1999 Plymouth Neon Cant seem to get it goin?

Hi vez24. Welcome to the forum. So if I'm understanding correctly, most of the time the starter spins but the engine does not, is that right? And when you said it starts sometimes, that means the engine runs and drives like normal, not just that it spins but won't run, correct?

If that's the case, the starter drive gear isn't engaging the ring gear on the, ... Well, depends on whether it has an automatic or manual transmission. The next time it doesn't crank, grab the serpentine belt and use it to rotate the engine a little. Turn the engine in the same direction the tires turn when you're driving forward, then try starting it. If it cranks and runs, suspect a spot on the ring gear where the teeth are worn off or broken.

Caradiodoc

Hmmm. There seems to be some conflicting symptoms. If the problem is related to the teeth on the ring gear, I could see pushing in the clutch could allow the crankshaft to turn just a little by removing pressure IF it was parked on a slight incline, but that would not happen on a regular basis. If the starter is spinning already, shifting to neutral with an automatic transmission will be irrelevant because the neutral safety switch is already working.

"works fine no spinning sound" ? When it works properly, you SHOULD hear a spinning sound. That's why I'm confused. So I don't send you on a wild goose chase, the next time it doesn't start, use the belt to turn the engine a little, then holler back with the results.

Caradiodoc

I think the best thing is to catch it again the next time the problem occurs, then without disturbing anything else, use the belt to turn the engine just a little, then try to start it. If that works, suspect broken or worn teeth on the ring gear between the engine and transmission that the starter turns.

The other hint is it will usually cause a loud grinding noise. If you just hear the starter spin but there's no grinding noise at the same time, the shaft the starter drive slides on could be rusty or gummed up with hardened grease. That will allow the drive to slide far enough to turn on the starter motor but not far enough to engage the ring gear.

Caradiodoc