Chrysler Repair: Starting Problems, chrysler sebring lxi, screwdriver blade

Question
I have a '00 Chrysler Sebring LXI that won't start. It will turn over fine but just won't start not evening with attempting to jump it.At times it will start after abt 5 attempts. I took it to a mechanic which ran a diagnostic check but the check showed no problems? What could be the problem? Could you please provide some answers?

Thanks,

Shawn

Answer
Hi Shawn,
There are at least 2 possible areas to check: the function of the egr and some of the parameters of the engine control functions beyond just the fault codes.
On the egr, that can get cruddy with exhaust fume residue and become sticky in its mechanical action, for example sticking ajar which will dilute the fuel mixture and prevent idling. Here is how to check that out:
The first thing I would do is check the mechanical function of the egr valve which is located along a pipe that runs from the left exhaust manifold (on the side of the engine facing the front of the car) to the intake manifold area (where the incoming air in the large rubber tube enters the throttle). That valve is metal and has a round fitting with a vacuum hose attached, mounted on the top of the valve, and the round part is attached to the main body of the valve by a sort of saddle. Inside the open saddle you will see a metal rod (with a slot) that connects the round top fitting to to the valve body. That rod is a stem on the valve and it is supposed to go in and out in response to the engine vacuum which varies with RPM and throttle opening (gas pedal position). Take a spray can of WD-40 or other penetrating lubricant and spray the stem where it enters the valve body and then use a regular screwdriver blade tip inserted in the slot to lever the valve in and out to try and free up its motion. Also check all the rubber vacuum hoses associated with the valve and a nearby vacuum solenoid valve. If the valve seems to open (against the action of a spring) and close firmly by the spring action when using the screwdriver blade to facilitate the motion, then you should be able to now start the engine. You can, once it is idling, check that the valve stem moves when you rev the engine from idle to 2500 rpm and back to idle. If it still won't start, then removing and cleaning the interior of the valve, or buying a new one if it seems too crudy and corroded inside, is the next step to getting the engine to start. (The above is for the 2.5L V-6,the principle is the same for other engines but the valve is located differently).
On the engine parameters, be aware that you can have a problem with a sensor yet not so bad as to set a fault code. I had such an experience where my MAP sensor was inaccurate but still working well enough to not set a code. Only a sharp tune-up tech with the diagnostic readout box noticed that it was off-value in stating the ambient air pressure, which messed up the mixture so bad it wouldn't start, but yet there was no fault code. So keep in mind that possibility if the egr doesn't correct your 'no start'.
I assume that you have spark, so chances are it is a mixture problem.
Sorry to be a little slow in getting back to you, the site was shut down late in the day for upgrading.
Roland