Need tune up info
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4
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Need tune up info
2000 highline. 5 speed. 125k miles.
K&N filter, R/T exhaust are the only performance "upgrades."
I've noticed that my car is just laaaaaging when I'm in first gear or when I shift. (second gear especially). All of a sudden, I'm fighting to keep the car from stalling while backing up, or I'll shift, then the car will just hesitate for a half second or so until the RPMs get back up to normal. This feels like a fairly new phenomenon. Spark plugs are good. I'm not sure what the problem could be.
I'm not throwing any codes. Unfortunately, I bought the car with 90k miles on it about 2 years ago and have no service records. I don't know if the o2 sensors were ever changed, or the timing belt.
Any thoughts?
TIA.
K&N filter, R/T exhaust are the only performance "upgrades."
I've noticed that my car is just laaaaaging when I'm in first gear or when I shift. (second gear especially). All of a sudden, I'm fighting to keep the car from stalling while backing up, or I'll shift, then the car will just hesitate for a half second or so until the RPMs get back up to normal. This feels like a fairly new phenomenon. Spark plugs are good. I'm not sure what the problem could be.
I'm not throwing any codes. Unfortunately, I bought the car with 90k miles on it about 2 years ago and have no service records. I don't know if the o2 sensors were ever changed, or the timing belt.
Any thoughts?
TIA.
Record Breaker
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,205
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RE: Need tune up info
recommended timing belt interval is 105k miles on the 1st gens. Should be the same for the 2nd gens since it's the same engine. If you don't know the history for sure, it's better safe than sorry... When my belt broke, it took all 16 valves with it. There's a great how-to at www.boogerracing.com for the SOHC timing belt change. Be sure to replace the water pump and tensioner assembly while you're at it.
It's entirely possible that you've even skipped a tooth. My CEL didn't come on until I had skipped 2 (broke less than a week later...).
What spark plugs are you using? Not platinum, I hope. The stock plug wires could use replacing. Stock replacements are fine, but if you really want to spend more money then stick with MSD, Magnecore, or Mopar.
Neons have issues with O2 sensors. Not saying it's the problem, but there is that chance. In theory, you should get a CEL when they start to go bad. For whatever reason, the Neon's computer is more forgiving than it probably should be... Sensors are pricey though. If you're going to replace them, do the front one first (biggest effect on fuel trim calculations), and avoid Bosch. The Mopar units are NGK.
Other parts that could affect driveability like that would be the TPS, IAC or even the coolant temp sensor or battery temp sensor. Those should throw codes though. Always the possibility of clogged injectors as well.
Best of luck!
It's entirely possible that you've even skipped a tooth. My CEL didn't come on until I had skipped 2 (broke less than a week later...).
What spark plugs are you using? Not platinum, I hope. The stock plug wires could use replacing. Stock replacements are fine, but if you really want to spend more money then stick with MSD, Magnecore, or Mopar.
Neons have issues with O2 sensors. Not saying it's the problem, but there is that chance. In theory, you should get a CEL when they start to go bad. For whatever reason, the Neon's computer is more forgiving than it probably should be... Sensors are pricey though. If you're going to replace them, do the front one first (biggest effect on fuel trim calculations), and avoid Bosch. The Mopar units are NGK.
Other parts that could affect driveability like that would be the TPS, IAC or even the coolant temp sensor or battery temp sensor. Those should throw codes though. Always the possibility of clogged injectors as well.
Best of luck!