2002 Dodge Neon Consumer Discussions

Dodge-Plymouth Neon Starting/Stalling

• neon not cranking after trans work

  Written by: louleipus on Nov 21, 2011 2:36:57 PM

  i just replaced the torque converter on my 2002 dodge neon, now it will not crank over. has power to lights, fuel pump, ect, but will not crank over. checked grounds and starter connections, all good. anyone knowq why this is happening???

• Re: 2002 Dodge Neon [jencreekcarol]

  Written by: pasinby on Oct 19, 2011 7:48:23 PM

  Curious, has your car been running since all the replacements. the symptoms say the key code is not being accepted by the engine computer. If it has been running ok, not sure why it would all of a sudden stop. If you have it fixed, would love to know what it took.

• 2002 Dodge Neon

  Written by: jencreekcarol on Jul 1, 2011 10:10:21 AM

  I have a 2002 Dodge Neon. It will run fine for a while and then when you try to start it, it will start and die 3 times and then it will not start for a while. When this happens, the security light stays on. The computer has been replaced along with the ignition module and a new key has been programmed. Any ideas?

Dodge/Plymouth Neon Maintenance and Repair

• 2002 Dodge Neon SXT Idling

  Written by: pinkindistress on Oct 19, 2010 10:56:29 AM

Dodge-Plymouth Neon Starting/Stalling

• Re: 2002 Dodge Neon not starting [onepdqz28]

  Written by: onepdqz28 on Sep 25, 2010 11:43:32 AM

  Column does lock, after some wrestling. Replaced the starter. S.O.S. Swapped the A/C relay for the starters relay. Vroom. It fired right up. J.C. a fricken bad relay!

• 2002 Dodge Neon not starting

  Written by: onepdqz28 on Sep 20, 2010 4:41:35 PM

  When turning the ignition key, cluster lights up, hear the fuel pump hum. No start. Battery good and posts cleaned. Fuses good. Steering column does not lock.

• Re: 2002 dodge neon rolling in park [hollyh]

  Written by: slater_112 on Sep 25, 2009 10:26:11 AM

  This might sound stupid... but, is there any way your transmission cable may have come of. (lose bolt?)

• Re: 2002 dodge neon rolling in park [slater_112]

  Written by: neonostic on Dec 30, 2009 8:41:48 PM

  Not actually, anything someone can think up makes sense to me considering we are dealing with Neon's.

Dodge-Plymouth Neon Transmission/Suspension

• Tranny swap

  Written by: coolrunnings on Nov 11, 2009 7:49:24 PM

  i have a 2002 dodge neon with automatic tranny. The transmission went out with no warning whatsoever. When the car is running, i hear clicking or tapping noises coming from the bell housing. i was told that if i replace the tranny with a used one, it has to be a 2002 only because they are calibrated differently. I did some more asking around and was told i could use any ... Read More

Dodge/Plymouth Neon Maintenance and Repair

• Dodge neon 2002 r/t ... help

  Written by: ronald8 on Apr 6, 2009 6:13:17 AM

• Re: Dodge neon 2002 r/t ... help [ronald8]

  Written by: hellcat1988 on Apr 6, 2009 6:13:16 AM

  The best way to upgrade without too much problem or expense is bolt ons. The first and most important thing you need to address is the air flow. Installing an aftermarket air filter and inner cooler will give you a few ponies and probably give you better gas millage. The next thing you will want to address is the exhaust. An aftermarket manifold and 3" pipe will give you more increase ... Read More

• Re: 2002 Dodge Neon SXT Idling [pinkindistress]

  Written by: notgettinit on Feb 25, 2009 10:49:02 AM

  I WOULD CHECK TO SEE IF THE RUBBER HOSE FROM YOUR INTAKE TO YOUR AIR BOX IS LEAKING OR HAS A HOLE. I HAD THAT ISSUE

Dodge-Plymouth Neon Transmission/Suspension

• Re: 2002 Dodge Neon Transmission Failure [pat]

