The famous Neon rough idle question...
#1632649
06/12/14 06:59 PM
06/12/14 06:59 PM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,630 North Central Florida
eightlitermopar
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,630
North Central Florida
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I recently had a new timing belt, tensioner, and water pump replaced on my 2001 Neon.
It was discovered that 2 motor mounts were shot, so I had them replaced.
It idles much more rough now (vibration transferred to the car instead of bouncing around on a broken rubber mount). I also changed the plugs and wires, but no difference. There are no codes being thrown.
It does not matter if the a/c is on or not. It does mellow a bit if I put it in park or neutral.
I have searched and read many things online about NEON’s and their rough idle, but I have not yet found an adequate answer or fix (if there is such a thing) for this.
There are many theories, ideas, and folklore out there, but nowhere could I find an actual “Hey, I did this and now it’s back to normal!”
So my question: Who has had a neon rough idle (as described) and was actually able to fix it?
I can live with it, but it would be better if it was a smoother experience when sitting in traffic.
Thanks!
Eightlitermopar
Mopar or no car
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Re: The famous Neon rough idle question...
[Re: eightlitermopar]
#1632650
06/12/14 07:19 PM
06/12/14 07:19 PM
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 52 CO
Twisted
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When I did that work to mine plus the head gasket it was real rough until the computer finished relearning. Battery had been disconnected for a while and it seemed to take about a week to smooth out. I did use the Prothane race inserts though and thought that was the cause of the vibration but it settled down to just a little rougher than factory. I would also check the upper mount to make sure it is adjusted properly, can't remember the measurement off hand though.
Thank you Aaron
69 Dodge Polara 4DHT 70 Plymouth Duster 03 Dodge Neon R/T 05 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT
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Re: The famous Neon rough idle question...
[Re: eightlitermopar]
#1632651
06/12/14 09:06 PM
06/12/14 09:06 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,801 Benton, IL.
DaveRS23
Master of nothing...
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Master of nothing...
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Benton, IL.
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I always start by blocking the EGR. It often sticks open and the idle gets rough or even dies. Other than that the car will run fine.
I usually cut up a soda can to temporarily block the EGR off.
Master, again and still
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Re: The famous Neon rough idle question...
[Re: Twisted]
#1632653
06/13/14 12:04 AM
06/13/14 12:04 AM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,630 North Central Florida
eightlitermopar
OP
top fuel
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OP
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North Central Florida
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I checked the adjustment on the upper mount. It was dead on 4.70 inches. I have also read conflicting reports on an EGR valve on a 2001 Neon. The rumor is: None of the 2nd Generation neons have an EGR. Then I heard SOME of the 2001 neons have it. I checked under the hood and couldn't see anything like it, but I could be wrong. I'm hoping the engine is just relearning and will smooth out a bit. Any other thoughts? I also heard a rumor that factory mounts were liquid filled, and the changed to aftermarket makes it more harsh since it is solid rubber?
Mopar or no car
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Re: The famous Neon rough idle question...
[Re: eightlitermopar]
#1632658
06/13/14 09:39 AM
06/13/14 09:39 AM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,958 Oakdale CT
gdonovan
I Live Here
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I Live Here
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Oakdale CT
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One of the things we ran into at the dealer was rust from inside the fuel rail crapping up the injectors causing a rough idle.
"I think its got a hemi"
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Re: The famous Neon rough idle question...
[Re: gdonovan]
#1632661
06/13/14 10:32 AM
06/13/14 10:32 AM
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,162 USA
360view
Moparts resident spammer
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Moparts resident spammer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,162
USA
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Re: The famous Neon rough idle question...
[Re: eightlitermopar]
#1632664
06/13/14 01:42 PM
06/13/14 01:42 PM
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 52 CO
Twisted
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Yea, was going to mention that but was focused on the vibration. I have to clean my IAC about once a year. I usually just doing it when I clean my K&N since I am in there anyway. I know the autos are a little rougher and could be the tranny mount or even the torque converter causing. Just as a follow up, if you are using a lot more fuel then it is probably learning. I dropped about 5mpg, it was like running e-85 mileage.
Thank you Aaron
69 Dodge Polara 4DHT 70 Plymouth Duster 03 Dodge Neon R/T 05 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT
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Re: The famous Neon rough idle question...
[Re: Twisted]
#1632665
06/13/14 09:50 PM
06/13/14 09:50 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,826 Castlegar, BC, Canada
That AMC Guy
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Castlegar, BC, Canada
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Did you compare the old mounts vs. the new? I ran into the same situation with my Daytona. Side mount was completely torn, engine mount ripped and trans. mount twisted badly. Replaced them all.
The 2.2's usually idle a bit rough, but mine was like a diesel! I double checked to ensure the engine was level & center and it was fine. It wasn't until I compared the old mounts to the new.
The new are virtually solid. The old ones, the pin in the middle of the mount is suspended by four pieces of rubber. On the new, it's cast right into a block of rubber.
Over time, the harshness has diminished. I think as the rubber breaks in, it allows a little more flex.
Bloody Mary, Full of Vodka, Blessed art thou among cocktails....
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Re: The famous Neon rough idle question...
[Re: That AMC Guy]
#1632666
06/14/14 12:08 AM
06/14/14 12:08 AM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,630 North Central Florida
eightlitermopar
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,630
North Central Florida
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Quote:
Did they ever idle dead smooth?
Quote:
Did you compare the old mounts vs. the new? I ran into the same situation with my Daytona. Side mount was completely torn, engine mount ripped and trans. mount twisted badly. Replaced them all.
My neon was pretty smooth since I bought it in 2004. Recently I had started to notice a “clunk” when the tranny shifted. I figured the mounts were on their way out which was confirmed when the timing belt work was being done. This is why I did it all at once. Since the mounts have been fixed, no clunk, just the vibration or mild shudder when stopped, engine running, in gear. Neutral or park does mellow it out just a little.
Quote:
Yea, was going to mention that but was focused on the vibration. I have to clean my IAC about once a year. I usually just doing it when I clean my K&N since I am in there anyway. I know the autos are a little rougher and could be the tranny mount or even the torque converter causing. Just as a follow up, if you are using a lot more fuel then it is probably learning. I dropped about 5mpg, it was like running e-85 mileage.
I have never cleaned the IAC to be honest. EDIT: I just looked it up and it doesn't seem too difficult to remove. I may do that tomorrow and clean it up. I'll keep you posted and let everyone know if it actually makes a difference.
Quote:
One of the things we ran into at the dealer was rust from inside the fuel rail crapping up the injectors causing a rough idle.
Now this intrigues me…. Did you have to replace the rail or just clean it out? Are you saying the rust particles were wedged into the injector itself or the rail? Did this usually mean injector replacements?
This small issue isn’t a deal breaker with my neon; I plan on keeping it a long time. It’s just annoying is all….
Thanks for the replies guys!
Last edited by eightlitermopar; 06/14/14 01:18 AM.
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Re: The famous Neon rough idle question...
[Re: eightlitermopar]
#1632667
06/14/14 08:29 AM
06/14/14 08:29 AM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,958 Oakdale CT
gdonovan
I Live Here
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I Live Here
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Posts: 10,958
Oakdale CT
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Usually we would replace the rail, if it was under warranty we would just replace all of it since Mopar was paying the bill.
Once the rail starts going it isn't going to stop.
"I think its got a hemi"
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