Chrysler Repair: 96 2.0L Neon: hesitates on acceleration, exhaust gas recirculation valve, exhaust gas recirculation

Question
Hello, Hoping you can help :)
I brought a 96 Chrysler neon automatic 2.0 LX Auto petrol. The problem happens now and then when Im driving along and then suddenly I get no power from the accelerator. The car moves as it normally does while in the (D) position as automatics do. But when I press the accelerator I get nothing. I have taken the car to 2 garages and they both cant figure out what the problem is and the problem doesnt happen when they drive it. If I leave it for several hours or over night the problem goes.
Any ideas would be a fantastic help. I’m really fond of this car & its lovely to drive and comfortable & my kids love it. But I cant trust it when it comes to collecting my kids from there several clubs as I might not be able to reach them. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
BTW I dont get the "Engine needs service" light on when it happens. The light does work as it lights when I start the car up
Thanks again
Keith


Answer
Hi Keith,
Even though the check engine light doesn't come on there still could be fault codes stored in the memory of the controller. Use the ignition key:"on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the check engine to see it begin to flash, pause, flash, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause. Then repeat to be sure of an accurate set of counts. If you only get two groups of flashes with 5 in each that indeed means there are no codes. But any additional flash counts before the 5's are relevant.
The other possibility is that the egr (exhaust gas recirculation valve) is sticking slightly ajar when you step on the gas. Look for it to be installed in a small pipe attached to the exhaust manifold that is routed back toward the throttle body. You will find that it has a round top with a vacuum line attached that is separated from the body of the valve by a flange. Inside the flange area you will see a rod which is the valve stem. It has a circumferential slot into which you can insert the tip of a screwdriver so as to allow you to move the stem back and forth. There is spring-action trying to close the valve to a dead stop. If the movement seems sticky then spray some WD-40 on the stem where it enters the valve body and work the stem some more. If it now closes tightly you may have solved the problem.
Roland