# 98 Neon, gas pedal / transmission shift problem

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/98-neon-gas-pedal-transmission-shift-problem/4993>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [September 22, 2007, 3:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/98-neon-gas-pedal-transmission-shift-problem/4993 "2007-09-22T15:31:39Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Kathy369](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ebca7d/32.png) [@Kathy369](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Kathy369)\
**Post date:** [September 22, 2007, 3:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/98-neon-gas-pedal-transmission-shift-problem/4993/1 "2007-09-22T15:31:39Z")

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Hi Everyone,  
  
  
  
 We have a 98 Neon (approx 82,000 miles), 4-cyl, automatic.  
  
  
  
 When the car is in park or neutral, the gas pedal is easy to step on. But, when I shift to first gear, the pedal becomes stiff and when it it set in 2nd, I can hardly move the pedal at all. Our mechanic has lubricated the linkage a few times now and this takes care of the problem for a day or two.  
  
  
  
 A new problem arose this past week. I was trying to accelerate and as I pressed hard on the pedal, the shifter actually slipped into neutral. One person has suggested that this is an indication of a transmission cable problem.  
  
  
  
 Does anyone have an idea of what’s happening here??  
  
  
  
 Thanks, Kathy

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**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/joseph_e_meehan/32/21_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\
**Post date:** [September 22, 2007, 7:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/98-neon-gas-pedal-transmission-shift-problem/4993/2 "2007-09-22T19:05:11Z")

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It certainly sounds like there is a problem with the transmission linkage or cable. Apparently you are going to need to have someone else take a look at it.

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [September 23, 2007, 12:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/98-neon-gas-pedal-transmission-shift-problem/4993/3 "2007-09-23T00:46:55Z")

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[b]Have someone check the engine/transaxle mounts.

If any of theses mounts are worn, the engine/transaxle can twist when a load is imposed causing binding in the throttle cable. And if the twisting is severe enough, could cause the transmission to shift to a different gear.

Tester[/b]