Chrysler Repair: 1998 Sebring starts then dies, power door locks, exhaust gas recirculation valve

Question
My 1998 Sebring Convertible will start, run for a few seconds then dies.  I re-start it and the same thing happens.  This could occur 3-4 times.  I'll then wait about 3-4 minutes, try starting again, and it will stay running.  It's an interrmitent problem.  One time it happened hile at the dealer.  They said the chip in the key was bad.  Got new keys made and the problem seemed to go away for about 2 years.  Now it's happening again.  Sometimes after starting or while driving the red security light comes on.  If I shut off the engine and re-start, the red light stays off.  Any suggestions?

Answer
Hi Gary,
The start and die in a few seconds is a sign that the theft security system has been activated and then alarmed, though that is not the only possible reason. But if the security system light is also on when you haven't activated it, then there is something that is giving the system a false arm command. Usually locking the doors using the power door locks when you exit the vehicle is the way to activate the alarm. Also the key fob will activate and deactivate the system. You might try locking then unlocking either door with the key or the fob when you get into the start and die syndrome. Why it is doing this is the question.
There are some manuals about this system which in association with a diagnotic readout box can be brought to bear on the problem. I would be inclined to go to a dealership, ideally when you can demonstrate the problem reliably when you get there. It could be so many different electments of the system there is no point in speculating. I wish I had a magic answer but it just requires an onsite experience and a diagnostic box to find out which is the primary causes.
If you have a start and die problem that doesn't appear to involve the the theft alarm system (no light on the dash, no other horm pulses/headlight flashes, etc) then I would also check for a sticking exhaust gas recirculation valve. I responded to another 2.5L V-6 owner just today and listed how to do that check on the egr valve. So look at the past day's questions for one regarding a V-6 that dies or stumbles.
Roland
Roland