  Written by: BIGDADDYHORTON on Dec 5, 2008 1:42:00 PM

  I AGREE WITH PAT, BUT MAYBE THE HONDA GUY SHOULD STICK TO THE HONDA FORUM'S NOT THE NEON ONES. AFTER ALL ISN'T THIS TO HELP ONE ANOTHER ON OUR DODGE'S. :P

Dodge/Plymouth Neon Maintenance and Repair

• Dodge neon 2002 r/t ... help

  Written by: ronald8 on Oct 3, 2008 10:49:21 PM

  i just bought a dodge neon 2002 r/t (used) and everything is stock, and i was wondering if anyone can help me and see what i can do to make it better in everything such as performace, modification, and ect.. please help me out with suggestions Thank you for your time..

• Re: 2002 Dodge Neon SXT Idling [pinkindistress]

  Written by: mickeyrom on Aug 2, 2008 10:20:07 AM

  Is it possible that your AC is kicking in?

• 2002 Dodge Neon SXT Idling

  Written by: pinkindistress on Apr 19, 2008 4:54:10 PM

  I had the thermostat and a hose replace a couple of days ago. Now my car is idling high then low, then high again really fast.

Dodge Neon Squeaks, Rattles and Noises

• Tapping Noise and Fluid in Intake Manifold

  Written by: papabear2565 on Feb 10, 2008 8:17:01 PM

  I have a 2002 Dodge Neon SXT with 111,000 miles. Fuel consumption is about 22mpg or 225 miles on one tank. A couple of months ago I began hearing a tapping noise coming from the head when I started it up in the mornings. I'm almost certain it is a valve or "lifter". I noticed a fluid in my intake manifold while servicing the air filter. My exhaust does not have ... Read More

Dodge/Plymouth Neon

• Re: starting problems on a 2002 dodge neon [proactvz]

  Written by: vgodfrey on Jan 1, 2007 1:17:48 PM

  Yes, but we did find out a few days of trial and error that it was the ecu. We replaced it earlier this month, and now we think it has gone out again.

• Re: starting problems on a 2002 dodge neon [vgodfrey]

  Written by: proactvz on Dec 20, 2006 10:27:13 AM

  When you put the key in the ignition, can you turn the key?

• Re: starting problems on a 2002 dodge neon [vgodfrey]

  Written by: arcadefreak36 on Dec 11, 2006 7:38:17 AM

  Back in the day when cars had distributors that would be the problem. If a distributor was slightly turned or cracked there would be no spark. So I am wondering if your coil pack is any good? That's where the wires are connected to on top of your engine. If it's junk I've seen them on ebay for cheap money.

• Re: starting problems on a 2002 dodge neon [arcadefreak36]

  Written by: vgodfrey on Dec 8, 2006 12:00:23 PM

  We have lights, radio, horn. We have taken the starter off and tested it. We have hooked a computer tester to it and everything came back passed. When we turn the key, everything comes on like normal, but when we turn it to start, nothing happens. It's like nothing is sending the signal to the starter to try and turn over. The ignition switch is brand new.

• Re: starting problems on a 2002 dodge neon [vgodfrey]

  Written by: arcadefreak36 on Dec 8, 2006 4:38:58 AM

  Do you have any power at all? Lights, radio, horn? Check your plugs and wires. A diagnostics test might have to be done by your local garage.

• starting problems on a 2002 dodge neon

  Written by: vgodfrey on Dec 7, 2006 3:03:58 PM

  I and my father have been trying to figure out the troubles with our '02 neon. When we try and start it, it seems that no command is sent to the starter. We have replaced the ignition switch and checked all fuses. We think we have checked everything except the fuseable links. If anyone can help it would be great.

