Chrysler Repair: 1996 Chrysler Sebring:loss of odo/speed, poor running, 4 digit numbers, chrysler sebring

Question
The check engine light came on my daughters car, then we started getting intermitted loss of the odometer and rpm gauge and now, when we give it gas it will get up to about 20 mph then wont go any faster till we let off the gas then we can get it to get up to 30 mph, this problem happened over night any ideas?

Answer
Hi Heather,
The check engine light says that a fault has been noticed in the engine system that would affect air emissions and probably also explains the performance problem. The type of fault is coded as a 2-digit number in the memory of the engine computer which you can access with the ignition key. Turn it: "on-off-on-off-on and leave it on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the check engine light which remains "on" to begin to flash, pause, flash, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause, then repeat the routine to assure an accurate count of the flashes. Group the flashes in pairs in the order of appearance to form the 2-digit fault codes. Then write back or go to www.allpar.com/fix/codes.html for a code translation. The last code is always 55 because that meane "end of readout". A more detailed set of codes is stored as 4-digit numbers that are accessible only by means of a plug-in reader. You can get a free readout at Autozone parts stores or for around $40 from an independent shop. Ask for the 4-digit code numbers.
Once we have either type of fault code number we can address the problem.
The loss of the speedo/odo means that the digital communication from the engine computer to the instrument cluster is somehow impaired. It also would possibly explain the performance issue. So lets see what the fault codes are and go from there.
Tell me which body style Sebring she has, and its engine size.
Roland