30th Aug 2005, 19:42
I have a 96 Dodge Neon, it basically runs well, but I have the same problem. When it rains the water runs in through the trunk & onto the rear passenger floor, the gas gauge either reads full or empty & the speedometer works off & on.
9th Aug 2006, 09:46
I have a 1996 Dodge neon, my car does the same thing also. Gas gauge will go completely empty, and speedometer work off and on, it can be very annoying, I am trying to find a way to get it fixed though.
15th Nov 2006, 17:57
Actually, believe it or not, the speedometer problem is an easy fix. You'll need to remove the instrument cluster, but this is actually a lot easier than it sounds. If you pop the top cover off of the dash and remove it (just put a screwdriver underneath it, and pry up gently on both the driver and passenger side), this gives you access to the instrument panel.
Take out the 4 screws that hold the panel in place and just pop it right out of the dash. Then take it over to workbench (or inside if you're like me and doing this stuff in your driveway) and remove the screws that hold the dust cover in place over the circuit board (these require an allen wrench BTW).
Then take all the screws that hold the circuit board in place to the instrument panel, and remove the board.
Flip it over, you'll see two rows of 6 connectors on each side - this is where the connectors that plug into the dash connect to the circuit board.
Take a soldering iron and heat each one of these connectors until the solder melts and changes color; it only takes a few seconds per connector. Once you've done all the connectors, just put the instrument panel back together and go plug it back into your dash. Replace the top cover and you're all set, your speedometer and other gauges will work great with no further problems.
I own two Neons, and have had to do this to both of them; haven't had a gauge problem with either since.
21st Dec 2008, 17:27
Your water leaking in your trunk and then the back seat area ( neon ) is caused by water leaking past your tail lights. I had the same problem when I replaced a tail light assy. I just used sealant around the tail light assy and then everything was fine. Hope this helps.
24th Aug 2009, 16:08
One other thing to remember on repairing your instrument cluster: undo the neg. battery cable. Otherwise you risk blowing your air bag or frying the cluster.
I also have the same problem with my speedometer on my '95 Neon. It only works once in a while. Will try the same repair stated.
31st Dec 2009, 16:54
I have a 1996 Dodge Neon that had leaks in the trunk and back floor... it comes from the tail lights. Put black silicone all around and it will fix the problem!
10th Dec 2010, 12:49
I had a problem with my 96 speedometer working on & off. I did the re-soldering and it works like a charm. Thanks for the info. Saved me money, & more importantly, time!
18th Aug 2011, 18:42
My mother in law's 96 Dodge Neon instrument cluster (all gauges) goes out on and off. Is this that solder related issue, or could it be crimped wires on the cluster harness. They really squeezed those in there!! How do you take each individual wire out of the harness sleeve to repair crimped wires??
5th Aug 2003, 11:03
I am having the same problem with water when it rains. I get water in the trunk and then it runs onto the floor of the back seat. Have tried to find the leak, but to no avail.