97 Dodge Intrepid - hard shifts and high idle problems

I've been following this group for awhile, but this is the first time
I've posted. Your answers to previous questions have been very
insightful into other issues I've had, so hopefully you can help me
here.

So I have a 1997 Dodge Intrepid with 139k miles on it. It has the 3.5L
engine and Autostick. Recently, it has developed a handful of
problems, and I am unsure if they are related. The main issue is that
the car seems to shift very hard. Specifically when shifting down from
2nd to 1st at low speeds and when shifting up from 3rd to 4th around 45
mph. (This is with the transmission in drive, not autostick). It is
really noticeable at low speeds.

Some background information:

I've had the car since 2000 when it had 70k miles on. No major
problems to report, mostly maintenance issues. It has had its oil
changed every 3k miles, for those interested.

About 2 months ago, the check engine light came on. Code 32 - EGR
valve. Following the instructions in my Haynes manual, I checked my
EGR valve and associated components. Engine bogs down as vacuum is
applied directly to valve. Vacuum lines seem ok. After taking putting
the parts removed back on and resetting the computer (by unhooking the
battery), the check engine light went out, but now the car idles high.
It used to idle around 600 rpm in park. Now its more like 1100 rpm.
Hot or cold does not seem to matter. Additionally, after about 3 days
of driving, the check engine light came back on and the car idles high.
Obviously, this seems to stress the engine more when shifting from
Park into gear.

Additionally, since the EGR test, it occasionally requires a second
crank to get it started when it's cold. Unsure if this is something
related or older car getting more mileage/older battery/etc.

change the transmission fluid. It has not been done within the past
30k miles, so definitely needs to be done regardless. However, knowing
the Intrepid's somewhat well documented tranny problems, I don't
want to have just the fluid changed if that is not the problem.

So, has anybody seen a similar set of conditions? This feels like
something that is beyond my limited skills/required tools, so I'm
considering taking it to a shop. What should I expect them to tell me?
Is there anything I'm overlooking here? And finally, are these
likely related?

Thanks for your help,
Bryan

Sorry for the long post, but there seems to be lots of information that
should be conveyed.

 

Bryan,

The Code 32 is most likely a bad EGR valve. I just replaced one on my son's
1996 with the 3.5 over the weekend. It is not too bad a job, although its
location is at the rear of the engine and the space there is tight. The EGR
part you will likely need is found at:
http://www.autopartsplanet.com/search.asp?itemid=4287634AB&Type=Accessories
It came with the exhaust manifold/metal gasket and 2 new bolts. To do the
job right, you will also need to replace the EGR tube EGR gasket as well as
the two EGR tube to intake manifold gaskets too. My son's 1996 had a lot of
carbon deposits built up that I cleaned out at the openings to the tube and
manifolds. Removing the battery negative cable during the job and
re-attaching afterward cleared the code and it once it re-learned the engine
it ran very well.

I do not know the cost of having the job done by a dealer or other service
shop, but it took us about two hours to remove and re-install, and some of
this time was cleaning the tube and manifold openings.

This could be the cause of the engine running rough and at a higher than
normal idle although, it could be something else as well since you do not
indicate when it was last tuned, PCV valve changed, ignition wires replaced,
etc.

On the transmission shifting rough, you also fail to say when you last
changed the fluid and filter. I do mine every 30K on all my Chryslers and
they all still shift like new.

Good luck.

Bob

 

Bryan,

Here is a diagram I found of the EGR tube to EGR assembly. Hope it helps
you.

http://www.motorplace.com/galeana-pcx/parts_catalog_components.cgi?1113515411214#

Click on EGR, then select the Image on the right of the screen.

Bob

 

Bob,

The transmission fluid was changed approx. 45,000 miles ago, so it
needs to be done regardless. Additionally, the plugs/wires were
changed about 5000 miles ago. The car was not tuned at the time, nor
was the PCV valve changed. How do I check to see if the PCV valve is
bad?

Thanks,
Bryan

 

The PCV is very cheap and easy to get to. Just replace it if it has not
been done lately since it may be contributing to the EGR issue. And, while
you are there, make sure the rubber hose to it isn't cracked or leaking.

On the transmission fluid, I've had good luck with the re-sealable
silicone/metal gasket, the genuine MOPAR filter, and ATF+4, all only
available from a Chrysler dealer. I order these from Galeana Chrysler's web
site in South Carolina and they ship to arrive in about a week and there is
no sales tax for me as I am out of that state. The discount and no tax more
than covers the shipping. The parts guy there, by the name of Jasper, is
great at helping find exactly what you need via email.

http://www.galeanasc.com/

Bob

 

The high idle, need for a re-start, and hard shifting could all be the
result of a vacuum leak created by removing and re-installing the EGR.
Check all the vacuum tubes as well as all the EGR plumbing itself.