Dodge/Plymouth Neon: Real World MPG

• 2002 Dodge Neon S model

  Written by: okvol on Apr 19, 2007 1:31:03 PM

  Yes, this is the strip-basic model, manual tranny only. I get 30 in town (never above 40mph, 4.5 miles one way to work), and 36 on the highway. I found something interesting at that 2.0 engine - it likes higher RPM. Don't lug it, and you get better mileage. The speed limit in town is 25: I keep it in third, and take it easy on the pedal since it reacts ... Read More

Dodge-Plymouth Neon Transmission/Suspension

• Re: 2002 Dodge Neon Transmission Failure [abbeyhug]

  Written by: andres3 on Mar 6, 2007 5:43:05 PM

  The only crap here is what you wrote! The truth is that Honda transmissions in general, last basically forever (check 92 civic DX that had original tranny approaching 200K miles when we sold it about 2 years ago). Dodge transmissions last about 65K at best!!! That is like a best case scenario with regular maintenance.

Dodge/Plymouth Neon

• Re: starting problems on a 2002 dodge neon [vgodfrey]

  Written by: lakeg41 on Jan 20, 2007 12:36:53 PM

  I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM W/ MY 2000 NEON. I HAD THE ENGINE COMPUTER CHANGED BECAUSE THE 1 THAT WAS IN THERE WAS A CALIFORNIA MODEL(I RECENTLY PURCHASED THE CAR) & IT TRIGGERED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FOR A PART THAT ONLY EXISTED ON THE CAL. VERSION. NEEDLESS TO SAY I ENDED UP BUYING THE CORRECT COMPUTER FOR THE CAR . THE FIRST ONE FRIED IN LESS THAN 200 MILES ... Read More

Dodge-Plymouth Neon Starting/Stalling

• 2002 dodge neon rolling in park

  Written by: hollyh on Jan 17, 2007 2:07:14 PM

  I was wanting to know if anybody could tell me why my neon rolled in park? On saturday we had went to my mother and father in laws home to look at the brand new 2007 truck they had gotten that day. I parked my car pulled up the emergency brake and left it running to get out and look at the truck. The car stayed there in park for a ... Read More

Dodge-Plymouth Neon Transmission/Suspension

• Tranny Problems

  Written by: tridurvi on Oct 2, 2006 7:34:29 AM

  Lucky me...(NOT) I just put my 2002 Dodge Neon in the shop. The transmission started slipping and making this great whining/grinding sound, plus the check engine light came on when it started acting up.

Dodge Neon Modifications

• Air Cleaner on a Dodge Neon

  Written by: rheems1 on Aug 11, 2006 5:59:28 PM

  I have a 2002 Dodge Neon SXT, someone said that if you remove the top of the air cleaner box that it will improve performance by allowing more air to enter the motor. Is this true and if you do this.. will it hurt the motor in any way. The filter is still in place, just not pulling air through the small tube. Thank you, Dave Fritz

Dodge/Plymouth Neon: Real World MPG

• Re: 2004 Dodge Neon r/t getting poor mileage [kpelkey]

  Written by: tridurvi on Aug 7, 2006 7:50:18 AM

  I drive a 2002 SXT and you are getting better MPG than I am, I am averaging 24 MPG. I wish that I could get better MPG myself. Can anyone help us?

Dodge-Plymouth Neon Routine Care & Maintenance

• Re: Question?? [josorto]

  Written by: tridurvi on Aug 7, 2006 7:45:50 AM

  I drive a 2002 Dodge Neon (2.0L) and the owner's manual says to use 87 octane.

Dodge/Plymouth Neon

• 2002 Neon

  Written by: bobez on May 7, 2006 8:43:02 PM

  I purchased a 2002 Dodge Neon base with AC and automatic for $3250, in fair condition. It has 68K miles on it so I believe it has many years left on it. It has some rust on the rims, and other exposed metal parts which leads me to believe it was never garaged. I think I did OK on the deal? Anything I should watch out for?

Dodge-Plymouth Neon Transmission/Suspension

• Re: 2002 Dodge Neon Transmission Failure [abbeyhug]

  Written by: pat on Mar 3, 2006 7:46:49 AM

  Oooh, let's be careful not to make this personal ... please.

