Chrysler Sebring Transmission Problems
I have a 2001 Chysler Sebring with 34500 miles on it. Has anybody experienced a loud humming noise coming from what seams like the transmission? Everything else indicates that the car is OK (gas mileage, temperature, ride, indicator lights, etc.)I just can't get over how loud the humming noise is. If anybody else has had the same problem, I sure would like to know what it is.
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The dealer's so-called "transmission expert" says the car is in perfect condition... please tell me if this sounds like its in perfect condition:
1. When coming to a stop at a stop sign/light when the car hits 10mph the transmission makes a big clunk sound and the whole car shakes... similarly to slamming on the brakes very quickly. It seems to happen on the 2nd to 1st shift. This happens about %90 of the time.
2. When accelerating from a stop, sometimes the RPM's start climbing but the car doesn't move... then you hear a big CLUNK, and off we go.
3. Probably the most dangerous... when on the freeway, should we decide to pass someone, it is up to our car to decide if it wants to accelerate or not. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes the RPMs go up, but the trans does not downshift. Sometimes it downshifts, but doesn't seem to want to accelerate. Sometimes nothing at all happens... even with the pedal to the floor. Yesterday getting on the freeway, I floored it... nothing happened... just kept rolling. After ~10 seconds, it downshifted and took off the way it is supposed to... 10 seconds? Yep, I counted.
Otherwise, this car is very nice. Very comfortable seats. Nice brakes.
Anyone else have any similar problems?
Im thinking it has something to do with the transmission ECU (perhaps a standard trans computer installed instead of the Autostick?) or a messed up torque converter.... Im not a transmission expert so I dont know... I am getting together the cash to build my own scanner to diagnose the car.
-bryan
Any imput would be great.
From their website:
• 2.7L DOHC 24-Valve V6 engine
• 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transaxle
• Firm-feel power rack and pinion steering
• Double wishbone (SLA) sport suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars
One more thing: I will be driving this car for just about 8 months, then I will need to sell it.
At around 145-146k, will I be able to find myself buyers? What kind of depreciation may I run into?
Thanks
I own an 97 Jxi with 93K on it, but I think I would look at something with less miles.
SebringStan
For those of you who may have other issues - check the technical service bulletins. It fixed two of my other problems. My AC honked and I also had a rattle due to a bad mount with the exhaust system. I have a great service advisor that helpped. Be aware!
For the down shifting problem - good luck! I have been figthing this battle for two years now. I have even considered pursuing the lemon law for this. I have learned to drive around it. If you can find a dealership that can fix this, please post the fix. I have had the tranny flashed (relearned) and no help. I am told this is how the tranny works in these cars. Not a good answer.
Maybe we could start a club of Sebring Transmission issues. I have the exact same problem, except for the freeway issue. The downshifting from 2nd to 1st is a constant problem. I have taken my car into the shop 3 times, just for this issue. They tell me they can't duplicate it and that is how the car drives. I am now looking into the Lemon Law. My car is in the shop every 4-5 months for something breaking down. I have a love - hate relationship with my car. If someone can find a dealership who will fix this problem - PLEASE post a message as to what was done.
Other disappointments: lack of lighting on the console for the ash tray, glove box; CD changer will not random play between disc's (this is just stupid design in this day and age); Heavy dirt in paint on trunk lid lip (found when I hand washed car 1 week after delivery); Those 'ain't no chrome wheels' on the LTD. It's some type of overlay, not chrome plate; It hasn't rained heavy here yet (dry season) but watch out where you point the hose when you wash it because the side windows leak big time, much worse than my last Chrysler convert, a '96 Lebaron. But this Sebring is quieter with the top up than the Lebaron was and lots of people tell me this new one is pretty!
I'm already planning my replacement when the lease runs out. Can you say SOLARA?
By the way, why I lease? Resale values suck on Chrysler product. I did a one time lease pay to reduce the hit.
One TSB you should be aware of... there is an issue with the exhaust mount. After a couple of years my car was making a rattling noise. Have them fix the exhaust mount. You will fine every couple of months you will get a new noise. I end up in the shop every 4-6 months with a new issue, that they usually can fix. You are a smart person to lease. I am trying to figure out if I should sell and cut my loses or get an extended warranty and just ride it out????
I have a 2002 GTC with the 5 speed. I love the car, but it has one recurrent problem: it's hard to change gears 1->2, 2->3 , without crunching them.
Chrysler's been good about trying to fix it -eventually, they replaced the entire transmission as a unit - but the problem keeps coming back.
And yes, I know what the 3rd pedal is for ;-)
Anyone else had this issue?
Within 6 months of owning my car I noticed an issue with it down shifting into first gear. It is very rough and noticible when you slow down and go from 2nd to first. I also have an issue when putting the car into reverse. It is hard and makes a klunk noise. I have taken the car in 3 times for this. They tell me this is how the car works. I don't accepts that. I have found two tecnhnical service bulletins that deal with my current tranny issues. This is how I get my car fixed. I provide the TSB to them, then they fix it. I have a love/hate relationship with my car. I love it, but I figure somewhere down the line the tranny is going to crap out and Chrylser will not back it up. Personally I can not recommend you buy one.
