Chrysler Repair: 3.0L V-6: hard starting, stalling, code translation, vacuum hose

Question
QUESTION: My 1995 LeBaron has a hard time starting. Once started it idols fine, but, when I give it gas it stalls out. Could I have water in the fuel? Or could it be the fuel pump?
ANSWER: Hi Tina,
I doubt it is either of those but rather an issue with the mixture of air to fuel. There are several devices that are involved in that and the best way to find out to do a fault code readout of the engine controller's memory for a 2-digit number that describes the faulty component. Use the ignition key:"on-off-on-off-on and leave it on" doing that in an elapsed time of 5 seconds or less. Then watch the check engine light which will remain 'on' to begin to flash, pause, flash, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause and the order that they appear. Then repeat to be sure you have the correct counts. Then combine the numbers in pair in the order of appearance to form the two digit codes. The last code is always 55 which means 'end of readout'. Then write back with the numbers and we'll go from there. You can also get a code translation at www.allpar.com/fix/codes.html
So that is the best way to go about solving the problem.
Roland

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

QUESTION: I did the code thing, I believe I got a 13. The check angine light was on then went off then flash, pause, flash 3 times, pause, flash 8 times, pause, flash 5 times. Did I do it right or should I try again?

Answer
Hi Tina,
Try it again, because you should see an even number of groups of flashes so you get two-digit numbers when you pair them up. The 8 may be a 5? So keep doing it until you are clear with the numbers.
If you indeed have 13 as the first number then that is a problem with the manifold absolute pressure sensor which is mounted on the alternator bracket. That has a vacuum hose that may be disconnected at one end or the other or cracked along its length, so check that. Also check that it is plugged together electrically and the wires look OK. If that all check out, then a new sensor (MAP sensor) is what you need to buy. That does affect mixture, and would cause stalling when you step on the gas if it was bad. But do check the vacuum hose.
Roland