95 Plymouth Neon

[DrPizza]

Car was running sluggish - like a fuel pump problem/clogged fuel filter, or something. Once it was up to speed, it ran fine. But, accelerating was next to impossible. To get up to speed, you had to "pump" the gas a little bit otherwise it really started bogging down. (Too rich?)

Anyway, my son just needed to make it through a couple days, then the car was heading into the shop. Well, then it just died. Won't start.

Here's what the garage has checked/done: good compression, good spark, good fuel pressure. Attempted: replaced gas tank and fuel pump, fuel filter, throttle sensor, throttle assembly
Timing is good.

It starts and runs as long as they're using ether. Otherwise, nothing.


Any guesses??

 

[Arkaign]

EGR clear? I had EGR problem in mine, but then again my Neon was a total POS. Died with ~70k miles, infamous head crack issue.

 

[DrPizza]

Yes, it's clear.

 

[potato28]

Starter, spark leads, distributer?

 

[CrackRabbit]

MAF/MAP sensor?

 

[giantmike2]

it's probally your catalitic converter,change your oxysensor too

 

[Zenmervolt]

If it starts and runs while they're using ether, then it ain't getting fuel, or at least, not enough.

If the fuel pressure is good, then check to make sure that the injectors are actually firing and not clogged up. Also make sure that the injectors are being signaled to fire.

ZV

 

[akshatp]

Why is the shop throwing parts at the car? Take it to a real shop which will diagnose the problem first and then replace parts as necessary.

Any fool with a wrench can keep replacing parts until the problem goes away.

 

[alpineranger]

MAP sensor

 

[maluckey]

What are the codes? With the 1995 Neon you can turn the key on and off three times in a row and then the car will tell you the code/(codes). Post that on the forum we can help you. I still own a 1995 neon (I bought it new in 1995), and have seen it all.

Not starting could be MANY things, but I agree with akshatp. Stop letting people throw parts at it and fix it. The car is SIMPLE to work on and parts are CHEAP. Nowadays ANY car that can get 40 MPG as my 1995 Neon does is worth gold.