Chrysler Sebring Convertible

jglackin

The owners manual does in fact advise one not to put the top down in temperatures below, if my memory serves me correctly, 55 degrees F - or shrinkage can occur. Being as car guy, and not a scientist, I can't give you a great explanation, but I can tell you that materials in general are generally more malleable at higher temperatures. I am not sure that the exact freezing point is relevant. My experience tells me that we have had to keep both Jeep Wranglers and Sebrings in our garage overnight, because an uneducated salesperson did not know that he/she should not demonstrate them on cooler evenings.
I would always advise a customer to consult the owners manual for that exact temp. Anyone have one handy?

vcjumper

I bought mine at the local Chrysler dealership, expect to pay about $200USD. The same windscreen that fits the 2001+ models fits the 96-2000.

kmckinley

What is it with the power windows in these cars?!
I am the 2nd owner of a beautiful gun metal grey limited. About 2 weeks after I bought it the drivers side window doesn't go down unless I tap the top up/down switch while holding down the window switch (don't ask how I figured out how to do that work around!). Now the same problem is happening with the back passenger window. I suspect the relays over the motors. Anyone out there have any experience with this problem & how did you remedy?

kmody

Hi, I am in the market for a convertible and am debating between a Sebring and Solara.

 

I am sure someone out there went through a similar scenario. Can that someone share his/her experience between the car and what you ended up buying and why?

 

Thanks,

mouser1

I also am having trouble with my turn signals on my 96 sebring convertible.When turned on the front signals blink fast and the rear ones don't work at all. I tried changing the flasher in the steering column and that did not help. did changing the relay solve your problem?

Mr_Shiftright

Try replacing the rear bulbs.

trjons

I'm a first time Sebring owner who bought a 2004 pre-owned one...

The rear windows rattled quite a bit and I took them in for a check by the dealer since they are still under factory warranty.

The dealer said that they only needed lubricating whereas I have read here and elsewhere that the regulators have to be replaced when the windows rattle. Is lubricating a fix for this?

Also, my seats did not roll forward when the side release was pulled. They lubricated the tracks for the passenger seat and it works a bit now (not great) but they told me the driver side is not supposed to roll forward automatically. Does anyone else with a 2004 beg to differ with what the dealership said?

cynder7

Sounds like a 2.7 sludged engine to me....my 2002 engine died @ 42,000 miles-Chrysler puts the blame on the consumer claiming not enough oil changes-this especially happens in rental cars -as you don't know the history of oil maitenance-my rebuilt engine cost $6,000; car's engine seized in August I am finally [check to be in the mail] getting compensation from Chrysler. I also [with the help of www.autosafety.org] did a channel 9 interview in the DC area re: the sludged engine-[on channel 9 website] the way it died is as you describe-no light etc. sorta shaking and DIED. The prices for used models are coming down as people are becoming aware of this engine problem. note above web site 1,000's since mine in August. 400 with Dept of Transportation and Safety. I would have the engine checked-and make sure you do oil changes @ 3,000 miles-

tomk1

Own a 2001 Sebring with less that 48,000 miles. Relatively recently been having problems hearing/feeling a noise similar to imbalanced tires/unrotated, can feel some vibration and noise (in addition noise similar as to hole in a muffler sound) as you drive. I'd the tires rotated and balanced prior to and last week had the front wheel hub bearings replaced which seemed to get rid of the muffled sound as you drive but I still hear the noise as if the tires are imbalanced, noise/rubbing sound more pronounced at lower speeds and certain roads. I'm also seeing oil residue under the engine block, slight drips onto pavement. Are there outer wheel bearings that could be the cause? Would any of these bearing problems be covered under the power train warranty? I was gouged on the front bearings parts cost...had it done because of safety concerns...so I'm still a tad hesitant to do more trust in mechanics "troubleshooting" ways. Any further ideas? Have had wheel bearing problems on older cars which were quite dangerous so I'm concerned on what further damage can happen or more drastic safety concerns....Thanks a lot for any input or help!

cstiff

I have a 2001 sebring convertible that there is wind noise from my left front window, I think it is because my top is loose, Not sure how to fix either. Any ideas???

pandoraslp

hi,

I was rear ended a few weeks ago on the freeway, by an inattentive driver...I was the first one hit out of 5 cars....and my 9 year old sebring with 167K miles was totalled but I walked away from it. I am not sure what my insurance is going to offer me to replace it.

