1996 Dodge Neon Car shuts off while driving

1996 DODGE NEON
117,215 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
Avatar
LYNN08
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have a 1996 Dodge Neon. My miles are at about 117,200. About 5 months ago while i was driving my car i noticed it was shaking from behind. I got out and checked and it sounded like my muffler was making hissing or puffing sounds. When i would drive the car i would have to press on the gas a little harder ro gain speed. When i press on the brakes at a stop sign or light, the car starts shaking more and it feels as if its going to cut off. It started cutting off when ever i stopped the car and it would take about 1 minute to restart it. When it does restart it would make a loud sqealing noise and when i put my foot on the accelerator, the noise gets louder but eventually fades away. I have went to Merlins and they ran my computer and said that i needed a new cam sensor. I had the cam sensor fixed by a family mechanic and it ran good for a week. After that week it started to shut off again. The mechanic told me that it could be from driving in water and it somehow messed something up. I listened and havent drove in water and my car has ran good for about 2 months. I also thought that the car couldn't be drove at a high speed so i never drive over 60 mph because it feels as if im pushing the car too much. Just 2 days ago i felt the car shaking again and was experiencing it all over again, but it was not raining. What could be the problem and what will i have to get fixed in order for it to stop shutting off.
Apr 20, 2009 at 2:14 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
CARADIODOC
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 34,306 POSTS
A likely cause of shaking from the rear is a broken belt in a tire. Jack one at a time off the ground and spin it. Then watch for humps in the tread from the rear of the car. If the shaking only occurs while braking, the rear drums or front rotors are warped and must be machined. That machining process is part of a standard brake job.

Puffing in the exhaust could be an engine misfire. Hissing could be a plugged catalytic converter or rusted / collapsed muffler.

Cutting out could be the camshaft position sensor or the crankshaft position sensor. Neons had more trouble with the cam sensor.

Loud squealing is usually the serpentine belt. Any chance the AC compressor is locked up?

caradiodoc



"Your mechanic is right about driving in water. It was a silly waste of money to equip your car with wiper blades! Another common cause is making too many right turns after dark! Cars weren't designed for that either".
Apr 24, 2009 at 3:00 AM