2004 Dodge Neon HELP!!

[TeamAccord]

Alright, I have an '04 Dodge Neon. It's been having some troubles since it hit the 75K mark (other than just being a Dodge). Currently, it has about 80K and the problems keep getting more and more frequent. I need someone to respond that either has this car too or knows lots about them. Thanks in advance!

[NorcoAccord]

Whats the problem?

[TeamAccord]

Muchas Problemas!

First, let me tell you some info about the car. It's a 2004 Dodge Neon SXT (AUTO). It doesn't have anything done to the engine, exhaust, etc. It's pretty much bone stock. Like I said, I've been having some issues ever since the mileage hit 75K.

Here's the main thing I can think of:

1) When I start it up to warm idle (especially on these cold mornings), it always has trouble idling. Of course, when it starts up, it hits 1500rpm for a brief second and goes down to 1200. I usually let it warm up and get to about 700rpm. Sometimes, during this process, it suddenly lowers itself to around 400-500rpm and jumps back up. Other times, it just shuts off the car.
**Now, one thing I have thought about is this: the check engine light has been on for a while. The codes show it's in the EVAC systems for the emissions vacuum lines. Not very easy to handle since there's like 15 vacuum lines and I've checked every one I could get my hands on. I go to Autozone/Advanced and get them to turn it off, only to see the CEL in another wk or so.
**This same issue will also sometimes repeat itself when at a dead stop (@ a stoplight for example); A sudden drop in rpm, sometimes ending in engine shutoff.

***One thing I have also thought of... maybe the plugs, wires, etc etc need to be replaced. I think it just needs the whole 75K mile checkup myself from a dealership (unless there's an alternative to taking it to those "Car Nazis").


Thanks for any help and information you could provide. Later!

[brawl]

sounds like you have a vacuum leak altogether. first place i would check would be near your IAC, on the intake manifold, closer to the throttle body. inspect the hoses to make sure that you don't have any cracks, splits, tears, etc.. in the hoses. next would be checking the vacuum lines anywhere closer on the intake manifold...if you've inspected all the hoses and you feel confident that you''re unable to find it, disconnect the battery terminals for a couple mins to clear the memory on the ecu and see if it continues to pop up. unless you've gone 75k without ever doing a tune up, i highly doubt it would affect the idle the way you're talking about. And you would notice more predominant problems besides the idle if that were the case.

If that doesn't work, contact Pepsi and ask if you can trade it in for a 24 pack...

[TeamAccord]

alright ill try to look for those cracks and all in the lines. i got the car w 68k and haven't ever on a tuneup so that would be something else to do also. ill try all this and get back w ya. if all else fails, there's always Pepsi!