Chrysler Repair: Engine shutsdown at near idle rpm, exhaust gas recirculation valve, exhaust gas recirculation

Question
I have a 1997 Plymouth Voyager (Rallye package)that has the engine shutdown for no apparent reason.  I will start the van and begin to move in reverse and it will die sometimes.  While I am driving the van and coming to a corner to stop or slowly going around the engine will shutdown sometimes.  The check engine light will come on and the oil indicator just before it dies.  I have had sensors replaced and it seems to do it more often now.  It is almost like the engine is not getting enough fuel to keep it running.  The tachometer will go down below 500 just before it dies.  Can you give me any suggestions, please?

Answer
Hi Robert,
Two things to try: fault code readout and check the action of the egr valve.
You can get a free readout at Autozone parts stores I am told, or a low cost readout on a special at independent garages. Ask for the fault code number, what it means, what to do, and how much it will cost. Then write back with the results and we can compare that to the shop manuals. But tell me which size engine you have.
A tendency to die at or near idle is often caused by a too lean mixture as the result of dilution resulting from exhaust gases getting back into the intake manifold via the exhaust gas recirculation valve which needs to be fully closed under these conditions. You will find it located in a pipe that connects from one of the exhaust manifolds back to the intake at the throttle body. It has a body bolted into the pipe, a round vacuum actuator separated from the body by a flange. Inside the flange you will see a rod with a circumferential slot. Insert the tip of a screwdriver in the slot and move the stem up and down, against spring action in one direction. This is the valve stem and it should close tightly by the spring action. If it seems to be sticky in its closing then spray some WD-40 on the stem where it enters the valve to free it up.
Let me know what you learn, please. I hope this will be helpful.
Roland