# 1995 Neon doesn't want to run **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** neon, dodge\ **Created:** [August 5, 2010, 1:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1995-neon-doesnt-want-to-run/53003 "2010-08-05T01:39:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![jlpedigo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/85f322/32.png) [@jlpedigo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jlpedigo)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2010, 1:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1995-neon-doesnt-want-to-run/53003/1 "2010-08-05T01:39:15Z")
I have a 1995 Dodge Neon with a SOHC, 2.0L engine. As of now it won’t start or stay running without pressing the gas pedal. This started off as simply dying at idle a couple of weeks ago and got progressively worse. I accidentally discovered that it will start and run just fine if I disconnect and leave open a vacuum line. Any idea of where I should start looking? Thanks ---
**Author:** ![Jeepheap](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7ba0ec/32.png) [@Jeepheap](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Jeepheap)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2010, 2:04am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1995-neon-doesnt-want-to-run/53003/2 "2010-08-05T02:04:35Z")
It almost sounds like you are starving it of oxygen, due to the vaccum solution. Have you checked all the simple stuff like the air filter and air hoses? Good Luck. ---
**Author:** ![jlpedigo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/85f322/32.png) [@jlpedigo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jlpedigo)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2010, 6:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1995-neon-doesnt-want-to-run/53003/3 "2010-08-05T18:51:01Z")
I tried removing the intake hose right at the throttle body with no luck. Did a little more diagnostic & found that the engine doesn’t seem to be compensating for loads (headlights, A/C, etc). Another note, the exhaust smell indicates that it is running rich. So it seems that either the ECM can’t see how much air is flowing or can’t adjust accordingly. MAP sensor or IAC valve perhaps? Haynes manual has procedure for checking the MAP but nothing for the IAC. Any suggestions there? ---
**Author:** ![realbinky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a87d85/32.png) [@realbinky](https://community.cartalk.com/u/realbinky)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2010, 8:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1995-neon-doesnt-want-to-run/53003/4 "2010-08-05T20:57:38Z")
I don’t think Dodge used an IAC. I had the 2.0 DOHC Neon, and I remember they never used one of the 2 that every other make uses. ---
**Author:** ![jlpedigo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/85f322/32.png) [@jlpedigo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jlpedigo)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2010, 2:08am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1995-neon-doesnt-want-to-run/53003/5 "2010-08-06T02:08:33Z")
Just verified that it does… maybe just on the SOHC? ---
**Author:** ![Goldwing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e68b1a/32.png) [@Goldwing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Goldwing)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2010, 2:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1995-neon-doesnt-want-to-run/53003/6 "2010-08-06T02:17:09Z")
Spray some throttle body cleaner in the throttle body and IAC valve. Maybe try a different IAC from a salvage yard. ---
**Author:** ![vtcodger2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/e68b1a/32.png) [@vtcodger2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/vtcodger2)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2010, 11:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1995-neon-doesnt-want-to-run/53003/7 "2010-08-06T11:47:48Z")
**_Spray some throttle body cleaner in the throttle body and IAC valve._** That fixed a similar problem with our 95 Neon back before the rust ate it. ---
**Author:** ![jlpedigo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/85f322/32.png) [@jlpedigo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jlpedigo)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2010, 1:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1995-neon-doesnt-want-to-run/53003/8 "2010-08-09T13:27:59Z")
I tried the throttle body cleaner, but wound up replacing the IAC valve after all. Runs like a champ. Thanks for the help.