Chrysler Repair: 1997 Chrysler Sebring Convertable, screwdriver blade, penetrating lubricant

Question
I have a 97 Sebring convertable that about 6 months ago when slowing or stopped it would cut off. It would always start back up but you would never know when it was going to cut off. This morning it cut off and everytime I started it back it would shut back down. The check engine light has never come on.  The mechanic I regularly use can not find the problem, he said if the light would come on he could hook it up and find out what it is.  

Answer
Hi Andrea,
I believe that from the history and the present situation it is very likely that you egr valve is stuck slightly ajar which causes the mixture to be too lean to start. It similarly causes the engine to die when you slow down.
The first thing I would do is check the mechanical function of the egr valve which is located along a pipe that runs from the left exhaust manifold (on the side of the engine facing the front of the car) to the intake manifold area (where the incoming air in the large rubber tube enters the throttle). That valve is metal and has a round fitting with a vacuum hose attached, mounted on the top of the valve, and the round part is attached to the main body of the valve by a sort of saddle.  Inside the open saddle you will see a metal rod (with a slot) that connects the round top fitting to to the valve body. That rod is a stem on the valve and it is supposed to go in and out in response to the engine vacuum which varies with RPM and throttle opening (gas pedal position). Take a spray can of WD-40 or other penetrating lubricant and spray the stem where it enters the valve body and then use a regular screwdriver blade tip inserted in the slot to lever the valve in and out to try and free up its motion. Also check all the rubber vacuum hoses associated with the valve and a nearby vacuum solenoid valve. If the valve seems to open (against the action of a spring) and close firmly by the spring action when using the screwdriver blade to facilitate the motion, then you should be able to now start the engine. You can, once it is idling, check that the valve stem moves when you rev the engine from idle to 2500 rpm and back to idle. If it still won't start, then removing and cleaning the interior of the valve, or buying a new one if it seems too crudy and corroded inside, is the next step to getting the engine to start.
You can do this yourself or show the answer to the mechanic.

Roland
PS Please 'rate' my answer. Thanks.