QuestionHi, My 2.5L Avenger started acting up a few weeks ago. The check engine light came on and the RPMs started dropping to 0 at high speeds. Progressively, it got worse and would stay at 0 RPM few a few seconds and shoot right back up. I took it to one of those auto places, where they hook up their computer and give me the code, which was the EGR valve. So I had someone clean the EGR, and it continued to get worse. My car started stalling after it warmed up. Every time I came to a stop, it would shut off. So I took it to the closest garage (never been to) to get a full diagnostic check. They told me, the only thing that they can think of is the PCM, and they didn’t sound too confident in their answer. I just want to be sure that is what it most likely is, because if it is I’m just going to get rid of the car even though I love it. Also, when I went to the garge to get some of my belongings out the power locks wouldn't work right.
AnswerHi Nicole,
I would not replace the PCM on the basis of "the only thing that they can think of". There are fault codes for a faulty pcm so absent that there is little prospect that replacing the pcm will help. I wonder about the "clean the egr". Both that code and how you describe the problem certainly makes me believe that it is still your problem (unless that code is now gone; did the last garage read the codes and if so what are they?).
The egr will commonly stick ajar and in so doing cause a too lean fuel/air mixture which causes the stall to occur when you slow to a stop. That valve is located underneath the fat hose that runs from the coolant filler pipe to the radiator, just next to the front edge of the power distribution electrical box front end where it says "Fuse". It is mounted horizontally. You may be able to see that it has a round top, and a valve body bolted to a pipe. Between the top and the body is an open flange area where the valve stem (a rod with a slot) is located. If you spray some WD-40 on the stem where it enters the body of the valve, and then with the tip of a screwdriver inserted in the slot move the stem back and forth (against spring-action in one direction that tries to close the valve) you can loosen up the stem action so that the spring closes the valve firmly to a dead stop.
Then drive the car and see if that solves the problem. You don't have to take off the egr valve, just lubricate it as described. If you can't do it yourself, have a mechanically inclined friend do it.
This is a very simple fix, possibly all you need to do.
On the door locks, what do you mean by "don't work right"?
Roland