• Re: 2002 Dodge Neon Transmission Failure [andres3]

  Written by: abbeyhug on Mar 3, 2006 5:58:10 AM

  What a load of crap. Honda has a much worse history of automatic transmission failures than MOPAR... and they continue to this day: A fact you just don't hear about from the paid for auto journalists. Check the back of any Honda dealership's maintenance department, and the torn out transmissions waiting for shipment. I know, I had 3 replaced in a Civic I owned. Now I grant you a newer Civic ... Read More

• Re: 2002 Dodge Neon Transmission Failure [yakima51]

  Written by: andres3 on Mar 1, 2006 8:37:40 PM

  Actually, Honda and Toyota Auto Transmissions are designed to take you easily to 200,000 miles, and occasionally past 300 K w/o any problems whatsoever. Dodge Neons are a fraud on the part of Chrysler. They should sell them as "TEMP vehicles" meaning they are temporary cars, good for about 3 years or 36,000 miles.

• Re: 2002 Dodge Neon Transmission Failure [yakima51]

  Written by: farout on Feb 28, 2006 3:12:29 PM

  Sorry to hear of your transmission failure. These transmissions need to be serviced every 30,000 miles. The cost is about $125.00 US. If CDX saw no transmission service had been dome then they would have no reason to even consider paying anything. If you bought the car before 36,000 miles you could have purchased the remainder of the & year or 70,000 mile warranty. Only if you were the second owner ... Read More

• 2002 Dodge Neon Transmission Failure

  Written by: yakima51 on Feb 16, 2006 7:15:41 PM

  My 2002 Neon had to have its transmission replaced at 39,000 miles since it was a used car it wasn't covered by the 7/70 power train warranty- I got nowhere with Chrysler in trying to get them to cover all or part of the cost - does any one have similar story ? or suggest any tactics that might work in getting some coverage on this - after all transmission should ... Read More

Dodge/Plymouth Neon

• Re: Gen. Neon questions [jr1dr]

  Written by: djksr on Aug 10, 2005 11:53:25 AM

  I have a 2002 dodge Neon. I have a rattle in the front suspention that I can not find. I have replaced the struts,lower controll arms with new balljoints,new outer tierod ends, new control arm pins and bushings new break pads and rotors and a 4 wheel alienment, but i still have the rattle can anyone help me with this problem.

Dodge Neon SRT-4

• my engine light

  Written by: dodgeneon on Jul 26, 2005 11:32:24 PM

  I have a 2002 Dodge Neon and the engine light just turned on yesterday. What can I check before I take it in to have it serviced? I just checked the gas cap and it wasn't that so now I am lost. I'm not much of a mechanic so I would appreciate any help. Thank you.

Dodge/Plymouth Neon

• Need help deciding 1998 neon by barexy

  Written by: iowabigguy on Mar 23, 2005 5:14:23 PM

  I am driving a 99 Plymouth Neon and we just got rid of a 99 Dodge Neon RT (Daughter traded for a Sebring Convertible). We bought both cars new. The RT had about 65,000 miles when we got rid of it. My other daughter Bought a Kia Optima and I kept her old car, the Plymouth Neon because it has $5400 worth of hail damage and was worth nothing as a ... Read More

• 2001 Plymouth Neon

  Written by: iowabigguy on Jan 31, 2005 10:20:04 AM

  I would consider replacing the battery. I have had several Neons and currently have a 99 Plymouth and a 2002 Dodge R/T. Both my 99 and an earlier 99 R/T had their batteries replaced because of strange electrical problems. Once the batteries were replaced the problems went away. Even though the batteries started the cars with no problems they had weak cells which did not allow the computer to get the ... Read More

Dodge Neon SRT-4

• Neons --

  Written by: iowabigguy on Apr 9, 2003 8:44:49 PM

  I've got 3 Neons. 1 is a 99 Plymouth Expresso coupe with the DOHC 2.0, 1 is a 99 Dodge R/T coupe and the last is a 2002 R/T. Minor problems with the 99s fixed on first trip to the dealer, never left us stranded or did not start. 2002 has had ZERO problems, oil changes only. Personally based on MY experience with 3 of them shows that they don't deserve ... Read More

