Chrysler Repair: starting problem with Chrysler Sebring LXI, chrysler sebring lxi, chrysler sebring

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I have a 96 Chrysler Sebring LXI with a 2.5 V6.Sometimes the car will just turn over and over and not start. You keep doing it and it eventually will.The guy that had it put new O2 sensors on it and a new crank sensor? It was starting okay for a couple of days and then started again.Any suggestions? He also put it on a computer and it said some sensor.Not sure maybe the crank sensor? Ive never heard of one.Thanks for any help.
Answer -
Hi George,
There are a number of possible sensors that could be the cause of your problem. Fortunately there is an on-board system to detect problems with the sensors and list them specifically as a two-digit trouble code. To find out which sensor is giving you trouble just take your ignition key and turn the ignition switch 'on-off-on-off-on' within a period of seconds. Then watch the malfunction indicator lamp to begin to flash and pause. Count the number of flashes between the pauses. There is a short pause between the flash groups that are the first and second digits of a code number, and a longer pause between the second digit of a code and the first digit of the next code number. Repeat the readout again to make sure have the counts and therefor the code numbers correct.
Write me back with the code numbers and we'll take it from there.
Roland

Thanks for the quick reply. It showed 12 and 55. I tried it a few times and it showed the same.

Thanks,
George
Answer -
Hi George,
Thanks for trying the codes. The 12 means that the battery power to the engine controller has been disconnected sometime in the past 50-100 key on-off cycles. If you actually haven't disconnected the battery cables that recently, then it would be worthwhile to check the wiring from the battery to the controller for a loose connection, though if that were the problem you would expect the engine to die while it was running not just when you tried to start it. Otherwise that would not be a very helpful code to answer your problem. The 55 code just means the readout is completed.
Now the fact that there aren't any obvious problems that have been recognized by the controller means there is something more subtle going on here. There are about 14 possible sensors/mechanical systems that could be the cause of the problem without setting a code. If you have some tools and a voltohmmeter you could very well check these out and possibly find the problem. I won't go into them at this point, but will await your response as to how much of a do it yourselfer you are. I could also just give you the list of system checks for you to discuss with a mechanic. These tests are covered in a troubleshooting manual that I have for these engines on about 40 pages of a Chrysler manual. I could copy these and postal mail them to you for your use or a mechanic's use for about 5 cents per sheet plus postage.
Roland



Thanks for the info..I have tools & can go get a voltohmmeter. I know a little about cars, but this is the first Chrysler that I have owned, but if it doesn't take a mechanic, then I am up for it.

George

Answer
Hi George,
That's the spirit!
Let me know your postal mailing address and if you would send me $3.00 I'll copy the 40 sides ($2.00) and use about $1.00 postage for getting the pages to you.
My address is:
Roland Finston
856 Thornwood Drive
Palo Alto, CA 94303-4436