so this is my girlfriends car and it's having some weird issues. First off it has little power, less than it had when we got it (understanding it is a 2.4 L) . When driving it runs fine in first and then when working through 2nd and 3rd it jurks and stutters. At first i thought it was the tranny slipping but now i'm not sure if that is it. If you realy get on the gas after letting off a bit it kind of overpasses the issues. Wondering if maybe it isn't getting enough gas. Could this be the fuel pump or maybe as simple as replacing the plugs and wires??? I was gonna go swap plugs/wires today but don't wanna waste the money if there is no way that is it. anyone have any knowledge or past experiences with these vehicles? let me know- thanks

6/21/2006 3:37:54 PM

sell it, you will dump way too much money into that piece, neons, breezes and intrepids are more trouble than they are worth

6/21/2006 4:13:26 PM

That is what i would like to do....unfortunately i have fell victim to buying a lemon before and don't wanna dick someone over. I would like to atleast be able to get the car into solid working condition before i sell it. thanks

6/21/2006 4:16:44 PM

You may have to face the possibility that you CAN'T get it into solid running shape without dumping a tremendous amount of money into it.

It's not really gonna cost you that much to change sparkplugs (though changing wires might run you 50 dolla), so if you consider it worth your time, then do that. But I kind of fail to see why it wouldn't do what it does in first as well if plugs/wires are a problem. Unless you're not sensitive enough to feel it when it does (isn't as noticeable in first because of the load/gearing)

6/21/2006 5:36:09 PM

yeah- it only $42 for plugs and wires. I just picked up a new plug wrench so i'm gonna check those here in a minute. and it could be possible that it does is in first as well not sure thought. i think i'm gonna start with plugs-wires, then fuel filter, then fuel pump. If none of this works i am going to assume transmission and just cut my losses. Does this sound like a relatively decent plan of approach?

6/21/2006 5:46:59 PM

odds are w/ that car, the headgasket has been/is/will be blown

6/21/2006 5:47:20 PM

i saw that on a plymouth forum....apparently it is a pretty common problem. But with all the labor involved with replacing a head gasket there is a million other things that can go wrong. I replaced one on m a late 90's dakota and it was a pain in the ass and started more problems

6/21/2006 5:53:31 PM

You need to ditch the fuel pump idea.

Run a compression test on it to make sure that the head gasket ain't blown.

6/21/2006 6:02:49 PM

comp. test is gonna run me about $70 right?

6/21/2006 6:03:56 PM

I'll do it for 20 dolla

6/21/2006 6:04:22 PM

buy a Fuckin Off Road Demen
F.O.R.D

6/22/2006 11:24:02 PM