Chrysler Repair: 1996 Cirrus no start problem, throttle position sensor, vacuum tubes

Question
QUESTION: A friend gave me a 1996 cirrus w/2.5L v6. Drove it home and installed new battery and gas to tank (it was on empty) now it wont start.  codes are only 12 and 55.  tryed to check egr valve.  Does mine have two hoses?  If so should the rod move rather freely, I have now been able to see the rod move. . checked vacuum tubes and applied suction to valve but could not see any movement.

ANSWER: Hi Phil,
There are two hoses between the valve and the transducer to which the vacuum line from the intake manifold is attached. One operates the valve, the other is at the base of the valve and is a 'backpressure hose' to the transducer. If the valve stem is seated tightly against it stop via the internal spring action then you should not have trouble starting it for that reason. You won't see the rod move until you get the engine up and running and then fiddling with the throttle should produce visible movement. If you can't get it move via the vacuum pump, then be sure the pump connection to valve "motor" is air tight. Bit in any case as long as it is closed when you try and start the engine that is all you need to assure.
You may want to put in another gallon or two of fuel to get the pump reprimed as you may not have sufficient fuel pressure to operate the injectors. Also check for spark at one of the spark caps to verify that.
Roland

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: HI, again

OK, fuel, I actually put in 5 gal. and guage shows quarter of a tank so i dont think that is the problem.  the codes are now showing me a 24 plus the 12 and 55 as previous.  will either the 24 or the egr keeping it from firing?  I have no fire at the spark plugs.  Driving it home (5 miles) was the first time it had ran in a long time.  All fuses check good and all guages work along with ever thing else.  Just no fire.  I appreciate any assistance you are able to give me.

Answer
Hi Phil,
The 24 is about the throttle position sensor voltage. You might want to clean out the throat, side idle passageway, and both sides of the throttle plate, and then also check the wires to the throttle position sensor to verify that none of them have melted insulation/short to ground. I'm not sure what you mean by no 'fire': no start or no spark? If no spark, then you have to think about an 11 code (crank sensor) or a 54 code (cam sensor, i.e. replace distributor!) if either of those should materialize. But work on the throttle body first; believe the code!
Roland