Questions and Answers

Dodge Neon Power Loss, Fuel Economy Q. HELP! I'm in desperate need of your professional guidance! I'm the original owner of a 2000 Dodge Neon SOHC 3-speed automatic transmission with 84,000 kilometers. It has always run very well and reliably with regular maintenance. Over the past several months, the car has been developing what I can best describe as a hesitation under acceleration over 80 kph.

It's as if I'm driving head on into heavy gusts of wind under full acceleration. The problem disappears over 100 kph as I suspect the higher RPM reduces engine load in the third gear.

I've also noticed a significant loss in fuel economy. I've replaced plugs, wires, air filter, and transmission flush and fill (ATF+4) without any effect to the "power loss" symptom. I want to keep the car and don't wish to continue wasting money on parts to "throw at" the symptoms.

I'm hoping you might know some history of this problem as I know this engine has been around for some time, if it is engine related. Will I ever enjoy my car again?!?! Please, please help!

Thanks,
Scott
Toronto, Ontario

A. I really have a feeling that you are going to find some DTC codes which are going to point you in the right direction for troubleshooting this problem. It could be something as simple as a restricted air intake to loose clamps on your air intake hoses.

There are no known trends or common causes of this problem with your particular vehicle. Recommend that you get your DTC codes read and work from there.