2001 Dodge Neon Won't Accelerate

2001 DODGE NEON
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DAVID51572
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HI,
I HAVE A 2001 DODGE NEON SE, AND IT WOULDNT ACCELERATE TO WELL, SO I GOT THE SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES CHANGED AND IT RAN BETTER. BUT IT MAKES A WIRED GURGGLING NOISE AROUND 30-35 MPH THEN STOPS. THEN AT 50MPH ITS DOESNT WANT TO ACCELERATE ABOVE 50-55MPH WHAT COULD THE PROBLEM BE?? ANY IDEAS?? PLEASE HELP.
Jan 14, 2007 at 2:04 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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What is your coolant and oil levels?
Jan 14, 2007 at 2:09 AM
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DAVID51572
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I GOT A OIL CHANGE ABOUT A MONTH AGO ALL MY FLUIDS SHOULD BE FINE.
Jan 14, 2007 at 2:17 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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If you want to assume they are fine and don't want to check I'm okay with that. When you troubleshoot you somtimes need to do some clue gathering. Since you don't want to, not much I can do.
Good Luck.
Jan 14, 2007 at 4:02 AM
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DAVID51572
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i checked all my levels and they are where they need to be.
Jan 14, 2007 at 5:22 AM
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When you are trying to accelerate, are the engine rpms going up and you are not gaining speed. Or the rpms are just not going up?
Jan 14, 2007 at 5:52 AM
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DAVID51572
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they are moving up but i seems like its not in sync when i press on the gas. like the timing is off
Jan 14, 2007 at 6:34 AM
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This is important so I understand you.

Have you ever felt a transmission slip?
The rpms or engine idle goes up but you don't move faster.

If you press on the accelerator and it is a rough feeling and you may or may not go faster.

That weird gurgling noise, is it like shaking marbles in a can noise?
Jan 14, 2007 at 6:58 AM
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DAVID51572
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the noise is like a grinding noise when i accerate around 30-35mph then it stops, then at 50-55 its fights to go above that, it will make a hard rev sound if itry to push on gas around 50-55 mph, then if i let off the gas a little then try again it moves a little closer to 60mph but not much
Jan 14, 2007 at 7:12 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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does it make a difference if it is cold (setting 8hrs) or after driving for 20 minutes or more? has the pcm software ever been updated? is there a label under the hood like this?


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_label_1.jpg

Jan 14, 2007 at 7:22 AM
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DAVID51572
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i have to check. i will let u know..thanx
Jan 14, 2007 at 7:41 AM
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At this point, that is where I would start, is update the software.
Jan 14, 2007 at 7:45 AM
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DAVID51572
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took it to speedy transmissions to get a free inspection. an 1hr and half later they call and tell me, that 2nd gear is gone, it jumps from 1st to 3rd. its going to cost me in between $1200-1400 to get it rebuilt......great!!!!!!. thank u so much for all your help.
Jan 22, 2007 at 7:47 AM

Suggested Repair

Have the automatic transmission rebuilt or repaired. A transmission shop inspection found second gear failed, so the transmission jumps from first to third. Confirm fluid level and condition, and consider a PCM software update only after the gear failure is addressed.

Conversation Summary

A 2001 Dodge Neon accelerated poorly even after new spark plugs and wires, with a grinding noise around 30-35 mph and hard revving that limited speed near 50-55 mph. Fluid levels were confirmed normal. The expert asked whether engine speed rose without a matching increase in road speed, suggesting possible transmission slip, and recommended checking for a PCM software update. A transmission shop later found second gear failed, with the transmission jumping from first to third, and quoted a rebuild.

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