My 1998 Neon has fuel and spark to the plugs but it won't start..There is approx 175LBS compression in each cylinder so I would assume the timing belt is ok..It sounds like it is trying to start but won't catch..Any ideas anyone?

Call me 423-312-6962 i've had bout every problen known maybe i can help.

Is it throwing a code?

yes...42 fuel pump relay control circuit problem..ASD relay control circuit problem..also 21 O2 sensor

The ASD relay just went bad on my Sebring a few months ago. It would just crank and crank, but wouldn't start until I tapped on the relay. It's the center relay on the firewall on the first gen Sebrings/Avengers, not sure where it would be on a Neon. I got a new relay from Radioshack for like $2, if it's throwing a code that mentions the ASD relay, it's something cheap and easy to eliminate.

The fuel pump relay is right next to the ASD relay on my Sebring, maybe some corrosion is causing problems for both relays? Just guessing on that one.

Hi i talked to you on the phone, he may be right about the relay.I forgot to to tell you sometimes my headlights wont come on,All the other lights work,just not the headlights, i can go out and tap on the relay and they come on.

ASD on the Neon is located in the PDC next to the battery.

When you say it "has fuel", do you mean fuel in the tank, or fuel pressure at the injectors? It sounds like you may have an electrical problem that is causing a no-power issue with your fuel pump, or maybe with the entire power distribution center where the pump relay is located. I had the fuel pump go out on my '98 Neon about a year ago, and did all the troubleshooting (from my Haynes manual) first to make sure I really had to drop the tank and replace the pump. You should be able to hear the pump running for a few seconds when you first turn the key to the "on" position. You can hear it from the drivers seat if it's quiet out, or if you have your head down by the rear wheels you can hear it if you have a helper turn the key on. That would be a starting point - if the pump doesn't run for a few seconds when you first turn the key on, the car isn't going to start. If the pump isn't running, check for power at the relay and go from there.

Thanks for all the input guys..I do hear the pump run for 2-3 seconds when the key is first turned on..There is fuel pressure at the rail also..The plugs are wet with gas..I also took all the plugs out, plugged them into the wires and grounded them all..Cranked the engine over and all plugs were sparking..I know I am old school but I thought when fuel and spark are present,you get fire???? Could a bad O2 sensor keep it from starting?..

I bet that if you install a new set of plugs, it will run. My experience is that plugs get "gassed" . Cleaning, drying them out, etc. seemes to only work with the old type plugs. Even though they appear to spark, they might still be dead..I know that doesn't seem to make any sense!

I'll try it...Thanks

My 95 will throw a fit if you start the car and then shut it off without letting it run for a few minutes. Next time you start it, the car will sputter or be hard to start. You just have to treat it like it's flooded. That's just my experience with my Neon. Something else you might check is the wires going to the crank sensor. I konw they are prone to damage.

Was anything done to it before you had this issue ?
How much fuel pressure ?
Aside from corrosion at the relays , check to see if they are burnt . Check the connectors in the fuse block to make sure they aren't loose . it can lead to high resistance & low voltage to the pump .
Another problem could be the hose from the mass air flow to the intake .