Chrysler Repair: 2000 Chrysler Sebring Convertible: engine stalls, chrysler sebring convertible, 4 digit numbers

Question
Hello,

I am writing to see if maybe you can tell me what could be wrong with my car.  I purchased a 2000 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXI Limited with 50k on it 5 months ago.  All seemed ok until 2 weeks ago.  I went to work and everything was ok and when I was leaving it felt like it was running heavy.  Then it stalled at a stop light and the gas light started blinking and the service engine soon light came on.  I got it started went and filled it up with gas.  Once I started driving the light (service engine soon light) was still on and the odometer and the speedometer were not working at all.  The car is an automatic but it wouldnt got into gear and everytime I stopped or came to the slightest stop it would stall out and once I got it started again it would jump as soon as I hit the gas.  I have only put about 7k on it.  I have been told it may only be some kind of sensor that controls the fuel odometer speedometer etc... OR it could be the transmission.  PLEASE help.  If you have heard of this or can gave any insight I would appreciate it.  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Michelle,
The quickest way to figure out the problem is to find out what fault the engine control computer has recognized, given a coded number to, and stored that number(s) in its memory. You may be able to do this with your ignition key:
"on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing this in an elapsed time of 5 seconds or less. Then observe the odometer window to see if the mileage is replaced by one or more 4-digit numbers, which are the fault codes. Try it again if it doesn't work, and make sure you read the numbers accurately. Then write me back for an interpretation.
If that doesn't seem to work, try to go to an Autzone Parts store where they often will do the readout via a plug receptacle under the dash at no cost. Finally many shops will advertise a code readout "special" for around $40. Ask them for the number(s), what they mean, what they say is needed, and how much. Then again write me back and we'll compare notes with the manual.
This is the best way to fix such a problem because it avoids alot of false approaches and guessing. My thought is that the output speed sensor on the transmission has stopped working because of the speedo/odo non-function and the transmission acting up. All those functions relay on a working output speed sensor. It costs about $85 and can be exchanged out in a few minutes so the labor should be minimal. But I wouldn't jump to that conclusion without a code readout. That would be a code 0720 accompanied possibly by an 0700. But I could be wrong so get the readout.
Roland