Wiring Problems of Dodge Neon - part 1

This car has a defective design. The multifunction switch that controls the turn signals, headlights, and foglights continuously blows fuses. The dealer quoted me over $98. 00 per hour to "diagnose" the problem, and could not offer any hope of how many hours it would take to fix. This is a manufacturing defect, as no circuit components have been altered in any way. I obtained a new multifunction switch, hoping this would fix the problem. On further investigation, the wiring harness connector is cracked due to heat and partially melted. The individual spade connectors are blackened due to excessive current draw through them. This is dangerous at best, potentially catastrophic at worst.

See all problems of the 2001 Dodge Neon 🔎.

Odor of burning plastic, caused by overheated wiring (pin 16) on turn signal and light control. Light would only function on low beam ; while high beam indicator was lit . Fog lamps have been lit ,when switch is headlamp on position, for three years. They could not be turned off unless you used left turn signal. When headlamp malfunctioned I bought replacement switch. During installation, found wiring harness terminal was difficult to remove, as it was malformed and brittle due to excess heat. I took pictures to document wire position; there is no pin 15 or 10 : also no wire to terminal positions 15,10, and 12. There is a pin 12 on the switch.

See all problems of the 2003 Dodge Neon 🔎.

Started to see smoke and then the headlights stopped working properly. After disassembling the wiring connector from the headlight switch, I discovered the connector had overheated to the point it was charred and crumbling to pieces. This is not a misuse by operator, but a safety failure of the electrical system. This could have resulted in a fire as the fuse protecting this circuit did not fail when the circuit obviously overheated and melted and charred the plastic connector.

Smelled hot wiring and headlights stopped working properly. After disassembling the wiring connector from the headlight switch, I discovered the connector had overheated to the point it was charred and crumbling to pieces. This is not a misuse by operator, but a safety failure uf the electrical system. This could have resulted in a fire as the fuse protecting this circuit did not fail when the circuit obviously overheated and melted and charred the plastic connector. I have pictures of the part if you would like them.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Neon. The contact stated that the instrumental panel lights, brake lights and the directional lights failed while driving. In addition, a burning odor was emitted from the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have a diagnostic performed. The contact attempted to replace the multifunctional switch but was unable to because the multifunctional switch wiring harness connection failed due to defective plastic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 160,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Neon. The contact stated that smoke was emitted from the steering wheel and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the main ground wiring to the engine was melted and caused the vehicle to stall. In addition, the wiring harness and multi-function switch was also melted. The VIN was not available. The failure and the current mileage was 125,000.

First the fog lights would turn on and off randomly when the headlights were on. Upon inspection of the multi-function switch, I noticed a portion of the plug had melted from extreme heat. Most likely due to a poor design in the wiring, the circuits or the multi-function switch. Had this been left unnoticed it could easily result in extensive damages, fire or personal harm.

On several occasions, smoke has been emitted from behind the steering column. Initially, fog lights would not turn off. Later, smoke came from behind the steering column, and the fog lights turned off, but would not turn on. 1 month later, more smoke came from behind the steering column, with a bad odor, and the headlights stopped working. Now, I have had to buy the mfs (multi-function switch) but it does not work, as the wiring harness and wires are burned. The Dodge dealer says that the entire wiring loom has to be replaced for several thousand dollars. I have researched online, and have found several complaints of the same issue. My concern is that headlights, taillights, turn signals, etc, should be a safety issue, and I have seen that many other Neon owners have had taillights go out, turn signals not operate, etc. I checked 7 cars in junk yards today, and found that all of them had burned wires and harnesses. Dodge should remedy this issue, which is clearly related to safety.

