Few things are as frustrating, and have as much ability to produce anxiety, as a car that suddenly will not turn on. If you drive a 2003 Dodge Neon, then, as with most cars, there are some general things to check through to troubleshoot the problem. However, there are also some things to look for that are specific to the 2003 Dodge Neon itself.
Apply jumper cables to your Dodge Neon battery and have a friend or another friendly motorist try jumping your battery to start your car. If this does not work, then check some of the other parts of the electrical system. Try wiggling the cables that connect to the battery terminals. Sometimes, if the cables are loose or need replacing, then just a little wiggle may do the trick. If the terminals are corroded, pour soda over it, as the carbonic acid will wash away the battery acid. Lastly, check the fuses. If the fuse for your starter is dead, try replacing it with an extra fuse and start your Neon again.
Test your starter and battery. The best way to do this is at an auto parts store. If you can get your Neon running or have it towed, simply drive to the store and ask them to test your electrical system, starter and battery. They should be able to do this easily and quickly while you wait. While you are at the store, if the electrical system tests do not reveal anything significant it would be a good time to seek some advice on what the solution could be from other car care experts.
Put the car in neutral in order to engage the neutral safety switch, which is included in all models of the 2003 Dodge Neon. Make sure your emergency brake is on and your foot is on the brake pedal so you do not roll into another car or object. Turn the car on. However, this is only a short-term fix if it works. You may need to take your car to a mechanic in order to have long-term certainty that your car will be in working order.
Check the crankshaft sensor. Some 2003 Neons have had problems with starting if this sensor is not working properly. This is a fix that will need to be done by a trained mechanic, unless you have a lot of experience with car repair. The mechanic will have a diagnostic computer that can hook up to the computer on your Dodge Neon. Additionally, mechanics will also have an ohmmeter that will help them to determine what kind of power is running through circuitry of your sensor.