Dodge/Plymouth Neon

• Neon Paint Peeling

  Written by: garymkrieg on Jan 8, 2003 6:40:34 PM

  I own a 1995 Dodge Neon Brilliant Blue Pearl Metallic in color. At the beginning of 2002 a small spot on the roof began to peel. Now I have several spots. After researching the problem I discovered that this is a known problem. I am in the process of taking Daimler Chrysler to small claims court for a new paint job. What I would like from readers of this town hall ... Read More

• 2003 Neon Incentives / Shock Getting Out of Car

  Written by: bravefeetfirst on Nov 5, 2002 10:57:25 AM

  First, I just bought a 2003 Neon SXT. Dodge is really pushing these out the door. I went to the dealership looking for a deal on 2002's. They had the ridiculously low prices hanging in the windows (You know with all the fine print, rebates go to dealer...). I got the car for $12,680, which I feel is a good deal. It may not have the resale of a Toyota or ... Read More

• 1999 Neon vs. 2002 Neon S (both SOHC & 5 Speed)

  Written by: micweb on Aug 27, 2002 11:15:38 AM

  I've owned and driven both, and also owned and driven the Focus ZX3. No problems on either. The 1999 handles better out of the box. The Neon S definitely needed better tires. Both cars had Goodyear GA's, but the GA's seemed grippy on the 1999 and sloppy on the 2002. Goodrich Comp T/A's were a major upgrade on the 2002. I also put a front swaybar on the 2002, but couldn't ... Read More

• bad drivability 2002 Neon

  Written by: wenb on Aug 22, 2002 4:19:59 PM

  Is anyone questioning the throttle response an d shiftong of the 4 speed auto 2002 Neon.I test drove one and it seemed pretty terible. I understand that Dodge has replaced the engine controler chip with a more powerful unit for 2003. they claim quicker response and smoother running engine.The car I drove was so bad it seemed like the software control between engine and transmission was in crash mode. Comparing the ... Read More

• 2002 Dodge neon 2.0 Ruff Idle

  Written by: bullwrk2 on Jun 21, 2002 8:02:28 AM

  Hello! Started at 1200 mils,ran it for 6000.Brought it in for its first check up,Dodge said it was normal for neons to Ruff idle,RPM seems to go from 750 to 600.Feels like its going to stall! Dose any one have this problem or know how to fix it? Please Let Me Know.Thank You.

• Neon Good???

  Written by: midnightracer on May 30, 2002 10:16:50 AM

  I owned 3 Hondas, 2 Nissan, and currently own 1 BMW M5, Porsche boxster (wife's) and a 2002 Neon SE (mainly used for Long D). I do not know how you guys compare Dodge Neon to those quality imports, but to me, Dodge is the worst American made brand. I do agree that the new Neons do look nice and that was the only reason I bought it, but its quality ... Read More

• by caesarslegion Any repeat buyers?

  Written by: iowabigguy on May 24, 2002 12:35:36 PM

  We have 3 Neons, A 99 Plymouth Espresso, a 99 Dodge R/T and a 2002 Dodge R/T. The 99s are 2 door models. All 3 have 5 speeds and the 150 HP motors. The plymouth had a oil leak that was the head gasket - replaced under warranty. The 99 R/T has had both power window motors replaced for being very noisy. Both 99s have had sunroof motors replaced. Everything was ... Read More

• New Dodge Neon R/T

  Written by: iowabigguy on May 9, 2002 9:40:10 AM

  We ordered a new Neon R/T 2 months ago and took delivery last Friday. The car is flawless. This is the 3rd Neon in our fleet along with a Dodge Dakota Quad Cab. We traded in a Nissan Altima Se that we had since we bought it new in 1995. We have had good luck with Neons and suspect that we are part of the Majority. Most people who post are ... Read More

• what a sorry car... I am very regret!!

  Written by: night_vision on Apr 22, 2002 1:58:19 PM

  I am a poor college student, who is working hard trying try to support myself through the expensive tuition. I decided to support our own country by buying an American car after the 911 incident and "underwater" economy. I didn't want my money to go to Japan. This decision is my worst one that I ever made in my life so far!!! I purchased a brand new 2002 Dodge Neon SE ... Read More

Dodge Neon SRT-4

• no title

  Written by: cyranno99 on Jan 17, 2002 2:37:52 PM

  this car is built for the Neon's image... nothing else. I'd rather buy a WRX at a higher price. Both of those cars are "homely" looking. same??? beanboy "Dodge Neon SRT-4" Jan 4, 2002 7:38am

Dodge/Plymouth Neon

• Hello....New guy with ?????

