Chrysler Repair: 2.5L V-6:crank sensor replaced;misfiring. Why?, crank sensor, coolant temp

Question
The craank sensor was just replaced on my 1996 Sebring conv. 2.5L due to no spark. Ran fine for a day. Car now misfires badly until warmed up. The only thing the scan tool shows is cam and crank sensors are out of sync. Distributor was replaced with no change. Thanks.

Answer
Hi Ed,
I wonder if the crank sensor was properly spaced and held when it was replaced. It comes with a paper spacer that is to be pressed against the metal surface of the flex plate and then the retaining bolt tightened to 105 inch-pounds. As the plate rotates it wears away the paper but leaves the proper space between the tip of the sensor and the plate. If it slipped or wasn't properly positioned to begin with I could understand it only running for 1 day. A new spacer should be applied to the surface and see if that helps.
I don't see a P---- code for "cam and crank are out of synch". Can you get the specific P code and then let me know and I'll check the powertrain diagnostic manual to see what could be wrong and how to determine which it is?
I suspect there was nothing wrong with the distributor so if a mechanic did the job you should expect him to put the old one back in and not charge you for that failed attempt.
Usually when the engine misfires until it warms up the problem is a temp sensor that adjust the mixture for the operating conditions of the engine, specifically the coolant temp sensor which is mounted adjactent to the RADIATOR FILLER NECK AND CAP(to which the top radiator hose is attached). You can lift the tab on its electrical plug to remove it, then with an ohmmeter check the resistance across the terminals when the engine is cold (should be 7-13,000 ohms) and then it should decrease smoothly as the engine warms to a value of 700-1,000 ohms at 200F the normal operating temperature.
So check those things out and let me know the P code for the present conditions. The old code 11 would not be applicable, but better yet would be to erase all the codes by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes. That will set a 12 code so ignore that. If the engine won't start at all the anti-theft may be alarmed if you have that system. So you need to lock and unlock either front door using the key to clear that one. Then try the engine and drive it to see you can and get a fresh code readout. The self-read feature is not specific enough so try to read it with a code reader which you may be able to borrow from a local parts store (Autozone will often lend you one for free). Roland