I had a second generation 2003 Dodge Neon that had very long start times. It would crank for 5-10 seconds before it started.
After reading through the forums I found that Neon’s have a Pressure Regulator which is also a fuel filter that keeps the gas pressure in lines when the car is turned off.
When the pressure regulator/fuel filter goes bad the pressure in the lines does not hold and causes long start times.
There are other things that can cause long start times but for this Neon it was the pressure regulator that was the cause.
Here are the steps to replacing the Fuel Filter / Pressure Regulator.
I made a video at the bottom of the page for a visual walk through.
Keep in mind every Neon will have aged differently, with different weather, and had owners that aged them all differently.
For me living in the south west which is mostly desert there is less rust than a car in the South or by an ocean would have, and so on.
How to Replace a Fuel Filter / Pressure Regulator on a Dodge Neon (1999 – 2005)
- The pressure regulator is located beneath the passenger side of the car directly in front of the back tire.
- Unplug the power clip.
- The pressure regulator is then turned to the left (counter-clockwise) and pulled out.
- A Blue clip will hold the gas line on that will need to be removed and placed on the new regulator. Push in the sides of the clip and the line should come off.
- Put the Blue clip on the new regulator.
- It is a good idea to wipe some oil on the rubber O-Rings so they seal good.
- Install the regulator by turning it into place clock-wise. For me the tab pointed to the left when in.
- Plug all the lines back in.
- After it is all back together it is a good idea to prime the line. This is done since all the fuel has drained out of the line and there is no gas from the regulator to the engine.
To prime the line simply turn the key to the on position so the pump kicks on then wait 3-5 seconds and then do it again.
After doing this 3-5 times the car should start right up.
Summary
This is a basic over view on how to swap out the fuel filter / pressure regulator on a second gen Dodge Neon.
As always take it to a mechanic if you do not feel comfortable working on your car.
Every aged car will be different, one may have more rust while another may have had a rock come up underneath bending parts.
I my son had a 2000 neon and it’s hard start when it starts it idles rough and when you drive it there is no power. Like it feels like it’s not getting fuel. I replaced plugs and wires. And still no change was looking for a fuel filter but can’t find it. But now I know it’s in gas tank. Question can fuel pressure regulator cause car to idle rough and restrict fuel from getting to the engine?
Yes, they can become clogged and block the flow. A fuel rail pressure test will show if the gas is being blocked.
Thank you for the sensible information. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do some research about this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more from this post. I am very glad to see such magnificent information being shared freely out there.
I changed my fuel filter/ regulator and my car wont run it started after a few cranks but wouldn’t stay running. Few cranks later Got it to idle. But eventually died. It acts like it’s not getting fuel. I give it gas and it only helps kill the engine. What did i do wrong?
I need to change the regulator on my car, however, Im researching buying one and I see in the specifications that the fuel pressure regulators, have different operating pressures. The $40 one has an operating pressure of 49. The $120 one has an operating pressure of 58. Do you know which one is the correct one? And what “operating pressures” really means for that?
Helpful video When removing the pressure regulator/filter will gas leak out? Should you make sure you are close to empty before removing it?