My 2001 Neon base model recently began shutting off and turning back on while I was driving.

I took it to a few different mechs, who said they could not determine the problem after finding that the alt & batt were OK.

This last weekend it got to the point where it wouldn't start in my driveway, so a mech came over to my house to diagnose. He said it needs a new computer.

He quoted me at $923. He said it was $600 for the computer, and the rest is labor, which includes having to "reset the computer."

Does this sound right? A friend of mine said all I have to do is pick one up from a parts store and drop it in. He said "resetting the computer" isn't necessary because it should come pre-programmed for my car.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

My 02 was doing something similar last fall/winter. checked all wires going to the battery and fuse box under the hood. replaced cable connectors at bat, changed the 'hot' wire runing to the fuse box from one wire to 2 8gauge wires. I have had no problems since then.