1996 Chrysler Sebring car just died on me and wont start

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JOHNESEE
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Engine Performance problem
1996 Chrysler Sebring 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

My car died on me at a stop light and i couldnt get it to start back up. I have been told that it may be either my fuel pump or my distributor. I was told how to check a valve around the engine to see if its my fuel pump but i looked around and couldnt find it. I was wondering if someone could tell me where that would be located. Also, if its my distributor, how would i go about checking to see if its that? I was going to tow it to the dealership and have them fix it, but they are WAY over charging to fix it ($370 for a fuel pump and $140 in labor, which at an auto parts store the fuel pump was approx $170).
Apr 14, 2010 at 4:41 PM
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RASMATAZ
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  • 75,988 POSTS
Do below to determine if its a fuel or spark problem.

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs,coil's resistances,distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it
Apr 14, 2010 at 7:19 PM
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JOHNESEE
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I tested the spark plugs, and changed one that i thought was bad, the plug connecting to the top of the plug was loose when i popped the hood to begin figuring out what was wrong. I can hear the fuel pump turn on, so i dont think its the fuel pump that went bad. I put some seafoam in the tank in case it was bad gas and didnt change anything. I'm getting spark from 2 diff spark plugs. Its still cranking over, but just wont start. Any other suggestions?

[quote:25a374b1c0="rasmataz"]Do below to determine if its a fuel or spark problem.

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs,coil's resistances,distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it[/quote:25a374b1c0]
Apr 16, 2010 at 4:02 AM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
I can hear the fuel pump turn on, so i dont think its the fuel pump that went bad.

It might be coming On but is it producing the correct fuel pressure as specified in the repair manual.

Two plugs has spark what about the other 4?
Apr 16, 2010 at 5:37 AM
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