My Dodge Neon SXT 2003 2.0L has 106k. My car Vibrates when I go on reverse and I have already changed the top engine mount but it still vibrates. It always makes a rattleling noise between the steering fluid and the lower engine mount. I have already changed the two drive belts and put belt spray on them and it still rattles. The good thing is that the check engine light is off and it runs good. What could be the solution to these two problems.
I replaced the lower passenger side engine mount and the vibration is still there but a bit less vibration. The lower passenger mount was worn out. I was told by the Dodge service dept that it takes 5 hours to change the main hidden engine mount which is mid way up the passenger side of the engine. That main hidden mount cost 75.00
To get to it you would have to remove the wheel, inner fender plastic work, windshield washer fluid tank, and etc.
2003 Neon SXT 79014 miles on it Automatic transmission
I fixed it. Rodger of Florida did it and told me how to. As you know I replaced the upper and lower torque arms on the passengerside. I also replaced the transmission mount on the drivers side.
The vibration was still there after replaceing the above. The vibration was coming from the engine. I replaced the "Main Engine" motor mount which is on the passenger side of the Neon hidden in the frame rail.
I had to remove the Airfilter box, Battery, Battery holder frame, Battery thermal rap, All of the torque arms, Both front wheels, Transmission mount, PCV tubing, Grounding straps, 2 jack stands and other little items.
You will need a 13mm and 15mm box wrenches, a T55 Torx wrench, two floor jacks that roll easily, 2 short 2x4's to prevent damage to Engine and Transmission pans when jacking them up.
A 1/2 inch drive breaker bar, at least 20 inches worth of extensions for socket wrenches to unbolt tranny and main engine mount center bolts. There are access holes to unbolt the Main Engine mount bolt and Transmission center bolt. They are located near the struts and can be seen from the wheel well.
Was I disconnected the engine and tranny (supported by the two floor jacks) I slide them toward the drivers side of the engine bay as far as I could. Then I lowered the transmission side all the way down taking car not to pull on anything. There is a grounding strap near the upper torque arm locatrion you will need to unbolt to allow more movement or you will break it.
Then raise the engine as high as you can. loosen and remove all 4 outer bolts to the Main Engine mount. Make sure you take a marker or etc and mark the location of the Main Engine mount before removeing the bolts.
With my body standing where the passengerside tire would have been a unbolted the 4 bolts to the Main Engine mount and the rotated the metal tabe on the mount which is covered in rubber to the 7' Oclock position from it's starting 12 'Oclock postition. Then I had a friend pull the engine even farther away from the Engene mount by grabbing it by the intake runners and ignition coil. The ignition coil was strong enough and a good place to get a good grip.
When he pulled the engine away the engine mount cleared and I pulled it out. I HAD THE new one ready to go in right away as it is very hard to hold the engine away and time is very valuable at this moment of the ordeal.
After replacing the Main Engine Mount the car is butter smooth again!!!. My wife is super happy and wants to keep the car for another 4 years or more. I love driving her car it is so smooth.
The old Engine mount was cooked, dried out and had sagged a bit.
If I had known they dried out so bad I would have been apply silcone to them to keep them preserved. The old one was very hard.
We have to thank Rodger in Florida for his work in figuring out this problem. The car is a 2003 Neon SXT automatic transmission 79014 miles on it.
Facewest forgive my spelling
I found that you do not have to remove the windshield washer fluid tank.
thanks facewest have this problem car is so annoying 2003 dodge neon sxt loud and don't accelerate smooth anymore we found the mount changed the top and bottom mount 3 times they were turn up. i see this is why just changed solenoid pack, tie rod, alternator, i bought it brand new oct, 2003 and now have 75,000 miles today
Thanks Facewest,
I followed your procedure and was able to replace the right mount in 3 hours by myself...your procedure was 'spot on'...
Where did you happen to get the hidden motor mount from? I have been on auto zone's, rock auto.com and oriellys auto parts web sites and I cant to seem to find it. Thanks, Felix from Illinois.
×
There is a hidden motor mount on the passenger side of the engine that will cuase that kind of noise. It sits about right in the center of the engine on the right side. It is a time intensive job for inexperienced mechanics or do it your selfers.
Wow Thanks Facewest for following up AFTER you fixed the problem. I'vr searched and it seems most people ignore their previous post after they've figured it out... leaving us poor souls in the dark. I too have a 2003 SXT w/ the exact same problem. Tomorrow I will get that "main mount" and get to work. Cant wait to fix that great little car.
Thanks Again!!
I have a similar problem with my 03 neon. I replaced the motor mount on the passenger side which only cost me about 35 dollars. As soon as it was installed, I took it out for a spin to see if the noise stopped, it was better at first but then back to how it was. I looked under the hood and the new mount had already broken a little. I assume there is another broken mount which caused this to happen. Took the one that just broke back to Advance and got a new one, hopefully I'll only have to replace one more to solve the problem. That vibration noise is grating on my nerves!
JohnnyValet - I know it's been a long time since these posts, but I have recently purchase a 2005 Dodge Neon SXT and I'm going through the same exact thing. I am getting a terrible vibration through the frame. I have changed both upper and lower passenger side torque mounts and the main transmission mount, but the vibration is still there. It gets a little better when the car is hot, but never goes away. I have not changed the main mount on the passenger side yet, but I was told it was OK (for that matter, the transmission mount was fine too, but I replaced it anyway). My new upper torque mount has broken again. did you ever find out what was going on?
-Sam
×
8,113 views
Usually answered in minutes!
2003 Dodge Neon SXT Automatic with 73500 miles on it. Engine vibration coming through the body/chassis of the car. At idle and under any acceleration the vibration was there. When the car is facing down hill in park the vibration was pretty loud.
The upper passenger side engine mount was disintergrated so I changed it. The vibration when in park and facing downhill was gone but in all other modes the vibration is still there. Under acceleration the vibration is still there.
The upper mount cost was 89.00 from the Dodge dealer. I bought the lower mount today at a cost of 69.00 and will change it this afternoon and report the results here. I hope I will not have to change the center engine mount which looks like pure hell to replace.
what problems can it be when you start your car an it's vibrateing and the check engine light is flashing on an off?
×