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Neon Won't Start. Opinions Needed.


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feedthekoala
New User

Apr 28, 2011, 12:32 PM

Post #1 of 6 (1844 views)
post icon Neon Won't Start. Opinions Needed. Sign In

Okay, as a broke college student with limited funds and car payments, I'm trying to figure this out so I can just buy a part for my car (I realize this is far-fetched, but I'm looking for suggestions here).

I drive a 2004 Dodge Neon, 2.0 base-model that has had zero problems since I bought it, and regular maintenance has religiously been maintained. Yesterday, after having already driven once without any problems, I went to leave again, and it would not start.

When I turned the key, it started to start but just stopped, but my dash lights and radio all came on (and still come on) fine.

I called out AAA and they tried jumping it just in case, but to no avail. My friend then took out the starter AND the battery and took them to get tested- both were perfectly fine.

There is no wire corrosion, either, and no noise at all when I turn the key. Instead, everything else comes on except the car itself.

I realize I'm probably going to have to go to a shop, but I'm desperately looking for any other opinions/experiences with something similar to this.

Thank you in advance!

UPDATE: We tried a new starter because that's what the person at AutoZone and AAA suggested, and we tried a new battery as well even though the one in it was less than a year old.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Apr 28, 2011, 1:12 PM

Post #2 of 6 (1835 views)
Re: Neon Won't Start. Opinions Needed. Sign In

I take that as starter doesn't crank the engine at all - right? If it didn't crank with a jump from AAA they shouldn't have told you you needed a new battery IMO.

You'll need to test the smaller trigger wire at starter to see if it will light a common test light with a helper turning key to start and if nothing the chase is on. Could be a Neutral Safety Switch or if STD trans there's a switch that clutch is depressed or starter won't get triggered to crank engine.

Test light is under $5 bucks at Wallyworld and probably similar at other places like it. If you still want to attack this you'll need that at a minimum.

Sorry you wasted $$ so far with parts it probably didn't need. Tossing parts is not a good approach. Parts outlets and AAA are not necessarily full auto techs nor there checking things. Mechanics do that,

T



Mr.scotty
Enthusiast
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Apr 28, 2011, 5:59 PM

Post #3 of 6 (1822 views)
Re: Neon Won't Start. Opinions Needed. Sign In

What about the starter relay?
I would test that, it should be rite inside the fues block under the hood.
Just pull it out and you or someone who knows something about electronics can test it.
It's like $16 bucks at autozone for a new one.

Let us know!
--------------------------------------------------------

Your only as good as your tools!


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Apr 28, 2011, 6:40 PM

Post #4 of 6 (1817 views)
Re: Neon Won't Start. Opinions Needed. Sign In

I'm not a Mopar guy and long retired but if the trigger wire for starter solenoid has it's own relay I'd use that test light and see if it's sending power to the starter to crank. You may find without wasting money a relay you don't need like for A/C is the same one and just swap them as a test and if things like that work you have a free test,

T



zmame
Veteran / Moderator
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Apr 28, 2011, 6:48 PM

Post #5 of 6 (1808 views)
Re: Neon Won't Start. Opinions Needed. Sign In

should also take the battery clamps off clean clamp and post with some sandpaper and put little grease on both, re-install and make sure they are tight.


Mr.scotty
Enthusiast
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Apr 28, 2011, 7:01 PM

Post #6 of 6 (1804 views)
Re: Neon Won't Start. Opinions Needed. Sign In

Yeah thats what I do. I just swap a relay with the same relay from another circuit that I know works.
It's a simple FREE test like you said, I think he should do that first.
If there not two of the same kind of relay then you'll just have to test the relay or buy a couple from a junk yard and try those.
--------------------------------------------------------

Your only as good as your tools!






 
 
 






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