2002 Dodge Neon - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

the neon has a problem with the wiring near the engine mounts in that it breaks or otherwise looses connectivity and that set of wires are for the cam position sensor with that sensor not reporting to the ECM , the engine is turned off when there is not reaction from the engine , connection is restored and so ti start up again check in the wiring harness in that area for the problem

Horn has died or wiring broken.

I would get them from a dealer. they'll be the correct bolts and hardness for your application

Jumped Time?

get a Chilton repair manual , look down by the shifter for like a plastic square outline or a sometimes there is a button in front of it

I have been told the the check engine light will turn off after so many starts. Or you can have somebody at a DIY auto parts store reset it.

and your question is

130-139 ft pounds

Likely just a belt replacement. Its fairly simple if u have experience. Get the proper diagnosis & repair from your mechanic. (no big deal $)

Possible partially plugged catalytic converter? The pop may be unburned fuel igniting. I would want to check the exhaust manifold pressure. Have a helper hit the gas pedal and back off several times and feel the exhaust flow, if it doesn't seem to increase in relation to the engine speed increases, and/or it gets extremely hot, compared to a normally running car.that is a good indicator of a plugged cat. If you also get a pop, especially if it includes a burst of exhaust as, that is an additional indicator.

This is probably the coolant level sensor indicator for the antifreeze reservoir.

main sensor was out ..or the brain or whatever its called It's called the PCM - powertrain control module - engine computer . Check the code yourself -easy on dodge ,chrysler ,jeep vehicle's .Don't need a scan tool . Put the key in the ignition , turn it on then off ,then on , then off ,then on an leave it on .Look at the odometer ,It will show P codes . Your problem could be caused by a number of different thing's sensors the control module ,electrical problem ,relays that are shorted when warmed up. no one seems to be able to tell me what is wrong ??????? Who is no one ?Try the dealer if you have not done so.

Big headache. Let an experienced professional handle it. Something maybe blocking circulation of the system, or a crack in the cylinder head. A few tests might reveal something-block test, compression test, radiator flow test. You could do it all with the proper tools, could even rent them for cheap. Was the cylinder head tested for pressure and straightness when it was off? So it is not losing coolant anywhere except by boiling off?

My 2 experiences with limp mode was on a 93' Chevy. 1 time was the ecm, but it didn't reset until I replaced the ecm. The other time was the main electrical plug that comes from the ecm. The largest electrical plug on the trans. I unplugged it and there was trans fluid inside the plug on the 16 pins that connect the external wire Barnes to the internal wire harness of the trans. This required a new harness inside of the trans and replacing the external harness near the trans. Not an easy fix and may not be your issue, but this issue would "come and go". Fluid would short out the communication at the pins.

Someone probably changed the fuel pump at one time and may have put the fuel fill hose on wrong or kinked it shut.

Have you verified that system has been "burped" of air? That the fans kick on? Check radiator hoses for kinks. You can try running without the thermostat to see if that helps and can identify if the thermostat could be a problem. You may need to check your coolant mixture too.
Sounds like you have reduced flow or restriction in cooling (heat exchanger) as it runs fine at cooler temp but can't keep up when it gets warm.
New parts don't always equal working fine parts.

bit to do to replace the oil pump yours is a second gen its repair manual would help Second generation (1999-2005) have 2003 neon and was wondering where the oil pump is located

You must have the TCM scanned for fault codes, you could have many issue that can cause this problem. Do not guess, it is huge waste of money. Have the proper testing performed.

Then you hooked up the wires incorrectly

If you don't know how to find automotive electrical shorts you may want to take it to a qualified repair shop . Now if your a daring person and what to try and fix it yourself there are videos on youtube showing how to track down electrical shorts . You would need some special tools , wiring diagrams , volt meter etc... How to find automotive electrical shorts Check out a few different ones !