Chrysler Repair: Engine misses then dies:1999 Chrysler Cirrus, 4 digit numbers, code translator

Question
My 1999 chrysler cirrus while driving down the road started to sputter then die. Do you think it could be the battery or alternator?  

Answer
Hi John,
The charging system is not usually the cause of the engine dieing. More likely it is the spark or fuel mixture. The most direct way to find out is to question the memory of the engine controller as to whether it has observed any faults in the operation and stored a coded number for that. You can get a free code readout at an Autozone parts store, or you may be able to get the code by turning the ignition switch: "on-off-on-off-on and leave it on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch for any numbers to appear in the odometer window in place of the mileage reading. They are 4 digit numbers. If that doesn't work and Autozone isn't around, then look for a special at a shop where they might charge $40 to do a readout via the under-dash code reader connector plug.
Write back when you get the numbers or to get advice if you find out what the numbers mean. Also check at www.allpar.com/fix/codes.html for a code translator.
Most likely it is one of the sensors that is responible for the sprark or the mixture but this readout is the key to finding out which one.
Roland