15 ctd won't start or run

Big shout of thanks to Tomko for suggesting it could be the EGR Valve. It was quite dirty with soot and stuck open. Took it out and cleaned with MAF cleaner and a small brush, reinstalled and car runs well.

For others with diesels it would start, it felt and sounded like it wasn't running on all cylinders and prior to the engine dieing there was a sounds of air gasping I guess I would call it.

I did purchase a new AGM battery, just haven't installed it yet.

I will write up a little procedure on what I did and the tools necessary to make it easier for others. If this continues to work properly this will be a preventative maintenance item for me, takes 45-60 minutes to do first time, might be a little less next time.

Also a big thanks to my neighbor for helping, we work well together, he has better mechanical skills and lots more tools than I have. I can do it next time if needed.

Also the forum is still a place to learn about your car, gas or diesel. One of our previous very active members @diesel also gave me some guidance as well, we text now and again, I miss him on the forum but appreciate his willingness to help.

The EGR for those that do not know is on driver side back of engine down a few inches. It's black and has a red electrical connection.

Tools needed are a T30 or torx 30, really need 3-4 inch extension. I picked one up at Sears in some silly kit for 20 bucks.

1.) remove the electrical connection, just tab on top.

2) use the T30 to remove the two long fine thread screws, one on top which you can see, and one on bottom which
Can't see.

3) there is a bracket and a line and hoses that are in the way, rotate the EGR counter clockwise maybe a quarter turn so you can remove the EGR.

4) I cleaned mine, gm new ones are on eBay for 125, either clean really well or replace with new one.

5) reinstall and connect electrical connection. I tested mine not in to make sure it would close prior to putting back in car, kinda smells with smoke to do that. I also lubricants the valve shaft with some brake exhaust lubricant, it was thick. I made sure to clean well and make sure the valve moved freely.

It is a pretty easy job, I will in future remove and clean maybe every 35-40k miles and may even have a spare valve in the car in case I have an issue like @Gator had on vacation. I think if you clean it on regular basis would never have a problem.

I buy my fuel at just three stations most of the time. I drive mostly highway.

Hope this helps.