QuestionQUESTION: I have a 2002 dodge intrepid with the 2.7l engine that has 112715 miles on it. It has been running great, but recently, after it warmed up, it would start idling low at a stop, the oil light will come on, and sometimes it will die. Also noticed while driving, sometimes it feels like you lose power, and the car will jerk, then runs ok for a while and will do it again. Checked oil level sensor for oil leak, and it was clean. Oil is clean, the only thing I found was it was a little low on coolant. Any help would be appreciated. Have only had car for about 2 months, and can not afford to replace. Thank you
ANSWER: Hi Lincoln,
Try to get a fault code readout using the ignition key:"on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the odometer window in the cluster to see if the mileage reading changes to show any 4-digit numbers preceded by a P. Let me know and we'll go from there.
The other possiblility is that the exhaust gas recirculation valve (ege valve) is cruddy and not closing tightly when you coast to a stop, accelerate, or sometime even try to start it. On this model the valve stem is not external so you have to remove the valve to spray some sovent inside to lubricate the stem. But start with the code readout and see what that reveals.
Please "rate" my answer (see PS below).
Thanks,
Roland
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QUESTION: Sorry, should have told you, I already did that, with a pocket scanner, and using the key. No codes at all on either of them.
Thanks, Lincoln
ANSWER: Hi Lincoln,
Then I would take off the egr valve and clean out the passageway and try to lubriate the valve stem by spraying somw WD-40 on the valve and,if you can gain access to the stem, on the stem proper as well. That is about the only other part that won't always catch the 'notice' of the engine controller, and so if it dies when slowing to a stop, or falter when you try to accelerate that is a pretty clear case of a too lean mixture as the result of the egr not closing thightly when it has to. If the valve can't be cleaned out and the valve stem isn't moving freely then you may want to replace the egr valve. But try cleaning it first.
Let me know your email address and I can send you a couple of pages that show how to remove it as attachment to an email. But don't use the @ sign, instead use "at", otherwise the address will be automatically erased.
Please "rate" my answer (see PS below).
Thanks,
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you for your help! Email address is : serpent_1977 at yahoo.com. A friend also told me to remove IAC valve and clean it with a toothbrush and carb cleaner...seem like a good idea?
AnswerI would certainly clean the the throat, the butterfly valve plate on both sides, and the idle air passageway on the side of the throat of the throttle body. See if that helps before removing completely the IAC.
I will send the pages about the egr valve shortly.
Please rate my answer. I would appreciate your giving me a nomination for 'volunteer of the month.
Thanks,
Roland
