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Chrysler Repair/1999 Town & Country idle surges

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Expert: - 6/24/2011


Question
I have a reoccurring problem. About a month ago the van started dieing when slowing down for corners and at idle it would surge up some and fall back, between 700 and 1000 rpms. After searching the AllExperts site I took the throttle body and EGR valve off and thoroughly cleaned them and the problem went away. This evening the idle reving has returned. I do not think I need to clean the throttle body again but the real issue must be related to it. I do not know what to test or replace. Please guide me.

1999 Town & Country Limited
3.8 liter engine
180,000

Answer
Hi Curt,
Have you checked for fault codes using the ignition key? "On-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing it in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the odometer window to see if it shows any 4-digit numbers. Let me know and we'll go from there. If that doesn't work then get a free code readout at an Autozone or similar nationwide auto parts store.
Roland
PS Sorry for the delay but I just found your question at the 'pool'.
If you would be so kind as to 'rate' my answer and consider a 'yes' where you see the question about a nomination for me to be 'voluteer of the month' I would be most appreciative.

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Roland Finston

Expertise

I specialize in Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth cars, minivans, and SUV's for the model years 1982-2008 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.

I take questions one at a time between 8am and 10pm CT and attempt to answer within 20 minutes. "Maxed Out" means I am answering another question of otherwise busy, so try again later.

There are answers on file to more than sixteen 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. As to trucks and jeeps I only have manuals for the '04-'06 model years.

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
"Top expert of 2010" and "2011" at Allexperts. Among top 50 experts for years 2006-2009 at Allexperts.

Quickest "average response time" at Allexperts (currently no. 1).

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