1999 Dodge Neon Engine Lurching

SEAGRAVESAC

MEMBER
1999 DODGE NEON
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
158,000 MILES

At high RPMS (I don't have a tach, so just going by hear/feel) in 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears the engine starts to lurch. Sometimes while accelerating and sometimes while cruising. It feels like when the car stalls out, not one lurch but a consistent back and forth lurching until I upshift. I have always immediately upshifted, which alleviates the problem. Lately I've been shifting a little early to avoid it happening. It has not gotten worse, after about three months.

Known issues: o2 sensor needs replacing, erg valve needs replacing, camshaft positioning sensor needs replacing.

I'm going through those this week in order to pass emissions testing. Is it possible the o2 or camshaft pos. Sensor failure is causing this? What other issues might be causing it?

1 Reply

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,005 POSTS

TOO MANY NEGATIVE FACTORS

OUT OF THE THREE YOU MENTIONED, I THINK THE O2 WOULD BE THE LEAST LIKELY, HOWEVER, IF YOU ARE RUNNING, IN "OPEN LOOP" (BECAUSE THE O2 SENSOR AIN'T SENDING DATA) IT COULD BE RUNNING RICHER. THIS COMBINED WITH OTHER ISSUES MIGHT CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR PROBLEM

(THIS WOULD NEVER BE AN ISSUE WITH A JEEP CJ! LOL!)

I'D GET ALL OF THE NEGATIVES OUT OF THE EQUATION FIRST, THEN SEE WHAT HAPPENS.

IF YOU ARE GONNA DO THIS STUFF YOURSELF,

THIS TECHNIQUE MIGHT HELP YOU IN SOME WAY, AND "A124" WAS WORKING STILL, A WEEK AGO.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/2001-dodge-neon-milage-just-want-put-fliuds-their-locations

THE MEDIC

Image (Click to make bigger)