Chrysler Repair: 95 Chrysler cirrus, exhaust gas recirculation valve, exhaust gas recirculation

Question
I saw one of your earlier readings and my car is doing the same thing,  everytjhing sound goods when i go to start it, it just doesnt catch.  It has been running fin so its kind of weird its doing this.  i performed the check engine test that you suggested to him, and it blinked 12 times before the last 2 sets of 5 so if you could help me figure out why it wont tunr over i would appreciate it

john z

Answer
Hi John,
Thre 12 code is a bit routine, it means that sometime in the past 50-100 key cycles the voltage to the engine controller was disconnected, usually because of disconnecting the battery. If that hasn't happened then the cable clamps might be checked to be sure they are tight.
The 21 means that the front bank of cylinders' oxygen sensor is not changing voltage values which usually means it has gone bad and needs to be replaced. The 33 means that the clutch circuit that connects up the AC compressor is not responding to requests for AC. Do you notice that? If you don't have an AC installed in the car then that would also explain that code.
Now none of those codes will likely affect the ability of the engine to catch and idle. I would be inclined to check out the exhaust gas recirculation valve which is located near the air intake of the engine, connected to a pipe that runs from the exhaust manifold of the front bank of cylinders to the throttle body which controls how much air is sucked in (connected to the gas pedal). If you can find the valve, it has a round flat top with a rubber hose attached to that and then an open saddle fitting attached to the body of the valve that is bolted into that exhaust pipe return line. If you look in the saddle area you will see a rod with a slot around its circumference. That rod is the valve stem and sometimes the action of the valve gets sticky from crud built up inside the valve. If the valve sticks slightly ajar when you try and start the engine the mixture will be too lean so it won't catch. So try moving the valve stem using a screwdriver tip inserted in the slot to move the stem in and out. It if seems to move well against spring pressure in one direction and close tightly in the other direction then that is not the problem. But if you find it to be tight in it motion try spraying some solvent on the stem (like WD-40) at its base where it enters the valve and continue to exercise the motion to free it up. That may be all there is to your starting problem.
Roland