2005 Dodge Neon Engine Rumble

Q: what code(s) were being produced that illuminated the check engine light¿

Even if the light illuminated and went away, there will more than likely be a history of codes there were produced. Take it to a shop and see if they can pull the codes for you. (The lackeys at autozone can only read codes that are currently being produced; CEL must be on)

I could only find one TSB for your vehicle that relates to a rough running engine:

Engine Controls – MIL ON DTC P2074 Set/Driveability

NUMBER: 18-042-04

GROUP: Vehicle Performance

DATE: November 18, 2004

THE DRBIII(R) FLASH FILES FOR THIS BULLETIN ARE AVAILABLE ON DealerCONNECT.

FOR MARKETS OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA, THE FLASH FILES AND REPROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON ITIL/ISIS DVD DECEMBER, 2004.
SUBJECT:
Flash: Driveability Improvements Or MIL Illumination with Diagnostic Trouble Codes P2074
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software.

MODELS:
2005 (PL) Neon

2005 (JR) Sebring Convertible/Sebring Sedan/Stratus Sedan

2005 (PT) PT Cruiser

2005 (RS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager

2005 (TJ) Wrangler

This bulletin applies to:

^ PL vehicles equipped with a 2.4L Turbo engine (sales code EDV) built on or before September 23, 2004 (MDH 0923XX).

^ PL vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine (sales code ECB) built on or before October 18, 2004 (MDH 1018XX).

^ JR vehicles equipped with a 2.0L, 2.4L or 2.4L Turbo engine (sales code ECC, EDZ or EDV) built on or before September 28, 2004 (MDH 0928XX).

^ PT vehicles equipped with a 2.4L or 2.4L Turbo engine (sales code EDZ, EDV or EDT) built on or before November 15, 2004 (MDH 1115XX).

^ RS vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine (sales code EDZ) built between July 8, 2004 (MDH 0708XX) and September 21, 2004 (MDH 0921XX).

^ TJ vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine (sales code ED1) built on or before October 29, 2004 (MDH 1029XX).

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:

The vehicle operator may experience one of the following:

^ Engine runs rough for 30 to 60 seconds after a cold start in ambients temperatures above 1.6 °C (35 °F) where the vehicle has been sitting for 8 to 24 Hours for PT vehicles equipped with a 2.4L Turbo engine and a automatic transmission (sales code EDT or EDV with DGL).

^ Engine runs rough in reverse with A/C on for PT-44 vehicles equipped with 2.4L gas engine and a automatic transmission (sales code EDZ with DGL).

^ Engine runs rough when steering wheel is completely turned to the right or left for PT-44 vehicles equipped with 2.4L gas engine and a automatic transmission (sales code EDZ with DGL)

^ Cruise control drop out after increase in altitude of more than 2000 ft. for PL, PT, JR, RS and TJ vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.4L gas engine (sales code EGG, ED1, ED2, ECB or EDZ).

^ Mil Illumination for P2074 – Manifold Pressure/Throttle Position Correlation – High Flow/Vacuum Leak for JR vehicles equipped with a 2.4L Turbo engine (sales code EDV) and a automatic transmission.

DIAGNOSIS:

Using a Scan Tool (DRBIII(R)) with the appropriate diagnostic procedures on TechCONNECT, verify all engine systems are functioning as designed. If DTCs are present, other than the one listed above, record them on the repair order and repair as necessary before proceeding further with this bulletin.

If the customer describes the Symptom/Condition perform the Repair Procedure.

PARTS REQUIRED:

SPECIAL TOOLS/EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
NOTE :An updated J1962 cable has been released. This cable has a red colored connector at the DRBIII(R) connection. Use this cable whenever a flash is being performed.

REPAIR PROCEDURE:
NOTE :Whenever a controller is programmed, the software in the DRBIII(R); must be programmed with the latest revision level available.
NOTE :If this flash process is interrupted/aborted, the flash should be restarted and then follow the directions on the DRBIII(R).

