed? And how did you go a little bit faster in order to accelerate? Do you mean that there is a lag in partially open throttle but not full? I'm sorry for all the questions but I am trying to fully understand what the car is doing.

 

It hesitates when I try and accelerate from a complete stop. It would stutter/lags for 1-2 seconds. It's like it's trying to gulp a big ball of fuel in order to go. It would get so bad the steering wheel would be right near my chest when it stutter so hard sometimes. When jumping from gear to gear, it would stutter a little bit, I could feel it right under the car but I'm not a mechanic so I really dont know what could've cause the problem. Any thoughts?

 

have you checked the fuel pressure? it should be running at about 49 psi at idle for the 2.0

 

i think i am have a similar problem only my car has a manual trans. when i am driving normally the car drives good but as soon as i get into it the car kind of bogs down then slowly climbs about 500 rpm then it takes off and the rpm climp faster, i do have a cold air intake and cat back on the car if that makes any difference

 

03sxtdan It sounds like there is some fuel starvation or air restriction. If it hasn't been done in a while try replacing the air filter and a regular tune up spark plugs etc... that should help. If not then think about having the fuel system checked for other problems.

Gilmoreex83 The vibrations may just be a cause of worn out motor mounts but your problem does sound more like timing. Having the fuel pressure checked is cheaper than a timing belt so you could try that first. The timing belt possibly could have slipped a tooth causing you problem though. If the fuel pressure is low have them check the voltage and ground connection to the fuel pump before replacing it.

Hope this helps you guys.

 

Thanks guys for the suggestions. Other day, I went to the transmission auto shop and said there's nothing wrong with the transmission or anything. Did a check up on the engine. Everything looked fine but it turned out that two of four motor mounts was broken and the estimation to repair it was 1K. So I had a friend replaced them last night for the costs of parts ($68) and 50 bucks for him. So far, no bogs/lags/shakes. Even checked fuel pressure, it's fine. Got fuel injection a while ago. Just a quick question, could broken mounts have cause the car to lag during acceleration? The engine was violently moving inside the compact according to the auto shop. Again, thanks.

 

You hit it right on the nail. Broken mounts. I might want to get the timing belt check out too. Thanks!

 

We're all just here to help eachother.

 

I have the same car , take it to Ori;eys , they will put it on the diagnostic computer and tell you whats causing your issue ,
My car is doing the same stupid things as yours is , and mine needs a throttle position sensor changed

Wish you luck !!