Chrysler Repair: stalling, vacuum leak, chrysler 300m

Question
in have a 2001 chrysler 300m that keeps stalling when the brake is applied.  I had it to a repair shop that seemed to have had it forever , said it had a vacuum leak but couldn't find it .  took it to the dealership who told me it was the EGR valve. The service engine light has been on forever, as a matter of fact I took it to the dealer when it first came and they told me I just needed to tighten my gas cap. So the next day when it came back on (even though I didn't open it to put gas in it) I just thought what the heck. Of course that has been a long time but it just started stalling about two weeks ago. And of course the bad thing is that I take it to the shop, and whether or not you do it, most think women don't know what they are talking about.  The work force out there is horrible and getting worse.Would the valve be where to start or is there a less expensive alternative?  You know it is almost to the point of having a car just for looks, you can't hardly afford to drive them with the price of gas and repairs.

Answer
Hi Trina,
I just found your question in the "pool".
I would get a readout of any fault codes stored in the engine controller. You can get this done for free at an Autozone parts store or for about $40 at an independent shop. Ask what are the fault code numbers, what they mean, what should be done, and how much? Then write back and we'll go from there. Tell me which engine you have in the car.
Roland