Chrysler Repair: 02 Chrysler Sebring doesnt start, does it need a PCM?, chrysler sebring, ok radio

Question
Dear Roland

I have got a 2002 LE Chrysler Sebring and I'm having problems while getting it started. Until last week it functioned pretty well, but since Thursday June 7th I've been having probles with its ignition. That day it didn't start after a full day use of my car. Then after a while it started up (there was no noise when it wouldn't start) so I could get home safely (the engine behaviour was compeletly normal), but after running it I turned it off and went to start it again and it was 'dead' (battery power was ok - radio, lights)... I had my confidence mechanic check it out and couldn't find what the problem was since it DIDN'T presente any trouble while it was in revision. So I got it home again starting it normally. Next day it didn't start again (same characteristics of trouble). Then I got my car to the Chrysler representative and they say I must REPLACE the car computer (PCM?). After I read you answer to similar problems I wondered if there are previous things to do but to replace the computer. It seems to me that if the computer is not working then I shouldn't have the problem intermitently. Instead my car should be always dead. What do you think?

Answer
Hi Roberto,
Fortunately there are self-diagnostics built-in to the electronics of the vehicle. If the dealer says the computer needs to be replaced then there must have been a readout of the computer memory for fault codes which reveal why you are having this problem. I would ask them what the fault code number(s) was and what it the name for that code(s)? If you have the car in your possession and you don't trust them then you can likely get another readout for free at an Autozone Parts store, or for maybe $40 at a local independent shop. Let me know the number(s) and the name of the code(s) and we can then see if you really need to replace the computer. It is fairly rare for that to occur, and besides I would ask if there might be a warranty that might cover the cost of that part. So do get a second opinion and let me know. We don't have to guess about a question like this.
Roland