The fog light switch stopped working, therefore the fog lights were always on. After stopping at a friends house and the lights worked fine, the headlights and fog lights would not turn on, and the bright lights could only be turned on by pulling and holding the arm back. There was an odd smell, but I thought a fuse must have blown. Changing the fuse did not allow the lights to work. I drove the car home behind our other vehicle, and was stopped by the police with no headlights. I explained the situation and they gave me a warning to have the lights fixed. So I made an appointment the next day to have the lights checked. They found the multi function switch was melted and the wiring harness had to be replaced. I am concerned that this could have happened to my wife with children in the car. No headlights driving at night.

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Neon. While driving 30 mph with the headlights illuminated, the fog lights suddenly illuminated without warning. The steering wheel began to emit smoke and became unusually hot in temperature. She was able to drive the vehicle home; however, a burning smell filled the cabin of the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and stated that either the wiring harness or the multi-function switch had failed. There were no recalls for the failure and the vehicle was not repaired when the complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 93,000 and the current mileage was 97,000. Updated 4/26/10 updated 05/06/10.

See all problems of the 2004 Dodge Neon 🔎.

December 2008, headlights working fine during trip, stopped for gas, and headlights would not come back on. Used high beams for about 20 minutes and then switched to low beams were then working. Happened at least once a month for the next year. Early March, noticed a burning smell, thought it was outside, lights were working fine. While driving alone at night April 2009, tried to use high beams, but multifunction switch would not stay in place, had to hold the switch back for high beams to work. My hands became very warm sitting on the steering wheel, felt closer to the steering column and was incredibly hot. There was nowhere to stop, had to keep driving another hour or so. Stopped for 5 minutes and shut off vehicle, when vehicle turned back on, headlights wouldn't work. Had to drive with only parking lights at 2am, very unsafe! ever since, headlights no longer work. This has clearly been an issue, and it very easy to find information and other complaints about this same problem. This could have clearly become an even worse problem. Tried to replace the multifunction switch, but the plug was melted in place. Parts were burned black and brown and incredibly brittle from the intense heat that emanated from the wiring. This final problem happened at about 90,000 miles. I am still currently waiting to find the large sum of money to get this fixed. I am currently not able to drive at night , since I do not have proper lighting. Afraid to even use parking lights, as this supplies electrical juice to the switch and could possibly cause a fire, as I have read about other owner's problems.

At 60,000 miles my 2003 Dodge Neon r/t started smoking from the steering column. At the time I thought it was dust caught by the sunlight and since nothing appeared to be wrong with my car, I forgot about it - one week later- I started by car and my headlights wouldn't work, concerned and remembering the "dust in the sunlight the week before, I called the Dodge dealership in the area and dropped off my car a little while later. Turns out the wiring harness on the steering column had overheated and melted together ( there was also a problem with the gas tank pressure but I could never get them to tell exactly what the problem was) luckily the harness was not completely destroyed so the wires could just be replaced. I asked them what caused the problem and if they were just replacing wires, well, wouldn't it happen again? once again all I got were vague non commitale answers, a 1,200 dollar bill, plus, I was refused a courtesy vehicle - yeah I had to foot the bill fr driving a rental car for a week. I research this problem and found that the 1996 Neon had been recalled for this same problem but the cause of the problem was never fixed, also, the pt cruiser has the same defect. The dealership told me that it was not possible and basically what went wrong was my fault, some how. Again very vague and non-committal. I found out that unless a problem is a safety issue, meaning I guess that a few people have to die, a recall will not be issued.

My headlights & fog lights stopped working last week. The only way I was able to drive in the dark was holding my high-beams on. I took my car to the shop on Friday, it was $500 to replace a burnt wiring harness & multifunction switch. There was no warning that this system would stop working. I had no choice but to pay for the repairs because of the time change and the fact it gets darker earlier, I had to have headlights to go work. I think this is something Dodge should have warned their customers about or replaced. Something failed in the system, this is not normal wear and tear.

See all problems of the 2002 Dodge Neon 🔎.

Wiring melted in steering column and head lights would not work. Had to have dealer repair wiring, replace headlight switch.