  Written by: johnny282 on Jan 7, 2002 7:37:52 AM

  Hello. I recently saw a 2002 Neon R/T on a dealer lot and am hoping to test drive it today. I can't believe how much I liked the car. As the owner of a 96 Plymouth Neon Sport Coupe I really didn't think I'd ever consider another Neon, but that R/T looks really cool and it seems like alot of performance for the money (just like my 96 was). Have the ... Read More

• FOUND A 4 SPEED IN THE NEW NEON

  Written by: agarageman on Sep 7, 2001 9:12:53 PM

  I was delighted to find an overdrive in the automatic I picked up at Downers Grove Dodge this evening. I hadn't seen any test reports yet on the 2002's and the dealers don't even have brocures for them yet. But there it was: a 4 speed automatic overdrive. The silver Neon purred like a kitten on the way home tonight. The motor really gets to run on noticably lower rpms in ... Read More

• 2002 Neon priced right!

  Written by: agarageman on Sep 7, 2001 4:06:00 PM

  I woke up today and looked at the new car adds as usual and got turned on by an add from a Dodge dealer in suburban Chicago for 2002 neons for $9473 with auto and air (my 2 requirements). Took a drive out 1/2 hour drive from home to the dealer and checked them out. I figured I couldn't go wrong! My temporary driver--a beat '89 Sonoma pickup is semi shot ... Read More

• 2002 Dodge Neon info

  Written by: protegextwo on Aug 26, 2001 5:22:52 AM

  Try this site for more info: http://www.carsfast.net/Dodge/Neon.html

• 2002 Dodge Neon

  Written by: protegextwo on Aug 25, 2001 10:14:01 PM

  2002 Dodge Neon- Anyone who loves NASCAR Winston Cup racing has to expect that Dodge showrooms are celebrating the marques return to NASCAR this year after a 15-year absence. Dodge has introduced special motorsports edition packages for Neon, Intrepid and Dakota vehicles that are flame red, black or silver. The package includes race-inspired wheels and tires, motorsports badging and a motorsports track bag/cooler with Dodge racing collectibles. Last but not least, ... Read More

• vocus and officeroz

  Written by: buoyant on Jul 21, 2001 6:14:24 PM

  vocus: I'm commenting on the leg room in the back seat of both the Neon and the Protege when the front seats are set in a comfortable position. When I adjusted the front seat in the Protege I was looking at and immediately got in the seat behind it I found it to be substantially tighter than that of the Neon. As far as I can tell that's about half due ... Read More

• 2001 R/T review

  Written by: hersbird on May 21, 2001 9:41:23 AM

  I thought Edmunds review of the R/T neon was done well except with relation to value. They fail to mention there is a $1000 rebate (there is always at least a $1000 rebate on neons) and that probably every Dodge dealer in the country will do at least $1000 under MSRP on the neon with little haggling and that puts their loaded R/T at $16500. Thats leather, sunroof, side airbags, and ... Read More

• expresso

  Written by: hersbird on Apr 30, 2001 9:28:02 PM

  Was the Plymouth version of the Dodge Sport. It included all the same features as the Sport, it was just called the Expresso on the Plymouth line. It was available from 95 to 98. It included different 'standard' stuff depending on which year it was. The best year for standard stuff on a sport or expresso was 95, it was much like the 98 R/T package that was only for the ... Read More

• Call me biased...

  Written by: hersbird on Mar 6, 2001 8:36:56 PM

  but I really don't care for the look of the Cougar. This and the neon comes with more, costs less, and out performs the Cougar and I don't know why anybody buys them. (actually based on how many are out there, not many people are buying them). You will take a hit on ending a lease early, probably more so then if you were 3 years into a 5 year loan, ... Read More