Chrysler Repair: 98 town & country 3.8 liter lx: ABS light, stumbling at idle, 4 digit numbers, lean mixture

Question
2 problems abs light is on can only the dealer read this error code?  2nd as i drive i will let off the gas and coast to the light the van will idle at 1000 rpm's then 750 rpm and sometimes 300 - 400 rpm which it turn is to low and will kill the engine.  i thought about having the computer reset it self but cannot remember the button sequence on the front console panel any suggestions

Answer
Hi Tony,
No, and shop can read out for ABS fault codes using the diagnostic connector under the dash. If there is an Autozone parts store near you they will often do it for free. Be sure the get the 4-digit numbers and ask what they mean. Then write back and we'll compare with the manual.
On the stumbling when slowing I would suggest that you check the egr valve to see if it might be sticking slightly ajar. The valve is located near the throttle body air intake at the end of the engine, mounted in pipe that recirculates exhaust gas from the rear cylider bank exhaust pipe back around to the intake manifold. The exhaust gases have some fumes that can plate out a crud on the valve stem and thus keep it from closing tight when you are at idle. That makes for a too lean mixture so the engine stalls. The valve proper is mounted horizontally with the stem visible in a space between the body of the valve mounted on the pipe and the round top of the valve which is flanged and so if you look carefully you will see a metal rod (stem of the valve) with a slot around its circumference. You can take the tip of flat blade screwdriver and insert it in the slot and then lever the valve back and forth to check if it is moving freely (against spring action in one direction) or not. If it doesn't seem to close easily with the help of the built-in spring, then I would spray the base of the stem with solvent from a pressure can (such as WD-40 or carb cleaner) while moving the stem back and forth.  Then see if that solves the issue.
The computer reset is perhaps just erasing the fault codes so you can know what is "new". That is done by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes. But that will temporarily set a 1684 code (battery disconnected recentely). The button reset in the cabin has to do with the A/C controls and is done to calibrate the system and test the A/C performance. It has nothing to do with the engine however.
Roland