Chrysler Repair: 90 Chrysler LaBaron Just Quits Running, chrysler labaron, exhaust gas recirculation valve

Question
I have a 90 Chrysler LaBaron and it just quits running while you are going down the road.   And sometimes it just won't start for awhile.   When I try and start it...the tach does not move, but it is turning over like it is suppose to.  Then if I keep trying to start it I might see the tach jump once in a while and then usually shortly after that it will start...then run for a few min. and quit again.   This seems to have everyone stumped here.   I saw on one of your answers about doing a check engine light check.   I went out and did that and it came out 3 - 2 - 5 - 5 .  I tried going to the site you mentioned to find the codes...but still couldn't find the codes...too many options and didn't know which one to click on.  So, please give me some ideas as to where to start with this one.  Thanks...Barb

Answer
Hi Barb,
You've done good, so far! The 55 code just means "end of readout" The 32 code says that the exhaust gas recirculation valve is malfunctioning which indeed can cause the engine to stall and be hard to restart. The only wrinkle is that unless you have the 2.5L 4 cyl non-turbo or the 3.0L 6 cyl( but that one would have to be sold originally in California) you don't have an egr which can produce a 'phantom' 32 code because of its absence. So evaluate that issue first.
The on and off tachometer observation is quite relevant because it suggests that the signal from the distributor that times the spark also may be flakey, which can also behave just the way that you describe. But it should soon cause the appearance of an 11 code, so keep checking for that one.
If the egr is moot, then I would probably recommend replacing the sensor in the distributor which costs about $40 and you can do it yourself, if the hassle of proving that you have an 11 code is more than you want to deal with. It is called a hall-effect sensor and it fits under the distributor cap and rotor and plugs in quite easily.
If you do have an egr valve then I would suggest that you locate it, on the 4 cyl it is between the firewall and the engine, closer to the passenger side. I would start by simply spraying the rod which is the valve stem with WD-40 so as to free up the valve action. It is located in a saddle shaped opening between the valve proper and the round vacuum actuator on its top. It has a slot into which you insert a screwdriver's blade tip to lever the rod up and down after you spray it so as to make sure it moves freely against an internal spring action.
So consider these alternatives, decide what to do, and let me know the results.
Roland