Buy Now | Log In | ALLDATA Corporate Site | AutoZone.com
Back To Home Page
Log In To Your Subscription
Go To ALLDATA Back Home
Buy A Subscription! Back Home About ALLDATA Information View Sample Vehicles Read Testimonials Frequently Asked Questions Contact Us
Dowload Our Navigation Chart

Sign Up To Receive ALLDATAdiy.com Alerts

Click Here to receive regular product updates, special offers, and automotive news.

2012 Subaru Now Available May 2013: More 2012 Vehicles Added including Fiat!
• View New Vehicles
2012 Subaru Now Available December 2012: More 2012 Vehicles Added including Chevy & GMC!
• View New Vehicles
View All News and Updates:
• Go To News
Tech Tips
  Read All Tech Tips

ALLDATA Tech Articles Are Updated Weekly
• View All Tech Articles

  Dodge Durango: Brake Pulsation Problems In Paul's Durango
• Read Dodge Article
 
Fixing A Smelly Audi Audi Tech Tip: A4 begins to Smell caused by a Faulty Hose Composition
• Read Audi Article
Why Do You Need To Change Your Timing Belt? Why Replace Your Timing Belt
• Read Belt Article
Jim Grant Tech Tips Jim Grant Tech Tips
A collection of helpful articles based on reader submissions
Home >> Featured Tech Articles >> Go Back
   
  Jim Grant's Tech TipsJim Grant's Tech Tips
Below is a collection of Jim Grant's Tech Tips sorted by Vehicle Make. These Tech Tips were answers to questions submitted to Jim by ALLDATAdiy.com users over the course of many years.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email us.
 
 

Miscellaneous
Acura
Audi
Buick
Cadillac
Chevy
Chrysler

Dodge/Plymouth
Ford
GMC
Geo
Hyundai
Honda
Isuzu

Jeep
Lexus
Lincoln - Mercury
Mazda
Mercedes
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Oldsmobile
Pontiac
Saturn
Subaru
Toyota
Volkswagen
 
   
  Jim Grant's Tech Tips

'95 Dodge Neon, Check Engine Light On after Bath

Q: I have a ‘95 Dodge Neon with about 97k miles on it. We are selling the vehicle and I cleaned the engine with engine cleaner that you can buy at an auto parts store. After cleaning and rinsing it off, the car was really running fast. I took it around the block a few times and the idle came back down. The next day we went out to start the car and it was running rough and the check engine light came on. I never had a problem with the light before we cleaned the engine. Could the cleaning solution and the water have shorted out a sensor or something?

- Debbie

A: Yes, it is very likely that the bath you gave the engine has created some undesirable consequences. With the information you’ve provided I would be first prone to inspect the ignition/spark plug wires. Check closely where the spark plug wires connect to the spark plugs. The way your engine is designed, it is easy for water, and in your case cleaner too, to become trapped in the spark plug pockets/holes. The water, especially with some cleaner and oil, will provide an alternative path for the spark that is suppose to go to the spark plug. The result can be a rough running engine which causes the check engine light to come on. If inspection does find a water problem you’ll have to remove the water and wipe, dry and clean the ends of the spark plug wires that were soaking in the conductive solution. If the repair was affective the engine will smooth right out and run fine. The check engine light on the other hand will still be on. If everything is right, in a day or so of driving, the check engine light will go out.

 
     
Have any Questions About ALLDATAdiy.com? Please Email Us
Buy Now | Log In | About | Sample Vehicles | Testimonials | Join Affiliate Program