Chrysler Repair: Engine wont start on 98 sebring, 4 digit numbers, shaft move

Question
QUESTION: I am working on a 98 sebring! i drove the car to a friends house, went inside for a while came out tried to start the car, and nothing! i replaced the distributor after i sprayed a little starting fluid in and that didn't work, i than pulled the crank sensor, still didn't start, i checked the fuses they were all good, it seems like it is getting gas but i really cant tell i have the new fuel pump but i am waiting on installing it till i can get some answers about this. I am at a stand off right now can you help me please and thank you


ANSWER: Hi Luke,
Try the ignition key:"on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch to see if the odometer changes and reads some 4 digit numbers that are fault codes. It may or may not do that. If not, then see if you can borrow a fault code reader from someone or a parts store and try to get a fault code readout from the plug that is under the dash, next to the steering column. That is the most reliable clue to what is wrong. You could see if a plug smells of fuel to answer the fuel pump question. You could remove a spark plug cap and test for spark by inserting the tip of an insulated-handle screwdriver into it and then hold the assembly by the insulated handle with the screwdriver shaft 1/4" from the cylinder head and watch for spark while a helper cranks on the starter.
Let me know if you can get fault codes, spark and smell fuel and we'll go from there. Check the egr valve to make sure that its stem moves freely. Insert screwdriver tip in slot of shaft. Move shaft back and forth against spring action in one direction to make sure spring closes the valve all the way. If not spray stem with WD-40 where it enters the valve body.
Those are my best suggestions. You may need to get the vehicle to a garage to get the fault codes measured, but I hope not. Tell me what you learn and I assume you have the 2.5 V-6.
Roland
Roland

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

QUESTION: hey again, I do have a code reader and no codes had came up, that was one of the things i had did but forgot to mention in my last e-mail. i will go and try the EGR valve and see if it is working properly, i had bought a spark tester that i am going to try but i had replaced the distributor and still nothing happened i had also pulled a few of the spark plugs and i didn't smell any fuel on them. thank you for taking the time to help me with this
Luke

Answer
Hi Luke,
You are welcome, and thanks for that clarification. Let me know about the egr. Also do you hear the fuel pump run for about 1 second when you turn the key to the run position. If not, open the power distribution box under the hood and check to see if the autoshutdown and fuel pump relays click when you turn the key to the run position, and they they should click again after 1 second (maybe more quiet clicks).
Roland