Chrysler Repair: 2000 Dodge Neon - Stalls while driving, exhaust gas recirculation valve, exhaust gas recirculation

Question
I have a 2000 Dodge Neon that recently has been stalling while driving.  It will go about 10 miles or so and then as soon as you come to a stop it will sputter like it is starving for gas.  It will restart, but only to stall againg as soon as you get moving.  I have been told by the mechanic that they "think" it's the fuel pump. The check engine light has not come on so they cannot diagnose the problem that way.  I have already spent $800 to replace the clutch because they originally thought it was slipping.  Could it possibly be the cam sensor or the timing belt? Please let me know what you think. Thank you!

Answer
Hi Jennifer,
The check engine light doesn't always come on when you have a problem with the cam or crank sensor. The light is really to alert you to the fact that a problem that increases emissions has occured. I would get a code readout (for free at an Autozone Parts store or for about $40 from an independent shop) to see if in fact you have a problem with either sensor. The stalling out like you describe is consistent with a failing sensor, one or the other, and the code if present will tell us which. Don't replace anything till you get a readout of the codes. the Cam code is 0340 and the cam fault code is 0320. They are fairly easy to replace if you want to do it yourself.
Tell me which engine you have if you want to do it yourself.
If the stalling occurs only when you come to a stop, then I would suspect that the exhaust gas recirculation valve is not closing tightly which it has to do at idle or the engine will stall. That too is something you can check for yourself but I need to know which engine is in the car to tell you about that. It often sticks ajar and causes this sort of stalling and will not always be detected so won't set a fault code.
Roland