QuestionQUESTION: I have a 1995 Chrysler Cirrus LXI 2.5L and it recently began backfiring and having no power. The only fault code I got from the flashing engine light is 12 then 55. It runs, idles rough, revs up to 6000 rpm in Park and Neutral, but when placed in Drive it bogs down and loses all power but dosn't shut off. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
ANSWER: Hi Adrian,
I assume when you say it 'revs up to 6000', that is not on its own accord!
It sounds to me like a poor mixture situation, some aspect that isn't sensed by the on-board diagnostic computer. I have a couple of ideas: the throttle body throat, butterfly valve plate, and idle air side passageway may be cruddy with dirt/oil so I would remove the air intake and clean out that area. Second is the egr valve which may be stuck ajar which causes poor idle and low end response. Here is an answer I gave to the owner of the same car some time ago:
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.
Give those two ideas a try and see if that solves the problem.
Roland
PS:Please 'rate' my answer and consider giving me a nomination as 'expert of the month'. Thanks
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QUESTION: The egr valve has dirt/oil on it as there is a nearby oil leak. The stem in the egr valve moves at high rpm (over say 2000) - that is it extends and stays extended and the engine revs normally. When its sputtering and backfiring, the valve stem just jumps out (very short travel) and back in and stays in. Does this mean the valve is at fault? or could there be some other problem? The air filter is very clean so i don't suspect that area. The hoses attached to the egr valve seem fine and are securely attached. There is another component (vacuum hose runs from this to the egr valve), I don't know what its called, that has electrical attachments. Could this be at fault? Can you give me an idea of the cost of replacing the egr valve? Thanks.
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Your help is most appreciated, Adrian
Hi Adrian,
Move the valve stem with the tip of a screwdriver in the slot, as I described. If the spring action brings it to a dead stop then it is alright. It is closed in that position and that is where it has to be when idling. It is moving when you rev it which is expected, what you need to be sure of is that it is closing all the way at idle. The throttle body could be very dirty even the air filter is clean. INSPECT IT.
Thanks for the evaluation and nomination.
Roland
