When the check engine light on a Chrysler Neon comes on, it signals that the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected a potential issue--ranging from misfires and sensor malfunctions to emissions-related problems--that requires further investigation. Prioritizing data from a comprehensive OBD-II scan is essential to accurately identify whether factors like oxygen sensor failure, catalytic converter inefficiency, or even a loose gas cap are causing the warning light to illuminate.
Chrysler Neon check engine light on meaning
Timing Belt Skipped
Timing belt skipped 1 tooth or more from initial learned value.
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Sensor Issue
Intermittent loss of either camshaft or crankshaft position sensor signal.
No Crank Reference Signal
No crank reference signal detected during engine cranking.
Direct Battery Input Disconnected
Direct battery input to PCM was disconnected within the last 50 key-on cycles.
MAP Sensor Voltage Too Low
MAP sensor voltage too low.
No Vehicle Speed Sensor Signal
No vehicle speed sensor signal.
Closed Loop Temperature Not Reached
Closed loop temperature not reached or engine cold too long.
Oxygen Sensor Problem
Upstream or downstream oxygen sensor problem.
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Out of Range
Engine coolant temperature sensor out of range.
Intake Air Temperature Sensor Out of Range
Intake air temperature sensor out of range.
Throttle Position Sensor Out of Range
Throttle position sensor out of range.
Idle Air Control Motor Circuits Issue
Idle air control motor circuits issue, target idle not reached.
Injector Control Circuit Issue
Injector control circuit issue.
Evap Purge Flow Monitor Failure
Evap purge flow monitor failure or evap solenoid circuit issue.
EGR System Failure
EGR system failure.
A/C Clutch Relay Circuit Issue
A/C clutch relay circuit issue.
Speed Control Solenoid Circuits Issue
Speed control solenoid circuits issue.
Rad Fan Control Relay Circuit Issue
Rad fan control relay circuit issue.
Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Circuit Issue
Torque converter clutch solenoid circuit or park/neutral switch failure.
Generator Field Not Switching Properly
Generator field not switching properly.
Fuel Pump Relay Control Circuit Issue
Fuel pump relay control circuit issue.
Multiple Cylinder Misfire
Multiple or single cylinder misfire.
Battery Temperature Sensor Volts Out of Range
Battery temperature sensor volts out of range.
Charging System Voltage Too Low
Charging system voltage too low.
Fuel System Lean
Fuel system running lean.
Fuel System Rich
Fuel system running rich.
Internal Control Failure
Internal control failure.
No Cam Signal at PCM
No cam signal at PCM.
PCM Failure
PCM failure.
Catalytic Converter Efficiency Failure
Catalytic converter efficiency failure.
Power Steering Switch Failure
Power steering switch failure.
Crankshaft/Camshaft Timing Misalignment
Crankshaft/camshaft timing misalignment.
O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Issues
O2 sensor heater circuit issues (low or high).
Surge Valve Solenoid Circuit Issue
Surge valve solenoid circuit issue.
Manifold Pressure/Throttle Position Correlation Issue
Manifold pressure/throttle position correlation issue (high flow/vacuum leak).
Ambient Temperature Sensor Issues
Ambient temperature sensor issues (stuck, performance, low, high).
MAP Sensor Performance Issues
MAP sensor performance issues (low or high voltage).
Intake Air Temperature Sensor Issues
Intake air temperature sensor issues (stuck, performance).
Idle Speed Performance Issues
Idle speed performance issues (low or high).
IAC Valve Sense Circuit Issues
IAC valve sense circuit issues (low or high).
Invalid Skim Key
Invalid skim key.
Battery Temperature Sensor Issues
Battery temperature sensor issues (low or high).
Oil Pressure Sensor Low
Oil pressure sensor reading low.
Power Steering Switch Performance Issue
Power steering switch performance issue.
Battery Voltage Issues
Battery voltage issues (low or high).
Serial Communication Link Issue
Serial communication link issue.
Internal Memory Checksum Invalid
Internal memory checksum invalid.
Generator Field Control Circuit Issue
Generator field control circuit issue.
Fuel Pump Relay Circuit Issue
Fuel pump relay circuit issue.
VIN Not Programmed in PCM
VIN not programmed in PCM.
Odometer Not Programmed in PCM
Odometer not programmed in PCM.
Skim Key Not Programmed in PCM
Skim key not programmed in PCM.
ASD Relay Control Circuit Issue
ASD relay control circuit issue.
For car users
If your Chrysler Neon's check engine light is on, first perform simple checks: ensure the gas cap is secured tightly, then verify that oil and coolant levels are adequate, and if possible, use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve any error codes. Based on these findings, prioritize scheduling a professional diagnostic appointment to determine the precise issue and avoid further damage while driving carefully until repairs are completed.
Ignoring the check engine light
Ignoring the check engine light on your Chrysler Neon can mean that issues like engine misfires, fuel system inefficiencies, or sensor malfunctions are left unresolved--problems that can reduce fuel economy by approximately 10-15% and lead to increased emissions. Over time, postponing necessary maintenance may compound these issues, potentially resulting in repairs costing anywhere from $500 to $1500 or more, along with further compromises in overall vehicle performance and reliability.
How to reset?
Using an OBD-II scanner, connect to the Chrysler Neon's diagnostic port, record any error codes, and then use the scanner's clear or reset function to turn off the check engine light--this method preserves your vehicle's memory of recent driving data while eliminating stored errors. Alternatively, you can disconnect the negative battery cable for 10-15 minutes to reset the engine computer, but ensure you address any underlying issues since the light will likely reappear if the actual problem persists.
When the Chrysler Neon's check engine light comes on, a professional diagnostic scan usually costs between $80 and $150, with basic fixes--such as a loose gas cap or faulty sensor--adding another $100 to $400. If more significant engine or emissions component issues are detected, total repair expenses can exceed $500, making precise diagnosis essential for controlling costs.
Future prevention
Regular maintenance is key: regularly inspect and replace critical components like oxygen sensors, spark plugs, and the mass airflow sensor, and ensure the gas cap is tight to prevent misfires and fuel vapor leaks that trigger the check engine light in your Chrysler Neon. Additionally, adhere to scheduled tune-ups, use high-quality fuel and oil, and run periodic diagnostic scans to catch issues early and maintain optimal engine performance.