Help with a 1996 2.0L Neon

[Cooker]

I'm sure there are some members of my TDR family out there than help me try to solve a problem with my girlfriends 1996 2. 0L SOHC Neon with 61,000 miles.



All was fine, and then at the exit of the expressway the engine started running really rough and "Service Engine Soon" light came on. Thankfully se only had to limp it about 1. 5 miles to my house.



I read the error codes by procedure of flipping the key on/off a number of time. I got Error Codes 12 and 43.



#12 Battery or computer recently disconnected - This covers the last 50 key on/off cycles, and the battery has been untouched for quite some time.



#43 Peak primary coil current not achieved with max dwell time

OR #43 Cylinder misfire OR #43 Problem in power module to logic module interface - The car was obviously misfiring, it was running really rough and smelled of raw unburned fuel while while idling.



For grins, I tried replacing the ignigition coil pack. It didn't help and I was able to return it.



The battery is original (in a 1996 2. 0 SOHC Neon w/61,000 miles), as are the plugs/wires. The battery has always turned over well, at least when I'm with her, but could an aging battery be associated with this.



I don't want to just start throwing parts at this thing with hopes that it might work, and I really don't want her to take it to the Dodge stealer (we all know what that can be like).



Your help is much appreciated. Thanks alot fellas.



-Ryan

 

[KatDiesel]

With winter approaching I would get a new battery regardless if it cures the problem, if your on the orginal battery I am sure your nearing the end of the OEM life. And who knows it might fix your problem at the same time?



And 4 new plugs would be simple to pop in at the same time. Thats what I would do first.

 

[3dracer]

My wifes car '97 neon 2. 5 flashed and did the same thing. #'s 43 & 32. 32 is the EGR valve. Changed the coil pack and the valve put new plugs and wires in and also changed the Battery. FIXED. It also ran better. Also, about a week after that I put on a Borla muffler. WOW. it also sounds good. Hope you can fix your troubles.



3dracer

 

[Un-Hemi]

Just for fun, change the plugs *and* wires. I've had the same trouble on two 3. 3L Dodges at about the same milage. Had to do one in my buddy's driveway in Mt Vernon WA on a Sunday afternoon! Report back when you have done the deed!

 

[Cooker]

Thanks for the help fellas.



I cleand the battery post as they had a little corrosion on them, changed the plugs and wires and all was well again. It's not too often you can get out of fixing something this inexpensively.



Thanks again for the help,

Ryan

 

[Un-Hemi]

Great! When I had this trouble with my first 3. 3L, I put it in the garage in the evening and turned out the lights. You could see the ignition wires arcing and sparkling at idle with all the leakage. A real light show! 80 to 100,000 mi appears to be the reliable life span of these parts.

 

[Dave Fritz]

FWIW: there is a Neons.org web site with a message board, gallery, TSB's, and DIY stuff.



Dave

 

[Cooker]

Thanks Dave