QuestionI have the same problem. Does the answer you have provided apply to the 03 Sebring sedan (2.7 L)? If yes, how do I access the EGR valve? Thanks for the help.
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Expert: Roland Finston
Date: 3/22/2007
Subject: Rough idle after coming to a stop: 2004 Sebring
Question
Sometimes when I am at a red traffic light my car's RPM (IDLE) will move from the normal idle to below the normal the car will start shaking as if it will cut off but will go back to the normal idle and be ok but sometimes it will cut off it will crank right back up with no problems but . . .
Answer
Hi Bessie,
I am not sure which engine is in your late model Sebring, but if it is the 2.5L V-6 my suspicion is that a smog control device called an exhaust gas recirculation valve is failing to close all the way when you are decelerating and coming to a stop. That valve is supposed to be closed at that point and also when you accelerate hard (which I no you don't do) and be open at intermediate pedal positions. You can check it yourself if that is the engine that you have. It is easy to service with a spray can of penetrating lubricant like WD-40. If you had it at the garage and they tested for fault codes and found none, then this is my suggestion for the most likely cause.
The egr valve 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.
Good luck on this simple repair.
Roland
AnswerHi Romulo,
Yes there is an egr valve on the 2.7L engine and it can cause rough idle if there is dirt between the valve and its seat. But it appears to have the egr valve that is electrically operated rather than vacuum operated and the stem does not appear to be accessible externally. But you could disconnect and remove it and check the valve operation internally and verify that it is not clogged up inside. It is located on the end of the engine, just below the throttle valve. Here are the steps:
Remove air inlet tube and resonator to throttle body
Remove throttle cable bracket and reposition
Remove mounting screws at connection of egr tube at intake manifold plenum
Remove screws between egr tube and egr valve
Revove upper tube, being careful not to lose the silicon seals of the tube to manifold connection. Clean the gasket surfaces of the egr valve. Be careful not to get dirt inside the valve which can cause it to leak and cause rough idle. Check the interior of the valve to verify no dirt is keeping the valve from closing all the way.
Install is the reverse. Begin with the tube to manifold connection being sure to properly position silicon seal. Then reconnect egr valve to other end of tube using a new gaskets (buy this ahead of time at a dealer or parts store). Tighten screws at manifold to 80 inch-pounds (a little less than 7 foot-pounds) and the screws at the egr valve proper to 8 foot-pounds. Then reverse the rest of the steps used to take it apartl
Roland
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