Chrysler Repair: 1998 Sebring: no start, loose fasteners, 4 digit numbers

Question
A friend of mine owns a 98 sebring that will not start. There is a lot of oil in the spark plug wells... What is the problem ?

Answer
Hi Jeff,
There are many reasons for a no start. I would suggest beginning to see if the fuel pump runs for about a second when the ignition switch is turned to "run" position. Listen to hear it hum for a second from inside the fuel tank. If so, then check for spark by inserting a screwdriver tip into one of the spark plug caps, holding the two by the insulation of the screwdriver handle and the outside of the spark cap. Then place the metal shaft of the screwdriver about 1/4" from the cylinder head and have him crank the engine while you observe for a spark to jump the gap between the shaft and the head. See if you get spark for a full 5 seconds of cranking or not.
The last possible test is to turn 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 any 4-digit numbers appear in the odometer window in place of the mileage. If so record those. If you don't see anything change then probably that sort of computer readout is not accessible by the ignition key and a plug-in reader for the socket under the dash near the steering column is needed to get the code numbers. If you get it to start you could get a free readout at an Autozone Parts store or pay for a readout at a shop. Once you have the codes you will know what to do. Don't try throwing parts at random, it is a waste of money.
Let me know what you observe and we can go from there.
Then write back with the results.
The oil in the spark well is probably due to valve cover leaking perhaps because of loose fasteners. It shouldn't prevent starting.
Roland