Dodge Neon TRANSMISSIONS SUCK

JACKIE71701

MEMBER
DODGE NEON

I bought a 2002 Dodge Neon SE new off the lot 5 years ago. Within 6 months, the transmission had to be replaced. Since it was under warranty, it was no problem. A year later, the transmission went out again. Once again, warranty covered the repair. Last year, the transmission went out again. It was no longer under warranty so I had to pay $1500 to get it fixed. Now, the transmission is messing up again. It feels like it is always stuck in 2nd gear and is constantly overheating. I make my last payment on this piece of crap this month. My question is: What in the heck has been causing all of these transmissions to burn up and why hasn't any mechanic caught it? The car has 150,000 miles on it, but those are all highway miles. The oil has been changed regularly and I have been the only driver. It literally sounds like there is a caldron of bubbling oil under the hood when I drive even 10 miles, so I don't drive it anymore.

1 Reply

2000 NEON

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I would say your mechanic is not doing thier job. Is the engine light on? It sounds like either the trans pcm. Or the cooling lines returning to the transmission may be blocked. The bubling sound is usualy normal, you may be low on coolant. Also make sure the fan is running, and check the thermostat, have the system flushed. Also make sure to replace the trans fluid with dextron + 4. Also if you replace the transmission again check the rear main seal. Chances are no one has repaced it because they would have to replace the driveplate to see it. If this leaks it could have direct consequence to transmission slipping. FIRST THING TO CHECK IS THE THROTTLE CABLE., It needs to be adjusted regularly. There is a white clip on the cable near the throttle body. Slide the clip toward the front of the car, be careful it should slide easily, grasp the thottle cable and push it towards the throttle lever. Lock the clip in place and test drive. Tweaking may be nessasary, the book says to push it all the way in but that was not the case on my neon.I found half way to work best for me. Buying a hanes or chiltons manual will help you. Do the adjustment a.S.A.P..