Expert: Roland Finston - 9/2/2011

Question
My car wont start i had my friend come by with his scanner and got P1494 trouble code. Would that code make it to were it wouldnt start or should i start looking for a different problem. I have a Chrysler Sebring 98

Answer
It is possible that a fault with the vapor collection pump/solenoid would produce an inappropriate mixture to sustain an idle. So check the wiring from the pump to the pcm: there should be 12v on pin 2 of the pump plug when the key is in the run position which comes from fuse 9 in the power box via a wire from pin 20 of the pcm.
The solenoid wire is between pin 3 of the plug and pin 77 of the pcm
The switch sense wire is between pin 4 of the plug and pin 72 of the pcm.
Because you didn't specify which engine you have I can't tell you the wire colors, but the pin numbers are shown on the plugs.
Absent another code I would try to clear this one. You can erase the code by disconnecting the battery for a minute, then reconnect. A 1684 code will appear but ignore that one.
The only other thing to check would be the exhaust gas recirculation (egr) valve to be sure that its valve stem is in the fully closed position. That being slightly ajar can also prevent a start and not leave a 'code'. Move the stem back and forth via screwdriver tip inserted in the slot of the stem. Besure the internal spring action closes the valve to a dead stop.
Roland