You are here:

Chrysler Repair/Sputters & backfires on acceleration

Advertisement

Expert: Roland Finston - 5/11/2009


Question
I have a 2004 Town & Country with the 3.3 v6. Recently we had an engine light on & when I had it checked it referenced the EGR valve. I took it out, cleaned with carb cleaner & reinstalled. Disconnected battery to reset code. 2 days later the engine light came back on. The van is running fine until today. Now it sputters & backfires when accelerating & the valves are clacking loud (only on acceleration). It idles just fine & does not die at any time. I replaced the EGR valve with a new one from Napa. Disconnected battery again to reset the code & took it for a test drive. It's much better now (no more clanking valves) but still sputters & backfires on acceleration. I realize this could be many different things but what would be my next logical steps?

Answer
What are the fresh codes, if any? Disconnect the battery for a few minutes, then run it for a while including the backfiring on acceleration, and see if there are new codes.
Did you check all the connections in the egr plumbing? It could be a leaky fitting rather than the valve itself that is at fault if you still get the egr code, or could be a vacuum hose or electrical connector to the system that is the problem rather than the valve itself.
Roland

Chrysler Repair

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Roland Finston

Expertise

I take questions one at a time between 8am and 9pm CT and try to respond within 20 minutes. If I am shown as "MAXED OUT" try again at the 'top' of the hour as I may be answering another question or am otherwise busy. I specialize in Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth cars, minivans, and SUV's for the model years 1982-2006 based upon my 50-year DIY experience, factory shop manuals and wiring diagrams. I offer fast repair advice to help you minimize repair costs by helping you diagnose and do it yourself. Problems with electronically controlled engines and transmissions as well as body wiring problems are my specialty. There are answers on file to more than fifteen thousand Chrysler questions at your finger tips: put a few key words in the "find" box (above) or click on "view past answers" for a chronological list of my q and a's. Don't use "Add to this answer" if you still have a question...ask it. I don't have manuals for truck or Jeep (except'04-'06).

Experience

Five decades as a 'do-it-yourselfer' on domestic and imported cars

Organizations
Yahoo Autos Group called The Chrysler Lebaron Club (co-moderator)

Education/Credentials
Degrees in Physics/bruised knuckles.

Awards and Honors
"Shortest average response time" at Allexperts (currently no. 1). "Top expert of 2010" at Allexperts. Among top 50 experts for years 2006-2009 at Allexperts. "Volunteer of the month" at Allexperts (June, 2011).

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.