Chrysler Repair: starting problem 99 3.3L Dodge Caravan, dodge grand caravan, 4 digit numbers

Question
QUESTION: 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.3L 4-speed Auto

I just came back from a 1500 miles trip. During the last segment, I had difficulty starting the van! It will take 3-4 secs of cranking and then if I release the key, it will start after like 'gasping' for a second. If I shut the engine off and re-start immediately, it will start perfect! If I let it stay off for even 2-3 minutes, I will have the same difficulty in starting it.
I used original mopar fuel injector cleaner at the start of the trip. The battery is less than a year old.

Thanks for your help.

ANSWER: Hi Shafique,
Two things to try:
Turn the ignition switch:"On-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the odometer window to see if the mileage reading changes to show any 4-digit numbers preceded by P. Let me know what they are if they appear, they are trouble codes that may explain your problem.
Check the egr valve for free movement of its valve stem. This device is located near the throttle body, below it (under the air intake corrigated tube) where it is mounted in a pipe that branches-off from the right exhaust manifold (the one closer to the cabin) and connects to the valve. The valve is mounted horizontally and has a round vacuum-operated top piece, a metal flange between that connects between top and the valve body which is attached to the pipe from the manifold. In the flange area you will see a rod which is the valve stem and it has a circumferential slot in it. Use the tip of a screwdriver to move the stem back and forth against spring-action in one direction that tries to to close the valve. If it doesn't move freely to the closed position then spray some WD-40 on the stem where it enters the body of the valve, and then move the stem back and forth some more to free-up the 'action'. Then see if that makes for reliable starting. If that valve fails to close tightly on its own accord that will lean out the mixture and make for non-starting or poor running when starting up.
Roland

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QUESTION: I did not find any error codes.
I checked the egr valve. I am not sure if it was stuck but I sprayed some WD40 and using a screw driver, I was able to freely move the valve. However, it did not change anything in the starting problem.

I have Haynes manual and tried to check the egr valve by their method (idle at N for one minute, then rev the engine between 2000-3000 rpm and see if the egr valve stem moves). I did not see the egr valve stem move; I am not sure if this means that the egr valve failed (I do not have the vacuum pump needed for further checking as per Haynes manual), however the van does not show anyother sign of egr valve failure i.e., engine knock, hesitation, rough idel, stalling etc.

What do you suggest now? Is there anyother way I can make sure about the egr valve or should check anyother part?

Thanks for your help.

ANSWER: Hi Shafique,
Check to see if the slot of the valve is in the open or closed position when the engine is started and then at 2,000 rpm. The spring-action should move the valve to the closed position. It may be crudded up such that is won't close all the way. The fact that you see no movement between idle and 2000 rpm leads me to believe that it is partially stuck ajar or that the vacuum line which moves the valve is cracked/disconnected. Check those vacuum hoses associated with the egr and egr solenoid to which it is connected. You mkght want to remove the valve and clean out the internal passageway.
Roland

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Roland.
So you believe that it must be the egr valve. I will check the valve in detail, however is there anything else that may be faulty? and worth checking out?

Thanks for your help!

Answer
Hi Shafique,
The fault code readout is the only other approach to finding out a fault that I can recommend you to do easily and without cost. Otherwise it involves a diagnosis with a higher level readout box that looks for questionable engine operating parameters. You can do the code readout as I described or go to an Autozone or similar nationwide parts stores who will do a readout with a plug-in code reader for free.
Roland
PS Thank you for the rating and nomination.