Chrysler Repair: 99 Chrysler Sebring spark issue., chrysler sebring, crank sensor

Question
Hello Mr Finston,
My 99 Chrysler has recently been having trouble starting up. It turns over three or four times and then starts up,or doesnt start at all.
I changed the fuel filter thinking it was a fuel delivery problem.
But,at the shop where I had this done, the mechanic told me that my fuel filter was indeed clogged and needed replacement, but that he thought I still needed some diagnostic work done for some electrical issues. He thought it was most likely the crank sensor. He told me that since the check engine light was not on he would not be able to pull any codes from the computer, so he told me to just make do and If I had a check engine light come on to bring it in. Well the car actually started much better after that, but a couple of days later it started doing the same thing. i took it to another mechanic who told me I was getting intermittent spark or no spark at all and he suggested I take it to a dealer.
Any suggestions/light you can shed on this would be much appreciated.
Lance  

Answer
Hi Lance,
There is a chance that there are fault codes stored in the computer without their being a check engine light illumination. The light only stays on if the problem increases the air pollution output. I would see if you can get a free readout at an Autozone parts store, or give the ignition key a try:
"on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing this in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the odometer window to see if any code numbers, beginning with a "P" appear. If none, then that particular year/model doesn't offer a self-readout and you will need to have a readout done. Once you get and codes write back and tell me what they are and we will go from there. It is too costly to guess at what part is bad so you really should try to take advantage of the self-diagnostic capability of the vehicle.
Roland