Chrysler Repair: rough idle: pre-96 model code readout, coil pack, s games

Question
I have a 1994 Town and Country with 99,000. Did have a problem with it going into safe mode with tranny but a speed sensor fixed that problem. New problem..my van sat for the full month of June.I might add that it was very wet out that month, lots of rain. After that, I have had problems with it running rough especially while idling. The tach will bounce up and down..and it will"surge".I also can smell raw gas at times when it is doing this. At  low speed (like turning a corner or pulling up to a light" it will stall but start right back up. Do not get any check engine light. Was told it could be a dirty injector so bought the expensive stuff, no improvement. I do not use the gas that contains ethanol. It can run fine at times and then start up with it's games. Have also been told that it could be a coil pack. Basic problem, can't afford to throw parts at it and hope we get the right one. Did have a tune up about 6 months ago with new plugs, wires etc. This thing is driving me nuts as each time I take it in it will either immediately start running right or show no codes. Have been told that 1994 does not store codes so the only solution is to bring it in when it is actually doing it. Tried that and the darn thing started running right as soon as I turned into the garages driveway. Any suggestions? I'm at a point where I'm ready to tear my grey hair out.

Answer
Hi Terri,
Here are two ideas to try: first, you can always read out stored codes (yes, the '96 and earlier vehicles do store fault codes in the OBD-I system of codes) that are two-digit numbers. Turn the ignition key:"on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. The check engine light remains 'on', but then begins to flash, pause,flash, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause, then repeat to verify an accurate count. Then group the counts in pairs to form the two-digit codes. If you only get 55, that means you have no codes, because 55 means "end of readout". Anything else could be relevant. Write back and tell me or go to www.allpar.com/fix/codes.html for a list of codes.
Second, check your egr valve to make sure it isn't sticking slightly ajar which will cause rough or no idle. It is located near the throttle body bolted into a pipe that originates at the exhaust manifold and carries some exhaust gas back to the intake. But it has to be closed when you try and start/idle it. There is a round top  and the body of the valve bolted into the pipe; in between those parts is a flange that hides a valve stem that is rod-like and has a slot. The tip of a screwdriver when inserted in the slot can then be used to move the rod back and forth which opens and closes the valve. Make sure that the built-in spring-action causes the valve to close to a dead stop quickly and firmly. If not, then spray some WD-40 on the stem where it enters the body and work it some more until it does.
If you write back tell me which engine you have in the vehicle.
Roland

Thank you for your quick response. The code was 55...my engine is a 3.8 I believe. If possible..could you please advise where to go from here.

Hi Terri,
Thanks for the nomination and info. I would check the egr valve next. Look for a small pipe from the exhaust manifold on the side of the engine next to the firewall to find the valve. It is mounted horizontally underneath the throttle body where the air from the filter comes into the engine. Then do the testing/remediation I described.
Roland