In 2004 I had to replace the wiring harness and the multi function switch, fast forward to April 2008 and the same symptoms occurred, dangerously hot steering column, and smoke coming out of it. I think they need to be replaced again (original cost to replace was $1,100). I am extremely disappointed that this problem has not been a reason for a recall, does someone need to die before this can be implemented? I searched online and found that I am not the only one that this has happened to.

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Neon. While driving (mph unknown) he heard a loud ringing noise then the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that he was able to restart to vehicle after adjusting the wiring harness. The mechanic stated that the main cable into the battery caused the failure and they made the repair. Approximately five months later the failure occurred again. The failure mileage was 34,880 and current mileage was 36,000. The VIN, engine size and number of cylinders were unavailable. The mechanic stated that the main cable into the battery caused the failure and they made the repair. Approximately five months later the failure occurred again. The failure mileage was 33,880 and current mileage was 36,000. Updated 04-07-08.

I have a 1996 Dodge Neon that keeps blowing fuel pump fuses when shifting to 3rd gear. It is an electrical short that I found in same vehicle made few months sooner July through November car in 1995 through 1996 I feel this is still happening my car is at risk to catch fire. Would greatly appreciate if this could be resolve and checked out. Thank you.

See all problems of the 1996 Dodge Neon 🔎.

- the contact stated that while attempting to drive the 2003 Dodge Neon with 52500 failure mileage the headlights did not work. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and they informed the contact that the problem with the headlights was a failure in the wiring. The current mileage was 53000 miles.

2003 Dodge srt-4 (55k) was driving on the freeway and heard a pop. I smelled a foul odor as if something was burning but went away. I did not see any smoke, the windows were down. The car was still riding smoothly so I continue my drive home. Was not till that evening I noticed my headlights or fog lights would not turn on. I did some research on the "forums" and read about similar issues. Apparently my mfs (multi function switch) has failed during my drive and it is confirmed that I have a burnt hole under my connecter in the steering column. This is very dangerous. This could have literally started a fire during my drive and or shut off my lights driving at night. I have read that this has actually happened. Car is at the dealership right now being fixed with my own money!.

2003 Dodge Neon srt-4 multifunction switch failure. The wiring connector to the switch is melted. Low beam headlights and fog lights will not turn on. Can provide pictures.

Multi-function light switch on the column causing wiring harness connector to melt and catch fire. Bright headlights would come on for no reason and not go off. Back of switch itself getting very hot. Replaced the wire harness connector but problem still occurs, cannot turn headlights on for extended amount of time or connector melts and catches fire again.

Headlights and fog lights not working. Multifunction switch shorting out, the 20 plug wiring harness that connects to the lights portion of the switch gets literally burnt and melts.

(1)headlights and driving lights ( that was put on by Dodge) went out. (2) wire harness and turn signal/ headlight switch at steering wheel melted together. !!!!! never blowing a fuse !!!!! found out the driving lights were staying on at highbeam. When they were supposed to go out. (3) replacing the switch and had the end of the wire harness replaced. Old part is not available (forgot to get from mechanic).

The contact recently purchased a vehicle, and when checking out the vehicle it had serious problems. The frame was bent, the radiator was bent into the fan, the air cleaner was not bolted on the side, the radiator was painted red and bent, the core supplier was damaged, and underneath the hood the wiring was frayed. The contact just had the car inspected by a mechanic, and he found the aforementioned things wrong with the car. The contact was upset that the dealership would sell a car in that condition. The car is a 2002 Dodge Neon. The contact would contact ftc on the dealership selling the car in that condition.

This problem has been continuous. The problem I am having with my 1996 Dodge Neon has also been identified within this same year and model car and a recall was issued, however my car did not come from the same plant as the recalled Neons. This does not change the fact that the same problem has been identified in the same product!! the Dodge dealership said they would not honor the recall for my Neon. Is there anything I can do about this?.

Wires on compressor plug broke, compressor would not come on. Crimped wire back together.

