Hey guys, I need someone to come thru for me here. 2000 Dodge neon. Car wont start. Turnn the key, lights come on, but starter wont spin. Tried to "hot wire" the starter to get it running to drive it home. Starter spins, but the bendix wont engage. Pulled the starter off, autozone tested it 4 times... Starter spins and bendix works fine... on the bench at least. Replaced starter, replaced battery cables, checked battery for full charge... All check out ok, but still no start. Turn the key and you can hear the starter relay "click" but starter just will not turn over. ****Key feels a little "funny" [loose] in the steering column. Pulled the column apart,,,, I'm a little lost here, but everything appears to be working as it should. Pulled the key/ignition lock completely out, turned it with a screw-driver... No change, lights and buzzers come on, but no starter action. I'm no fool, this is an electrical issue,,, but these computer controled plastic econo-boxes confuse the hell out of me. Is there a separate relay that controls the starter, or the bendix, or both? One last thing, gave up trying and pulled the key out to go home... Key came out, but lights and buzzers stayed on o No: Had to put the key back in, and "jimmy" it in the off position to get the dash lights to shut off I suspect a column mounted relay box to be the problem, but I dont see one anywhere on the column. Someone throw me a bone here, I need this running ASAP! Thanks
how about the starter drive. the neon has had so many problems during it lifespan. i would not touch one with a 10' pole.
