2005 Dodge Neon

Thanks, It looks like the cooling fans are operating even when the temp spikes. Today the temperature spiked and stayed there. I am thinking of "burping" the cooling system, maybe trapped air?

This can be unfortunate for you but, yes, it is very common for these type of engines to blow a head gasket. An if that caused the head to develop a small crack, coolant will zip into the cooling system giving you the described symptoms.

I have an 05 neon 2.0L that not only blew a head gasket, 1/4 of the pistons edge broke off and the top compression ring is exposed. Lol looks like we're not doing a head gasket after all! There's a nice divot in the cylinder head and the gasket between cyls 3 and 4 had about a 3/4 inch gap where the gasket was gone.

Go find the steepest hill in town and park facing up the hill. Rev the engine up a few times to trap air bubbles in the radiator. Turn off. Let the engine cool down. Open the radiator and take appropriate action in response to coolant level, low? Fill it, most of the way. Start the engine and beware of coolant splashing out. Add coolant slowly until full. Hold RPM's @ 2000-2500 And top off radiator. If coolant level rises when RPM's increased just let engine idle while topping off radiator. Quickly cap radiator when practically overflowing. When engine warns up place a few paper towels on your hand, place hand over exhaust tip (caution may be hot) leave 1/2 inch between hand and exhaust tip. It paper towel gets wet, head gasket consuming coolant. Engine water jackets may also just be dirty and need flushed.