Chrysler Repair: Wont start when warm, but intermittent, egr valves, scan tool

Question
I have a '98 Sebring Conv. JXi. For about a year now, this car will unexpectedly fail to start even though there's plenty of cranking power. This only happens when the car is at full oeprating temperature; otherwise, it starts just fine. I've had it in to two shops. One could find nothing, the other claims it's a bad ECM and suggests I take it to a dealer for a new ECM and programming. I have been told that Federal emissions laws require manufacturer replacement of these units if they fail within 80,000 mi or 8 years. Is the ECM a likely candidate for this very unpredictable starting problem, and is it true Chrysler will have to replace it at their expense?

Answer
Federal emissions extend beyond 3/36.  Depending on year model will dictate just how far.  I'm fairly certain yours does go to 8/80.

However, the hard part is going to be getting the car to act up and... it's not a sure thing that the actual cause is going to be the computer.

The JXi if I'm not mistaken is the 2.5L v6 made by mitsubishi.  I've seen a few EGR valves go bad causing long crank times or no starts.  This would be something else that causes a no-start condition but isn't the computer.  Ultimately you've got to ask yourself these questions.

Does it do it all the time?
Does it happen enough that if I leave it with the dealer for a couple of days will it act up?
Am I prepared to pay diagnostics and repair costs (if you approve them) in the event that it's not covered?
Do I understand that I am responsible for diagnostic charges even if I don't have the car fixed at the dealer?

If you've got all that figured out, you're willing to take the chance then I would go to the dealership.  There are things they can check that no one else can simply because of the dealer scan tool.
Doug