QuestionQUESTION: Hard to start. Changed plugs, wires, and fuel filter. But still hard to start. Check engine light is not on.
ANSWER: Hi Tommy,
Even though the light isn't on there could be fault codes stored in the computer. If there is an Autozone parts store near you they will often do a readout for free. Or an independent garage will do it for around $40. Get the 4-digit code numbers and let me know and also which engine you have and we'll go from there.
Another possibility is the egr valve is sticking slightly ajar. If you know where that is check out the movement of the valve stem. If not, when you tell me about the engine I can give you specifics.
Roland
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QUESTION: I have the 3.3. I don't know where the egr valve is.
ANSWER: Hi Tommy,
The valve is located near and underneath the throttle body air intake at the end of the engine, mounted in small 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.
Roland
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QUESTION: I cleaned the egr valve stem. I started up just fine. this morning my wife was going to work and she said it did it again. I may have not got it clean enough. Or should I replace it?
AnswerHi Tommy,
How did things work out on the hard start?
Earlier, last month, you asked me a question about that problem with your vehicle. Now I need to ask a favor of you. I am competing for the honor of being the "Expert of the Month" for December. You can help me by going the the 'thank/rate' tab below and look for the question that asks if you think I should be so-honored. If you would select the 'yes' option I would be most appreciative. Please do this before 6pm CST today, New Year's Eve when the competition ends. I wish that your Chrysler vehicle is running well and gives you good service in the New Year!
Roland
Hi Tommy,
If you simply lubricated the stem (and also did you move the stem back and forth with the tip of a screwdriver inserted in the slot to verify its free movement and that it came to a firm stop by means of the internal spring-action?) and that didn't fix it, then I would suggest that you remove the valve and clean out the passageways and valve seat area which may be clogged such as to prevent the valve from seating and closing off the flow of exhaust gas when you are trying to start it. If after that the stem is free to move and the valve is seating tightly then there would be no need to replace it.
Roland
PPS The voting for 'expert of the month' ends Sunday afternoon. If you would be so kind as to find the "nomination?" area of the 'thank/rate' tab and change the 'no' to a 'yes' that would give a vote. Thanks