See all problems of the 2000 Dodge Neon 🔎.

Upon purchasing my car, brand new in 2004, I have had several problems with it. After a short year of having my car my power windows went out, shortly after my front door speakers stopped working and my radio/cd player often doesn't work correctly. . . Cd discs will get stuck in player and continually play until car is shut off and sometimes that doesn't even resolve problem. Front brakes started to squeak and groan constantly, I took the vehicle to the dealership 4 times to have them try to fix brakes. While having brake problems, check engine light came on and car started to chug and jerk frequently. Took back to dealership, diagnostic showed #4 cylinder misfire, had plugs and wires replaced, however check engine light came back on after driving car <10 miles. Took car back to dealership 4 times to fix, on the fourth occasion they finally found a broken ring leading to the motor, problem is still unresolved. I then called warranty people to discover that my ring is covered under my power-train warranty after having been told by the dealership the ring couldn't be fixed. Was also told by the dealership that the wiring was faulty in the radio player and not the speakers.

My 2003 Dodge Neon, purchased from carmax near lax in inglewood, CA. It now has under 24000 miles, and has stalled in traffic 7 times in the past 1500 miles, twice failing to re-start in traffic, and once again in a parking garage. The 1st time was about 5 months ago in west los angeles. The vehicle re-started only after a jump from aaa, and stalled 2 more times as I drove to the carmax location for service. Carmax failed to find anything wrong to explain the stall, & found only a loose battery terminal bolt, which they said caused the stalling. They tightened the bolt and returned the car to me. Less than 5 weeks later, the car stalled 3 times again around town, restarted after 20 minutes, and finally stalled in santa monica, when the entire electrical system died, no brake lights or safety hazard lights at all, and the car would not restart. I had Chrysler towing take the car to buerge Chrysler in west la, and they could not duplicate the problem, & declared that the battery was fine. They said a service bulletin suggested "flashing the power control module", which they did. The car was returned to service. Less than 6 weeks later, the car stalled on the road twice again, and once more in an underground parking garage, where it would not restart: again, no power at all, no brake lights or hazard lights. The car was again towed to buerge, and 2 days later they claimed to have found a defective connector on the battery grounding cable, which was replaced. The car was returned to service. When a car is barely 2 years old with less than 24000 miles on it, and stalls 7 times, 3 times stranding the driver, in the midst of traffic, this must be considered a significant safety hazard. I still owe the bank $$ for this lemon, and am afraid to venture too far for fear that the alleged fixes of tighteedg bolts, flashed pcms, and replaced connectors may not be certain fixes. Chrysler needs to get to the bottom of this inexcusable problem.

Feb 18,2005 while driving my car all of a sudden the headlights failed the car was taken to my mechanic and it was determined that the headlight switch was faulty and the wiring harness and connector had melted.

I have had the same thing happen to two different 2000 Dodge Neons. My headlights go out and then I have smoking around the steering wheel. The wiring harness to the headlights has burnt up. When I went to the dealer they said it was not a recall and my vehicle is not under warranty. It will cost about 3000 to replace.

Electronic system failure.

While sitting at an intersection vehicle stalled. Consumer restarted vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that spark plugs needed to be replaced, and computer needed to be reprogrammed.

While driving 35 mph steering column caught on fire. Consumer extinguished the fire by turning off the turn signals. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the turn signal switch and wiring harness needed to be replaced.

The vehicle's wiring harness failed and caused the engine to stall intermittently.

A problem with a wiring harness on my 2002 Dodge Neon has caused the head lights to suddenly fail on my vehicle while I was driving at night. According to my auto repair man, the wiring harness connected to the switch on the steering column that operates the lights suddenly burned out. This caused the head lights to fail repeadtedly. Daimlerchrysler, makers of the vehicle, told my auto mechanic that they have no repair manual for this harness, and that the harness would have to be replaced at a cost of $1,000 to $1,500 to me.