Chrysler Repair: stalling on 97 cirrus 2.5l, screwdriver blade, exhaust gas recirculation valve

Question
car stalls intermittent.runs well otherwise. no tc's.coolant temp not factor.will stall at idle in neutral and immediately restart

Answer
Hi Scott,
Are you sure you have no codes? Do you get a 55 when you do the ignition key on-off-on-off-on and leave on? If not, then you may have to get a code readout with a plug in reader, free at Autozone.
The other possibility is that the exhaust gas recirculation valve (egr) is sticking slightly ajar rather than closing when you come to a stop, or when you try to start it.  So you need to try and get it freed up and moving again so that it will be closed when the engine is shut down, otherwise it will be difficult to start and to idle.
The first thing I would do is check the mechanical function of the egr valve which is located along a pipe that runs from the left exhaust manifold (on the side of the engine facing the front of the car) to the intake manifold area (where the incoming air in the large rubber tube enters the throttle). That valve is metal and has a round fitting with a vacuum hose attached, mounted on the top of the valve, and the round part is attached to the main body of the valve by a sort of saddle.  Inside the open saddle you will see a metal rod (with a slot) that connects the round top fitting to to the valve body. That rod is a stem on the valve and it is supposed to go in and out in response to the engine vacuum which varies with RPM and throttle opening (gas pedal position). Take a spray can of WD-40 or other penetrating lubricant and spray the stem where it enters the valve body and then use a regular screwdriver blade tip inserted in the slot to lever the valve in and out to try and free up its motion. Also check all the rubber vacuum hoses associated with the valve and a nearby vacuum solenoid valve. If the valve seems to open (against the action of a spring) and close firmly by the spring action when using the screwdriver blade to facilitate the motion, then you should be able to now start the engine. You can, once it is idling, check that the valve stem moves when you rev the engine from idle to 2500 rpm and back to idle.
I think this may also solve your problem and doesn't cost anything to try. So look for that small pipe that runs from the exhaust manifold toward the rear of the engine and underneath the water filler pipe you will spot the valve.
Roland