Chrysler Repair: 97 2.4L wont start in cold weather, mixture problem, coolant temp

Question
it is a 2.4 L 3 speed automatic, in cold weather it does not want to start at all, it backfires, and smells of Gas are present after trying to start. have replaced several sensors that other people said that it might be , but this is getting a little expensive, could you help by maybe giving me a few more clues on this contrary automobile? any help would be greatly appreciated, also when you finally get the van running it starts an runs fine but it uses a lot of gas. please  help with this delima! thanks, Lance

Answer
Hui Lance,
It smell like a mixture problem to me which could be either a coolant temp sensor or the egr valve being stuck ajar. You didn't say which sensors you changed but the most prudent approach now would be to check for fault codes stored in the engine controller memory. You are right at the cusp of the changeover of diagnostic code systems so you may or may not be able to use your ignition key to get these codes. Give it a try:
"On-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch for either the check engine light to begin to flash, pause, flash, etc. or for coded numbers to appear in the odometer window of the dash. If flashing occurs, count the number of flashes before each pause, then repeat that to verify that you have the numbers accurately. Then group them in pairs in the order they readout to form 2-digit numbers that are the fault codes. Tell me those numbers or the 4-digit number that appeared in the odometer window. If neither, then go to an Autozone for a free readout or look for a "special" at a garage for around $40. You can get a code list at www.allpar.com/fix/codes.html or write back.
The egr is located in a pipe that runs between the exhaust manifold and the intake manifold. It has a round body, a vacuum operated round actuator on its top, and flange connecting the two parts inside of which you will find a metal stem with a slot around it. That is the valve stem. Use the tip of a screw driver in the slot to move the stem back and forth, against spring-action which tries to close it. See if the stem moves freely and closes all the way. If not, then spray some WD-40 on the stem where it enters the valve body to free-up the motion. If it is not closing tightly it will dilute the mixture too much to sustain an idle.
Those are the best ideas I have at this point. Let me know what you find, and tell me what sensors you already replaced if you write back with results.
Roland