I have a 2000 Neon with about 170K miles on it. with in the last 2 weeks it has been having a problem with acceleration. When i start to drive the RPMs will get up to 4 before it will start to move. Also when i am drive and need to pick up speed the RPMs will also go up to about 4 before it starts to pick up speed, but will drop back down when the speed goes up. I have found a little oil in the spark plug tubes and will be changing the seals out, and I have cleaned to MAP sensor as will. What is going on with my acceleration.
There may be engine problems in addition, but what you describe is a classic description of a badly slipping transmission that is about to fail.
I strongly suggest that you do the following immediately:
Check the level, color, and odor of the trans fluid
If it is low, replenish it with the proper specification fluid before driving it again
If the fluid smells burnt, or is any color other than a reddish-pink, have the fluid (and filter) changed
If replenishing/changing the fluid does not help, then you have to ask yourself if the book value of this 14 year old car justifies spending…probably…over $1,500 to overhaul the transmission. Personally, I wouldn’t sink that much money into this car, but you may feel differently.
If you have an automatic transmission in this Neon, follow VDCdriver’s advice. If you have a manual, i.e. stick shift, transmission in this Neon, your symptoms are classic signs of needing a new clutch.
Either way you are looking at an expensive repair.
Concur with the former statements. Transmission work of one kind or another is in your very near future.