03 Neon - driving slow/sputtering after starting ignition then revs up VERY fast

Asked by Kathy Feb 27, 2012 at 07:02 PM about the 2003 Dodge Neon SE Sedan FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

2003 Dodge Neon SE - Automatic

My car has been having this issue for 7mo. I have taken it to two mechanics who still can not figure out the source of the problem.

The car drives normally about 70% of the time. However, some days, I will start the car and it will sputter as it is idling  in park and sometimes stall. When it doesn't stall, I will put it in drive and it will drive VERY slow for about 10sec, even when I am pressing ALL the way down on the accelerator, then it will rev up suddenly very fast. After that, it will drive normally at high speeds. Occasionally, when idling at a red light it will start sputtering, shaking, and the lights will flicker on and off (headlights, radio lights, etc). Then it will rev up while I am stepping on the brakes and move forward slightly... it;s kind of scary, especially when there is a car in front of me. Very rarely it will stall instead of revving forward..

The check engine light is on.

The codes are:
P0132
P0456

I have changed the O2 sensor twice... to no avail. I have added cat cleaner to the gas tank...

My tags are about to expire and I really need help troubleshooting this issue.

Is it electrical? Is it fuel related? Is this a common Neon problem? Is it easy/inexpensive to fix?

ANY help is appreciated... thanks!!!

4 Answers
2,695

Justin answered 12 years ago

check all the grounds in the engine bay, especially the one for the ecu

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MikeGr answered 12 years ago

Pull the plug leads...those long tubes...and check the ends, see if there is any white powder there. If so , theres shorting going on. I bought a whole set and replaced them one at a time as they break down...its one of many Neon problems...and dont ever lose the keys they are $150 each, and a lock is $350...you cant do it yourself either..

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2,695

Justin answered 12 years ago

I'm also thinking it could be the TPS sensor as well (throttle position sensor) it is mounted on the side of the throttle body

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15

Martice answered 10 years ago

Justin is correct. My '03 did the SAME EXACT thing. Replaced the TPS (throttle position sensor) and did not a single problem afterwards.

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