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Wasn't exactly sure which forum to post this question in, but here goes.

When I'm accelerating in first, (sometimes even in second) my car tends to putter quite a bit, followed by a loud pop, that almost sounds like a backfire, but I'm almost positive it isn't.

The noise comes soley from under the hood.

I also have some days that it runs fine, weather/conditions don't seem to affect it much, if at all.

Taking off in first with this problem basically allows me to go about half as fast as I'd like to until the puttering/popping subsides.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated =)
Thanks

'02 Neon SXT (MTX)

Maybe a fouled out spark plug? Have you ever changed them?

check engine light on?

my car was doing that the tube around the spark plug was pushed up and the wire wasn't on all the way.

its was also doing it when the plugs were really old and it messed up two wires.

i would do plugs and wires.

If you have no CEL/stored codes, then start with the basics. Check for vacuum leaks/damaged injector connectors/wires, and the above mentioned items. I would imagine you will get a p0300 type code/CEL eventually.

A sticking/bad intake/exhaust valve could be the problem too, but that will take a little more work to diagnose.

As far as the plugs/wires go, I just replaced them all under 5k miles ago.

No engine light is on.

what is the code? or have you not checked

^He just said there is no CEL, what makes you think there would be a code?

Sounds like an intake-side backfire almost, but that's very unlikely unless you have some serious issues. Can you get a video of it happening? Will it do it in neutral parked?

oh sorry i read it as "No, engine light is on"

Ah ha I thought you might have

Haha sorry, yeah I meant CEL is NOT on, sorry for the confusion.

And it only happens when in gear, when idling it's fine.

A CEL doesn't necessarily need be lit to have codes stored. But in the case of a misfire, it would be very likely.

Your coil may be going. Under load, it will show it's weakness. What brand plug wires? I found Wells brand wires to be FAIL right out of the box.

I had this happen on the avenger a couple of times. Each time it was the spark plugs, wires, or bad fuel from crappy gas station.

The coil will usually do it all the time, or when it's humid or raining. A clogged fuel filter can cause similar problems, but that's usually not the problem with our neons. Plus it's a pain in the ass to change it on our cars.

JFunk318 wrote: I just replaced them all under 5k miles ago.

did you have this problem before you did the replacements?

I have had coils act up under load only. It depends on the type of failure. Load = more voltage needed. Or more correct, a greater throttle opening.

Yeah the plugs were junk before I replaced them, as were the wires. They were causing basically the same problem. Replaced, and it completely went away. Could it be the same thing again?

And I'm praying it's not the coil.. Just replaced the one in my brothers GTI, $300 later..

The MSD one's are like $70 bucks, Granetteli makes one too for cheaper on modernperformance.com as well.

you can have an intake side backfire and no have major issues, Cheri's done it to me numerous times...in first gear ironic enough...

99% of the time, it's a problem with plugs, wires, or coil pack.

make sure you have your plugs gapped right as well.....that was causing a major missfire in my car some time ago. (enough to make the CEL FLASH at me)

I'll double check the plugs and wires first off, just because I know it's been an issue before, hopefully that's as far as I'll have to go.

Thanks guys =) The info was much appreciated. Hopefully I get this squared away.