Chrysler Repair: Chrysler wont ignite, chrysler sebring, loose hose

Question
QUESTION: 2003 Chrysler Sebring  I believe it is a 4 cyl with 2.4 l engine.  I had to get it towed from my apt the other day because it wouldn't start after sitting out in cold weather.  We tried starting fluid and putting heet in the gas, which won't do anything after it is cold anyway.  We even tried jumping it and it still just turned over but wouldn't start.  The mechanics that towed it only replaced the battery and it started fine.  They even inspected my fluids, etc.  Not less than 24 hours later I was driving down the interstate when I lost acceleration and then the car broke down.  Some smoke out of the engine and a syrup like smell.  Had to get it towed to another mechanic in that area.  They couldn't work on it that night so we checked it out and the radiator cap was missing and the coolant was covering the engine.  The last people to have checked the coolant and remove the cap would have been the last mechanics.  Well these new mechanics say that it will ignite but not spark and say that it isn't getting any compression.  They want to charge me a whopping amount to take the timing cap off and check the belt.  They say I pretty much need a new engine.  I know that prior to this I also had a loose hose, my service engine soon light was on and a test was run and said it was a loose hose somewhere that never got fixed.  Do you think there is possibly something else wrong besides a new engine?  I really feel the driving without any coolant might have harmed it and if the last mechanic didn't put the cap back on and the coolant sprayed out or water got in there then that caused a problem.  They are waiting for me to call back for the go on taking the timing cap off; I told them to wait because it was going to cost alot and if that is not the problem then it is not worth it.  I don't know how they couldn't determine whether it was just an o2 sensor, etc.

ANSWER: Hi Jenee,
My suggestion would be to contact the garage that put in the battery and "checked" the fluids and tell them the history of what happened and as well to tell them the name of the person at the place to which it was towed who noted that the coolant filler cap was missing.
But FIRST: I would get to the second garage and get the documentation of what they found and diagnosed to be the condition of the engine (see below). I believe that you have an obvious case of a damaged, perhaps destroyed, engine due to their incompetently failing to replace the filler cap. If all the fluid (or most of it) was driven out the filler pipe by the water pump, and the engine consequently overheated and has been damaged internally then they should be responsible for whatever repair is necessary. Then I would let them no that you are having the car towed to their shop from the second shop, for them to take responsibility for their error, whatever is required. If they say fine. then do that.
If not, then I would take a written statement from the second shop, and go to small claims court in your county and determine how large an amount you can get from a court settlement in your favor. If it is less than $2000 then it might be better to contact a lawyer for advice about a regular lawsuit for restitution from the first shop. I believe the chances are high that some significant damage was done by this loss of coolant, and the first shop should repair that damage to your satisfaction. 'No compression' means that significant engine repair or replacement will be necessary.
But get the statement from the second shop's mechanic NOW so you have that in your hands in a timely manner. Have them state the condition as they found the engine (NO CAP, etc.) and document their compression readings and any other findings. They should do this as part of their service report and their invoice/bill to you for what they have done. That written document is your prime evidence that the first shop is the cause of this damage.
Roland
PS May I ask a favor? Please use the 'thank/rate' tab below to offer me a nomination to be the 'expert of the month' which I am in competition for this month. Just answer 'yes' to that question. You also will find a space for any coments to ask further questions if you have any. Thanks in advance.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: 2nd mechanic called yesterday said timing belt and sprockets were okay and that was not the cause of the problem.  Said only one of four cylinders works and car still doesn't get compression.  They think that driving without a cap and letting the fluids leak out are what made the engine blow.  We called and told the first mechanic, who called the second mechanic and got the info and are saying it is not their fault.  They said they would have no reason to take the radiator cap off.  I don't get the "no reason" part considering I took a broke down car into them, plus it says the coolant was checked.  We are looking into small claims court or else a letter to them.  In the meantime, I'm looking into adding one more bill to the pile and supporting the auto industry.  They need it right now.  Thanks again for the advice.

Answer
Hi Jenee,
Thanks for the update. Keep fighting for restitution from the first shop. I wish you the best outcome. I suspect that opting not to repair the Sebring is the best option, unless you can get the party responsible for its damage to pay for it.
May I ask a further favor? It is about an hour before the voting ends at Allexperts for 'expert of the month' and I am very close. If you would be so kind as to give me another 'yes' at the 'thank/rate' tab below that would make my New Year truly happy. And the same to you for the New Year.
Roland