QuestionQUESTION: My 2000 Dodge neon will start the first time but after it is warmed up it will start but then stalls or dies immediately after starting and will keep doing this for several tires and then nothing will happen when I turn the key. I have replaced the spark plugs.
ANSWER: Hi Tom,
It is a problem which we can diagnose with the on-board trouble code system. Tusn the ignition key:"on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the odometer window to see the mileage reading change to show 4-digit numbers preceded by a P. Let me know the numbers and we'll go from there.
Do you have the anti-theft system? That will when not properly disarmed cause the engine to die after a couple of seconds when started. If it is also doing that then try to lock/unlock the passenger door using the key in order made sure you have disarmed it.
Roland
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QUESTION: p 1684 and p 1685 are the codes
ANSWER: Hi Tom,
The 1684 means that some time during the past 50 uses of the ignition switch the battery power to the engine controller was disconnected. If you don't recall disconnecting the battery specifically then may be a clamp on the battery is loose.
The 1685 says that the security key that is being used in the ignition is not being recognized by the security key immobilizer system. I presume that you have such a system and an appropriate key with a colored/molded cap. Do you have another one that you could try instead?
It seems that your problem is related to the Security Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) feature which is centered in the instrument cluster and the ignition switch itself. Is there anything unusual about the history of your keys or the function of that system?
Roland
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QUESTION: The vehicle is new to us and came with 4 keys. 2 with a gray rounded molding on top that will not unlock the doors but will start the vehicle, 1 with a black molding on top and 1 with out any molding on top that will unlock the doors and start the vehicle.
AnswerHi Tom,
The manual doesn't speak about the different key colors, but I am surprised that a key without the molding will start the car as the molding has a transponder that is presumably required to overcome the systems security. Without it, it shouldn't be able to start the engine. Why the keys won't unlock the door may be due to how they were 'cut', possibly inaccurately.
I am not able to diagnose any further. I can copy 6 pages from the '04 manual and email those to you, which describe the system and how to troubleshoot it. Just send me a follow-up question (or a new question if you are prevented) but this time select the 'private' option. Tell me your email address. If you don't use the private option the email address is erased from the message. While you do give the expert site your email address, I as the expert are not shown it. Thus you have to send it to me personally by email.
Do you know who the former owner of the vehicle is and can they tell you any history of the keys or the system overall?
Roland
PS Please 'rate' my answer, and where you see the question about 'volunteer of the month' consider a 'yes' answer. Thank you
