Two Neon Problems

[Greg]

Two problems with my 1998 Plymouth Neon w/130k.

1) Occasionally it refuses to start. I turn the ignition and it's dead. If I
have the radio turned on, sometimes the sound is stuttered. Then maybe 30
seconds later it starts. I'm thinking the battery is about to die?

2) Tire wear. Front two tires are wearing on one side, one on the inside and
the other on the outside. It's only started doing this with this set of
tires. It has not been in a collision. I always thought that it would either
scrub the outside of both tires or the inside... but not one of each. I've
been told by the tire shop that the rims are all buckled to some degree
(potholes!) and that the wheels are difficult to balance.

Advice appreciated.

 

[Whatevah]

Two problems with my 1998 Plymouth Neon w/130k.

1) Occasionally it refuses to start. I turn the ignition and it's dead. If I
have the radio turned on, sometimes the sound is stuttered. Then maybe 30
seconds later it starts. I'm thinking the battery is about to die?

mmm check the spark plugs? could be the starter, perhaps. (I don't know
much about neons... lol)

2) Tire wear. Front two tires are wearing on one side, one on the inside and
the other on the outside. It's only started doing this with this set of
tires. It has not been in a collision. I always thought that it would either
scrub the outside of both tires or the inside... but not one of each. I've
been told by the tire shop that the rims are all buckled to some degree
(potholes!) and that the wheels are difficult to balance.

if the rims are buckled, replace them (but, please not with those stupid
urban rims). otherwise, I'd take it to a good shop, and have them balance
and align them.

Advice appreciated.

wish I could give it

 

[Daniel J. Stern]

1) Occasionally it refuses to start. I turn the ignition and it's dead.
If I have the radio turned on, sometimes the sound is stuttered. Then
maybe 30 seconds later it starts. I'm thinking the battery is about to
die?

Or you've a bad battery cable, or corrosion at either or both end(s) of
either or both battery cable(s), or a faulty master disconnect, or a
faulty ignition switch...

2) Tire wear. Front two tires are wearing on one side, one on the inside and
the other on the outside. It's only started doing this with this set of
tires. It has not been in a collision. I always thought that it would either
scrub the outside of both tires or the inside... but not one of each. I've
been told by the tire shop that the rims are all buckled to some degree
(potholes!) and that the wheels are difficult to balance.

Try a different tire store.

DS

 

[mic canic]

battery cables and corrosion are a big issue on the 98 neons
the front end has some steering linkage that has excessive play and the
alignment is off! take it to another shop and I'm sure they will do a free
inspection