I have a 2006 Stratus that had an accident. I needed to replace the drivers door and repair the "A" pillar. I drove the car into the garage, disconnected the battery and repaired the damage. It took 2 months... I've been busy! I connected the battery and the engine cranks fine but doesn't start! Also, the remotes are not working. Is there something with the theft deterrent system that needs to be reset? Is there a possible 2 separate issues here? Anyone have an idea?
Ken

 

An engine that cranks and does not start lacks spark, fuel, or both. Sometimes the timing jumps and you get spark and fuel, but at the wrong time. Slipping a tooth on the timing belt is also a possibility. Check for spark, timing while cranking, and fuel.
The computer not sending impulses to the fuel injectors in another possibility. You could get spark, fuel at the fuel rail, but never get fuel into the cylinder(s).

 

But why isn't the remote working, or the radio, trunk lid release, etc.? I had to weld an "A" pillar. Is there any wires running through it that I may have damaged?

 

OP's car is 4 door Stratus 4 cyl.
Just in case the coupe/sedan differences mean wires or no wires in the A pillar.

 

The "A" pillar usually contains feed wires to the sun roof, dome lights, and the reading lights. Also to the self dimming mirror/compass should you have one. Look in your owners manual for associated fuses. If the fuse re-blows you have a permanent short.
Some of these fuses are multi function.

 

I have a 4 door, 4 cyl.

 

maybe a mouse chewed up some crucial wires in the time it was sitting around. or maybe one of your buddies pulled some stuff just to screw with you.

 

Found a fuse that was blown. That fixed the remote problem, however, it still didn't start. Galvanized Yankee said that an engine that doesn't start is lacking fuel or spark. I gave it a shot of starting fluid and it fired right up and kept on running. It's still working fine. Did the fuel "Dry up" in the intake or what? I just wanted to know....
Ken

 

yep, you probably dried out the fuel in the intake