Questions and Answers

Dodge Neon Loses Power And Stops Q. Hi, Vincent, I have a question and want to get your kindly help, my English is not good, hope you can understand me and help me, thank you very much. My car is 1995 Dodge Neon, 2.0 liter, 164,000 miles, automatic transmission, A/C and P/S. I added a bottle of Fuel Injector Cleaner and then found the engine's sound very weak when I start the car, before the engine starts.

When I drive on the way after 6 to 9 miles, the car jerked back and forth twice or more, after that, the car became slower and slower. There is no response even I press the gas pedal hard, it just like I release the gas pedal to let the car stop. The car runs normally after a fully stop, but the same thing will happen again quickly.

Do you think the fuel filter need to be changed and could you please tell me how to change it? I want to do it myself. Where can I buy a Fuel Filter for 1995 Dodge Neon? Usually how much does it cost? What else should I check? Fuel Pump? Battery? Or transmission? Should I change the PCV valve and air filter together?

One more question, the car shaved much more when the speed between 50 to 55 mph, the tremor came from left forth, I guess it came from transmission. I think the only thing I can do is to change the transmission oil. Do you know is there has a drain on 1995 Dodge Neon which can be used to get the transmission oil out? Can I only change the oil? It hard for me to change the filter together? Can you kindly give me some suggestion about this.

I try my best to write clearly and hope you can understand me. Please help me. Can you give me a reply at your convenience time, I really appreciate your kindly help.

Thank you very much,

Xiaodong

A. I think the fuel filter is a very good possibility. The symptoms are classic clogged fuel filter symptoms. So that is where I would start. You can buy a fuel filter from the Dodge Dealer, P/N: 4546679 $33.00, or any auto parts store. It is a common filter. I would go ahead and replace the PCV valve and air filter when you change the fuel filter.

The fuel filter mounts to the frame rail in front of the fuel tank. The inlet and outlet tubes are permanently attached to the filter.

Here's how to do it.

Removal:

1. Release fuel system pressure.
2. Disconnect the quick-connect fittings from the fuel pump module and chassis fuel supply tube.
3. Remove fuel filter mounting screw. Remove filter.

Installation:

1. Install the fuel filter on the frame rail. Tighten the mounting screw to 9.5 Nm (85 in lb) torque. NOTE: The fuel supply (to filter) tube, return tube (to pump module) and fuel supply (to chassis fuel line) are permanently attached the fuel filter. NOTE: The ends of the fuel supply and return tubes have different size quick-connect fittings.
   • The larger quick-connect fitting connects to the large nipple on the fuel pump module.
   • The smaller quick-connect fitting attaches to the small nipple on the fuel pump module.
2. Apply a light coating of clean 30 weight engine oil to the fuel filter nipples. Install the fuel tubes.

The transmission fluid and filter is easy enough to change. There is no drain plug. When you loosen the transmission pan, the fluid will come out. Very messy. Once the transmission pan is down, you will see the transmission filter and how it attaches.

I would change the transmission fluid and filter before anything else. But if the shaking is still there, have the tires rotated and balanced. That should do it. If not, you will need a mechanic to drive it to see what is causing it.