Neon '95: Shutdown while driving

[uros]

Hello everybody! I'm new at this forum and must say I'm glad that I have found it! A lot of usefull informations. However I was searching other threads to see if anyone had similar problems like me. Oh, and sorry for the strange language, I live on another part of the world (Slowenia, EU - very small country :)) and english is not our formal language.
Anyway, When my car is cold it starts normally and it goes for about 5 miles untill it heats up to the operating temperature then it just dies. If I try to start it up again the engine is cranking strongly but won't start. If I leave the car standing for an hour or so to cool down then it starts again. The MIL light shows only code 12 (Direct battery input to PCM was disconnected within the last 50 key-on cycles.) And I'm pretty sure, the battery was NOT disconnected for at least last 100 or more key-on cycles. Everybody says, this code is normal and there is nothing to worry about. But my car isn't working normally and this is the only error code. Do you guys have any suggestions on how should I start troubleshooting? And one more question - How can I check if there is a spark and fuel at the point where engine is just cranking and won't start? Thanks in advance!

[uros]

UPDATE: Now after one week I still have troubles with my car but the situation is a bit different. Car won't start not even cold. Engine is cranking strong but no start. Still no ideas? I was thinking of cam or crank sensor? Beside code 12 there is no other error codes.

[dodgeneonACR98]

I would have to bet it was the fuel pump or fuel pump relay. Turn your key on with the door open and listen for the fuel pump to kick on (don't turn it over) if you hear nothing then the fuel pump is not working. Now to narrow your search down, go under the hood, find the fuse block,open it find the fuel pump relay and swap it out with another relay thats the same. After you swap relays turn on your key and listen for the pump. If you don't hear it, the problem is not the relay. If so you may need to buy a new pump assembly. Good Luck and let us know what you find out!

[uros]

Thanks for helping. When I turn the key to ON I hear that "zzzzz" sound. So my guess is that pump and relay are working fine. There is also a spark at the end of the wires connecting the plugs. Any other sugestions? I was thinking of checking if the fuel comes to the engine while cranking but I'm not sure how to do that.

[dodgeneonACR98]

Thanks for helping. When I turn the key to ON I hear that "zzzzz" sound. So my guess is that pump and relay are working fineThat would be correct!!

It's going to be hard for us to tell you step by step what to do, Get to autozone or someplace and buy a manual for your car. It will give you trouble shooting ideas and how to test things for correct operation.

If your fuel pump is working it may be that the injectors are clogged OR something may be wrong and the injectors may just not be getting a signal to open up. Seems to me that if it were a sensor, there would be a cell code. Code 12 isnt nothing to worry about. BTW it can also be fixed by replaceing all the battery cables and ends. Includeing from the batt to the starter and from the battery to the fuse block.It is usually caused by corroded or weak wire connections.

[dodgeneonACR98]

Antoher thing that just came to mind! When was the lst time the Time belt was changed? It may have jumped a notch or two! If it has over 80-90K on it it's time to replace it anyhow! You don't want that sucker to break on you! It will cause major damage to the internal parts of your motor. Head and Pistons if your unlucky! I think that Id start by changeing it if you know it's old, even if it doesnt fix the problem, it will prevent one in the near future.

[uros]

Car has only 53K on it and the timing belt was changed last summer not becouse of the miles but becouse of the oldness. Also the car was regulary serviced by a Dodge service. I would take it there now too, but it's too far to tow. I have to figure something out just to make it start so I can take it there.