1. Before beginning the reprogramming procedure, remove any old flash reprogramming files from the DRBIII(R) memory. To clear the memory from the MAIN MENU:

a. Simultaneously press the “MORE” and “YES” keys.

b. A screen will appear requesting a “COLD BOOT”.

c. Follow the on screen instructions by selecting the “F4” key.

d. When the DRB III(R) reboots to the MAIN MENU, proceed to Step # 2

2. With the ignition switch in the “RUN” position, determine the original part number of the PCM currently in the vehicle. Using the DRBIII(R) select:

a. “DRBIII(R) Standalone”

b. “1998 – 2004 Diagnostics”

c. “All (Except Below)”

d. “Engine”

e. “Module Display”

f. Record the “PCM part # ” on the repair order for later reference.

3. Connect the DRBIII(R) to TechCONNECT. Open TechTOOLS and verify that the “DRBIII(R) Status: Connected” message is in the upper right corner of the TechTOOLS screen.

4. Enter the “PCM part # ” recorded in Step # 2 in the “Parts Criteria” area and select “Show Updates”. TechTOOLS will populate the appropriate calibration.

5. Select the calibration.

6. Select the “DRBIII radio button which is next to the “Download/Update” button.

7. Select the “Download/Update” button.

8. Monitor the “Flash Download/Update Progress” window on the TechCONNECT and follow the instructions on TechCONNECT. When the flash process is complete, proceed to Step # 9.

9. Disconnect the DRBIII(R) from TechCONNECT.

10. Open the hood, install a battery charger and verify that charging rate provides approximately 13.5 volts.

11. Connect the DRBIII(R) to the vehicle.

12. Download the flash from the DRBIII(R) to the vehicle. Using the DRBIII(R) select:

a. “Vehicle Flash”

b. Follow the directions on the DRBIII(R) screen. When the flash process is complete, proceed to Step # 13.

NOTE :Due to the PCM programming procedure, a DTC may be set in other modules (TCM, BCM, MIC, SKIM, etc.) within the vehicle, if so equipped. Some DTC’s may cause the MIL to illuminate. Check all modules using “Module Scan”, record the DTC’s, and erase these DTC’s prior to returning the vehicle to the customer. Erase any DTC’s in the PCM only after all other modules have had their DTC’s erased.
NOTE :The following step is required by law.

13. Type the necessary information on the “Authorized Modification Label p/n 04275086AB and attach near the VECI label (Fig. 1).

POLICY:

Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

TIME ALLOWANCE:

FAILURE CODE:
Disclaimer :This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair.

This TSB will only apply to you if your computer is throwing a P2074.

Now without being too technical, let’s speculate in general what kinda things can cause this type of behavior:

• Failing throttle position sensor (TPS)
• Clogged catalytic converter
• Restriction in the exhaust system
• Dirty air filter
• Poor timing/jumped timing
• Incorrect or improperly gaped spark plugs (Dodge OEM plugs should be Champion)
• High resistance in your spark plug wires (should be 10K ohms per foot)
• Bad ignition coil
• Voltage leak
• Clogged/stuck fuel injectors
• Failing fuel pressure regulator
• Dirty fuel filter
• Fuel contamination
• Failing fuel pump

[li]Incorrect data from any engine management sensor (TPS, MAP, MAF, IAT, ECT, O2)

That is all I can think of off the top of me’ noggin’. Looking at fuel trim, freeze frame and PID data from a scan tool could quickly narrow down the list of suspects. Each possible cause can be diagnosed via simple testing, so there is no guess work needed.

I will be going through IA, IL, MI, OH, etc. I don’t want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere guys.

You should plan your trip that will take you through the hometowns of everyone on this forum. I live in Michigan. Eric lives in Ohio, so there are two states covered. Everyone chime in if you happen live in the proposed route as specified by this young lady. Be rest assured that there will be an ETCG forum qualified mechanic to help you along your journey home. 🙂