Expert: Roland Finston - 12/15/2011

Question
I have a 98 Chrysler Sebring convertible that is shutting down for no apparant reason. It is totally random. It makes no difference if it is hot or cold, slow or fast , moving or parked. When it is killed it gets no spark. sometimes it wont start back again for ten or fifteen minutes , and sometimes it just starts right back up. This has been going on now for about a month. the car runs great when it runs, sometimes up to a couple days or so. The distributor was replaced about a year ago, the crank position sensor, map sensor, relays (including asd) and all fuses have just been replaced. I have a factory alarm system that has a shutdown feature if the chipped key is not used. Could it possibly be that? Is my key getting too old? Any other ideas? It seems ti me that the asd may be engaging somehow at totally random times. Any help appreciated. -Jammie

Answer
Hi Jamie,
That is a tough question. The first thing to do is to check for fault codes. You can get a free code readout at a nationwide autoparts store such as Autozone, or for under $40 at an independent shop. Get the code numbers and let me know what they are. Give the ignition key a shot at doing the same thing, turn it "on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. If the powertrain control module offers this way to get the codes they would then appear in the odometer window. If not, then a plug-in approach will be necessary.
If the codes don't give us a clue, then we will need to be ready the next time it happens with a volt-ohm meter. But the other thing to do is observe after it dies whether the fuel pump makes the normal humming sound from the rear (inside the tank) that only lasts for about 1 second when you turn the key to run, as it should, or that it doesn't do that.
The sentry key immobilizer usually allows the engine to start, run for a couple of seconds, then dies. So if you don't have that sort of response I would not think it would be that.
It sounds more like an intermittent electrical connection (ignition switch or fuse or wire) as the cause. If we can determine where the series of events that is necessary for the engine to start and run is failing, by using the meter, then we can fix it.
Roland
PS Please "rate" my answer, and where you see the question about a 'nomination' of me to be "volunteer of the month" consider giving a "yes" response. Thank you