I am hoping that someone else has had this problem. This is the second time my car has done this and it appears to be completely random. The other day, I changed the plugs, fuel filter, cap and rotor, and set the timing on my car. It ran great all day. Then, in the evening I came out and the car would not start on its own power. I could give it some pedal and keep it running, but it wouldn't idle on its own. The next morning I came out and it fired right up and I didn't have another problem for a few days...until now. It's doing the same thing again. There is no SES light coming on and I have driven the car by keeping it running when it is like this, and the driveability seems normal. So what's the deal? Anyone have any clues?

 

EGR valve is not closing/opening.

 

what is the remedy to this?

 

Rayth,

Since it appears that you're relatively new here, don't take this as a criticism. It's more of a general reminder for everyone who hasn't seen it in a while.


I generally try to warn anyone against posting for help from a specific person. It tends to discourage other prople from reading your posts and offering help or suggestions. This is a community board, and everyone should be included.

If you really want help from a specific member, there are email links and Private Messaging for those communications. The only problems with that are that they aren't as fast, nor usually as informative as what you might get from multiple perspectives.

That's the beauty of this site. The community usually has the experience, technical ablility, and resources to solve anything thrown at us. I know that there have been multiple times the board has solved problems that more than one "certified, trained, and skilled" technician has failed to diagnose and repair. You just can't beat the resources we have at our disposal - anywhere. We have more than our fair share of ASE certified technicians, highly trained and experienced mechanics, enthusiasts with experience that simply cannot be gained in a purely automotive field, and a nearly unending supply of experiences among our more than 21,000 members.

There are usually several very qualified people that will tend to completely ignore a post if it is addressed to a specific member, which only slows or stops the process of you getting the information you may need. Many of them will give better advice than one specific member anyway.

Thanks for indulging me. I'm putting the stump away now...

 

Rayth,

As for your starting problem, Brilliant has a very good suggestion. The EGR is a good possibility. I'm assuming that since the engine will start and run with a little throttle coaxing, there is ignition.

If that's true, the problem is likely a vacuum leak, from the EGR, PCV, brake booster, or other source. Since the problem seems to be intermittent, that almost eliminates the possibilities other than the PCV and EGR. Gasket and hose leaks usually don't get better, they just remain a problem or get worse. The power brake booster also normally fails and doesn't improve sporadically. However, you can eliminate that as a possibility by removing and capping the vacuum line to the booster when you get the no-start condition. Just remember to reconnect it before you drive, or you'll have NO assist in the brake system.

The PCV is relatively easy to eliminate by capping that as well. The EGR requires a diagnostic procedure. This is a reasonable outline of what you would need to do on your engine:

 

Any luck?

If your EGR is carboned and cannot seat properly, you can have an intermittent vacuum leak that will prevent the engine from idling on its own.

 

no luck on finding any vacuum leaks. could it be the IAC?

 

Any time there are idle issues, cleaning the throttle body and IAC air passages is a good idea.

 

I will try that and see if that cures it. If not, I guess I'm on to the EGR valve. Not too excited about that though. Anyway, thanks for your help.

 

I wouldn't be too excited about that either. The EGR is on the edge of impossible to access without removing the plenum. You might be able to reach in there with something to try to manually operate the valve open and closed, but it's a tight area.