I just drained the manual transmission of my 2001 model 2.0-4 cylinder Sebring but could not find the fill port. The Haynes Repair Manual is of no help. Can someone lead me to find the fill port? Really appreciate the help.
But, as was our experience prior, it was an utter nightmare getting it repaired. They "lost" our car. Afte 45 minutes of phone calls between us, the dealer and the tow company, we were told to fill out a police report as our car was missing. So we drive tot he dealership and find our car in 5 seconds, right outside their shop.
When I bought my Sebring LXi in 2001, it whined from the start. I complained to the dealer with no result. They said "yours is the quieter than the other one we tried". At 38K miles it still whines, only a bit louder, but still annoying. I figure I have to put up with it, I am not spending money to exchange large parts until it goes away (and then its only maybe it will go) and the dealer did not seem to think it was a warrantee justifying replacement. Maybe if it dies they will replace it - the transmission warrantee is pretty good.
My whine is only under acceleration - you back off and it goes away. It peaks at 30 and 60 mph.
On a positive note, I talked with the mechanic at the dealer and he complained they can't sell parts for the Sebrings, they don't go bad.
Other problems I have had - things replaced: the radio was replaced twice, the trunk latch, new O rings in the AC compressor, and also had a mouse nest taken out of the heating air intake (really!) - the heating was really noisy and not too effective until it was removed.
Also the pass side front floor heating vent was obscured by carpet - bad design.
AC is still not very good - I would hate to own one of these in AZ.
Just had oil flushed and throttle body cleaned - with inlet air adjustment, now has very smooth idle, and great gas mileage improvement - immediately noticeable. After the service and 1/2 tank of gas mostly highway miles - it now shows 29.9 mpg avg.
My 2001 Limited Conv w/ 6cyl & autostick at 32k does # 1 & # 2 . Did anyone ever find a solution?
from #67:
Problems with our 2002 Sebring LXi Sedan w/Autostick 4speed & ~18k well maintained miles on it.
The dealer's so-called "transmission expert" says the car is in perfect condition... please tell me if this sounds like its in perfect condition:
1. When coming to a stop at a stop sign/light when the car hits 10mph the transmission makes a big clunk sound and the whole car shakes... similarly to slamming on the brakes very quickly. It seems to happen on the 2nd to 1st shift. This happens about %90 of the time.
2. When accelerating from a stop, sometimes the RPM's start climbing but the car doesn't move... then you hear a big CLUNK, and off we go.
It will happen without warning. I took it to aamco for a 3-point diagnostic check, including a road test. after checking my car for 3 hours, found nothing wrong with the trans. I picked up the car and went home. she ran fine. about an hour later, I attempted to go to work, and she jumped out of gear again. When I was at the aamco shop, they told me no fault codes came up however fault codes did come in regards to EGR, something to do with catalytic converter, or something. I was told to take it Meineke for check. My question is; does the catalytic converter or EGR have anything to do with my car jumping out of gear? Could there be an overheating issue with this car? Any suggestions would be appreciated. thanx
had the water problem sounded like gallonns
i have the tach odometre problem which i just found out how to fix for free
but the jump out of gear problem IS A SHIFTER CABLE RECALL PROBLEM
CALL A DEALERSHIP AND GET IT FIXED FOR FREE
johnnn
I am going thru this now with my dealer. It really sucks. They have had my car for over two weeks. They have replaced the Power train control modules (2 times) and the transmission control module. It was covered under warranty other than a $100 deductible, and 15 days of car rental. I was supposed to pick it up tonight but after two weeks of waiting, they forgot to re-connect the odometer, so back it went.
Good Luck
I just bought a 96 sebring convertible; tach and odometer do not work, ABS light is on continuously. Any ideas?
Gregs1
Has anyone experienced "limp mode" problems because the automatic transmission will not shift out of first or second gear?
My problem just started and I've been to two places (non-dealerships) for diagnostics. They both say the transmission computer is acting up and will cost $600-700 to replace. I only have 51,000 miles on my 2001 sebring convertible! The transmission computer should last the entire life of the car, at least from what I'm told.
This is not covered by the powertrain warranty. Also, the 2001 model apparently did not even have the powertrain warranty. I just discovered this after a lengthy conversation with the corporate office.
If you have any advice about this matter, please e-mail me at jenniferlynn580@yahoo.com before I have to make a decision in the next few days!
Thanks!
How can I determine it the problem requires a Minimal repair (Incorrect fluid, Solenoid pack, Input sensor/relay, etc) or a Major repair?
How Can I get error codes from the instrument panel that will help?
Does the "limp home mode” indicate that a Major repair is necessary?
Thank you very much for any help that you can provide.
Thanks,
Kevin