Chrysler Repair: 98 Chrysler JX, fuel filter replacement, sebring convertable

Question
I just bought a 98 chrysler jx and I was so happy...<<<<<<<<<<been dreaming of for years..
I have a friend that is a mobile mech...My frist problem was at start up. It made a chirpping sound.. I was told to replace the pulley. Well I picked up the part at the nearest automotive store and after 2 1/2 hours Discovery was made wrong part... So off to the Chrysler dealer and pay twice as much.. went in after replacing the bolt that was tweaked.
Next day I am on my 200 mile or so in this car. It now reads 95,555 on the odometer... My Check Engine light goes on... I get home check the fluids and Im a quart low on oil, transmission fluid needs a little bit and the overflow is dry.. I get the fluids including Coolant and only put the 5w30w as manual states..Went and put a few gallons of gas in and made sure to twist the cap until it clicked...This morning I had a rough start not only the squeaky chirpping sound but its rough and rattling.So Im headed to have it read by a computer that gets the code and lets u know whats wrong...EGR is the problem... Called to price it... 207.00 just if vacumm is clogged and a much bigger price tag if it a part...I also have oil now on my driveway did not have that until someone was under the hood.
I dont trust to many to get under my hood even my friend and mobile mech... I think that is wasn''t broken shouldnt have fixed it.. Could the problem been the 2 1/2 hour banging and cursing with the wrong part? Or did I buy a lemon.. Your input and any information would be greatly appreciated. I waited a very long time for this car... it was 5 grand and thats a lot of money for me...I just dont understand if this is the beginning of nothing but trouble for me.. What do you think.
=)
98 Chrysler Sebring Convertable JX
V6   955525 at purchase on week ago.
Repair history. Owner did minor tuneup, oil change, fuel filter replacement.
Southern California

Answer
Hi Bonnie,
While waiting for codes, if the car won't start then it would be useful to know whether the fuel pump operates (a slight humming sound for 1-2 seconds coming from the area of the gas tank when you first turn the key from off to run), and whether when you crank the car you are getting a spark. To test for spark, remove a cap from one of the spark plugs by holding on to the connector cap and pulling on it (don't pull on the wire). Then use a screwdriver (a philips head is better than a flat blade tip) with a plastic handle to probe inside the cap so that the tip touches the internal wire deep inside which normally touches the tip of the spark plug. Then hold the screwdriver by its plastic handle in one hand and the cap in the other hand so that you maitain the connection between the internal wire and the tip of the screwdriver. Move the assembly to be within 1/4 inch of a main metal part of the engine such as the cylinder head. Have a helper then try to start the car while you hold that position of 1/4" distance and observe whether during the cranking a spark jumps between the shaft of the screwdriver and the engine metal surface. Let me know that test result.
Roland