Girlfriends car running odd

derek · Post by **derek** » Sat Dec 26, 2009 9:58 pm

My girlfriend has an 03 auto Neon. Recently I noticed while driving it that it seems to have a dead spot around 80 kilometers an hour. Sometimes it felt like I could put my foot to the floor before it would shift. It also seemed to work worse when the car was not at full operating temp.

At first I thought it was the transmission going, but someone said that if I gave it gas, it would puff black like it was really rich. The car does not have a CEL, and I just replaced the downstream 02 sensor a few months back. Could the other one be going?

I have not looked into it to much, but would it have anything to do with the TPS?

NickKo · Post by **NickKo** » Sat Dec 26, 2009 10:07 pm

derek wrote:
I have not looked into it to much, but would it have anything to do with the TPS?

It could be TPS-related.... but since you replaced only one O2 sensor, you can't rule out that the other one needs replacing by now.

Have you checked for any stored codes by doing the "key dance" ?
Better yet, if you have access to a scanner, try that instead.

- Nick

derek · Post by **derek** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 12:41 am

No related codes. One I know of that I believe to be a failing gas cap.

No other suggestions?

NickKo · Post by **NickKo** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 2:44 pm

derek wrote:No related codes. One I know of that I believe to be a failing gas cap.

No other suggestions?

I don't think that a failing gas cap would cause an overrich condition (not on a Neon, anyway.)
You may want to try replacing it anyway, just to see what happens.

While we're on the topic..... Check under the hood, and look for any obvious problems. (hoses, vaccum leaks)
Just a hunch....

- Nick

Haganracing · Post by **Haganracing** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 3:37 pm

I agree with Nick.

Remember, do the cheap/easy stuff first

Good luck!

derek · Post by **derek** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 4:17 pm

NickKo wrote:
derek wrote:No related codes. One I know of that I believe to be a failing gas cap.

No other suggestions?
I don't think that a failing gas cap would cause an overrich condition (not on a Neon, anyway.)

I just meant there was was other code that I believe is the gas cap, but I don't think this is related to the current problem.

She did just call me and tell me that her check engine klight is on now though so maybe so that will finally solve the problem.

derek · Post by **derek** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 4:58 pm

P0128 so I don't think that has anything to do with the way the car is running either.

Unless the car always thinks it's cold and is dumping a shit tonne of fuel into it.

But now that I think about it, she did say it took awhile for her car to warm up the other day while going to work. So maybe that is exactly what is happening. I'lll replace the thermostat and see what happens.

NickKo · Post by **NickKo** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 11:29 pm

derek wrote:P0128 so I don't think that has anything to do with the way the car is running either.

Unless the car always thinks it's cold and is dumping a shit tonne of fuel into it.

But now that I think about it, she did say it took awhile for her car to warm up the other day while going to work. So maybe that is exactly what is happening. I'lll replace the thermostat and see what happens.

SURE this could cause all your problems !!

Besides throwing off your engine temperature and causing it to run less efficently, it will also throw off the CTS (Coolant Temp Switch), which will cause the PCM to affect fuel trims, etc. .... and on it goes.

- Nick

derek · Post by **derek** » Sun Jan 03, 2010 10:35 pm

Well, replaced the thermostat, spark plugs and checked the air filter. Seems to be running much better now, though I still feel it lacks a bit of power.

I used to work at a dealer so I think my next stop will be there to take a look at that other 02 sensor on the DRBIII.

derek · Post by **derek** » Tue Jan 05, 2010 8:30 pm

Same code came back today.

NickKo · Post by **NickKo** » Tue Jan 05, 2010 10:37 pm

derek wrote:Same came back today.

Did you take it to the dealer yet and have them take a look with the scanner ?

- Nick

derek · Post by **derek** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 3:22 am

P0171 showed up today. Finally. Going to replace that other 02 sensor and hope she's all done.

derek · Post by **derek** » Sat Jan 09, 2010 11:34 pm

Replaced o2 sensor and erased codes today. Works good so far.

derek · Post by **derek** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 10:21 pm

This car is a nightmare! P0128, P0420, P0441.

Car is intermitantly running cold again, but she hasn't noticed because it's summer. I doubt the thermostat has failed again, but might be worth a try.

Swordfish2Cowboy · Post by **Swordfish2Cowboy** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 10:22 pm

(of your girlfriend)

echoalpha23 · Post by **echoalpha23** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 1:48 pm

2GN.ORG

Girlfriends car running odd

Girlfriends car running odd

Re: Girlfriends car running odd