How to Troubleshoot a 1993 Dodge Neon
Troubleshooting a vehicle is one of the most important basic duties of a car owner. When you hear a noise that may not be identifiable it might be a signal of a larger problem. By being able to pinpoint the location of the sound or the reaction of the vehicle you can save yourself money in the long run. There are basic clues when a vehicle is having problems and most are simple repairs. These are basic pieces of knowledge that can be done by the average car owner.
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Things You'll Need
- Wire brush
- Jumper cables
- Air gauge
- Crescent wrench
- Air filter
- Flathead screwdriver
Instructions
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Starting Issues
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1
Start the vehicle. If the 1993 Dodge Neon is not turning over or clicking there may be a problem with the battery. Generally four cylinder cars like the Neon will have smaller batteries than larger six and eight cylinder cars.
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2
Remove the battery cables from the battery. Clean with the wire brush. Replace the cables and try to start. You may have to jump the vehicle. This is done by using another vehicle and jumper cables. Attach the red clamps to the red post on both batteries. Place the black clamp on the black connector on each battery. Attempt to start the car. Driver the car to charge the battery.
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3
Charging the battery is done while driving or idling. If it is not charging the you may need to replace the battery or the alternator. A professional mechanic can do these jobs for you.
Car is Pulling or Pushing to the Right or Left
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4
Wandering vehicles on a road can cause trouble since you are wearing the tires out quicker. Normally this is a problem with air pressure. The Neon is front wheel drive and is prone to tire pressure problems. This will eventually cause internal damage as well as damage to the tires.
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5
Locate a gas station with an air pump. Check all of the tires for air pressure. They should always be equal and they should also be within manufacturers specification. This will be on the side of the tire close to the rim. Fill all the tires to the required level.
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6
Drive the car and see if it is still pulling. If the car is still pulling or pushing you will need to contact a professional mechanic. This means the vehicle is either out of alignment or a brake caliper is sticking. Since it is a front wheel drive and a Dodge it is best to take it to a recommended Dodge repair shop.
Replacing the Air Filter
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7
Examine the air filter if the 1993 Neon is running sluggish. It is located on the right side of the car. It will be a square box close to the fender.
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8
Open the air filter containing unit. Remove the air filter. You may have to remove the top of the unit with a flathead screwdriver if it is stuck.
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9
Place the new filter in the air filter unit and lock the clamps down. This should improve the fuel economy and the car will run smoother.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Make sure that you are changing the oil every three months or 3,000 miles. Smaller engines like those used in the Neon need to have clean oil since they produce more heat.
Do not attempt to run the car if you do not feel comfortable with the way it is operating. This can be dangerous and cause more damage to the vehicle.
