Our 1997 sebring convertible starts, runs about 5 seconds and dies.

We had it towed to a mechanic. He checked it out but determined it was something with the electrical/alarm system that they could not fix at his shop. He said he did not have the tool to communicate with the computer. He said that he thought it required a grey key which we don't have. We had it towed to the dealership hoping they could help with the problem.

Dealership's diagnosis was that bad fuel pump, needs 5 gal of gas (because it apparently ran out - thought it had about 1/2 tank), fuel filter, clean injectors and intake because it is flooded. Estimate $1100. Now, this seemed like a high estimate (i know it is a dealership, but it still seems very high.) They did not look at the alarm system or anything to do with electrical, even though we asked. Called back to today to ask them to check. They have to put gas in it so they can check.

Spoke with the first mechanic who looked at the car and my mom's mechanic (in MI we are in MD) and both thought we were 1. totally getting taken on the price if that was the problem, and 2. that the fuel pump was not likely the problem.

I am hoping that someone here might have had some experience with the same problem. The car has been in shops all month and it sounds like we are going to have to have it towed to a third place because I really don't trust the dealership.

thanks for any insight! this has been a frustrating ordeal.