Yes, I had problems with the drivers side window...my husband replaced the motor about 3 times...I also had problems with the tail lights and I replaced those myself. The front disc brakes wear out quickly, had problems with the freeze plugs and I had to replace the entire transmission about 2 years ago.

I lived in and loved that car...and guess what...I am buying another one...LOL a 99 Jxi with low miles...my 96 Sebring had a factory spoiler with red light bar on the back which really gave the car a neat look. Does anyone know where I can purchase an aftermarket spoiler to add on the used 99 jxi I have found?

naildriver

I have bought a wind screen from chrysler for my car and have to say I really like it. It was easy to install with minimal effort and tools. It is very easy to put on and off and will store flat in the trunk when not in use. It will really make a difference in wind noise, wind blowing your hair around and heating ability in mild temps. By the way it is a dealer/mopar item only.

summer cruiser

Has anyone had a problem with their top rubbing on the trim around the back? I had to have my top replaced and it still isn't right.

It's still rubbing on the black trim and will tear again if the problem isn't corrected.

It appears either the trim was installed wrong or the top was installed wrong and isn't lining up correctly.

My warranty is up in two weeks. Car is going back in the shop for repair again!

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Summer Cruiser

audient

I have a 1997 JXi with about 115,000 miles on it. Last summer I had to have the transmission rebuilt. For the last couple of months, the car is running sluggish, runs loud, and is only getting about 17-18 miles per gallon. Also, on the freeway, it feels like it is really straining to run much faster than about 60mph. Also, some of the noise disappears when I turn the wheel to the right. I am dreading taking it in for service, because last time it cost me $2k (for the tranny.) Any thoughts or ideas of what I am in for, what might be wrong with my Sebring?
Thanks!

russla

So I've found a decent Jxi with low miles (55k) and I'm thinking of buying it, I've done some research, but would appreciate any further comments.

besides the potential tranny failure and the brake issue, are there things I should look out for?

What about gas milage, is it reasonable to expect 20mpg when driving it? or should I count on 18?

thanks in advance

RL

audient

when my '97 JXi was in top form, I got an aggregate 23 or so to the gallon. If I used cruise control on the highway and observed the 65 mph speed limit, I could get 30 on the highway.

My tranny didn't fail till over a little over 100k. Apart from the tranny issue, its been a good car for me. A joy to drive.

melindasue37

The trunk on my 98 chysler sebring convertible won't open. I've tried the key, and it won't turn the lock. I've tried the automatic trunk release and it won't open it either. Just clicks, won't open. Does anyone else have this problem or have any solutions as to what I can try????

rawdad

Funny, I just had this problem with our 98 Sebring Conv too! I took it to my local mechanic for service and I asked him to see if he could do anything about it. He fixed it and didn't charge me anything - he said all he did was put some grease in the key hole in the lock and it has worked since! Not sure if it will help you, but it saved me a trip to the dealer!

lngtonge18

There is a chance you have a clogged catalytic converter. If the exhaust flow is being blocked, it will cause the engine to sound loud and struggle to reach highway speeds, sometimes never getting there. The engine also will refuse to rev quickly or very high. If this is indeed the problem, the repair will run you anywhere from $500-800.

mouser1

Update- I ended up bringing my 96 into the dealership for my blinker problem. The mechanic found a faulty relay pin causing the problem. It has been repaired and seems to be working. MOUSER

pitcollie

I have a 97 LXi and the driver's window is stuck all the down! Yep, happened in a snow storm here in Michigan. It makes a low rumble when depressing the button down and nothing when trying to raise the window. Any advice? This car has been nothing but expensive!

Any thoughts????

audient

thanks.

gramparaynes

has anyone attempted to do this? and how hard was it.

sebring5

Morning all:

Recently, the electrol-luminescent lights have not come on when I turn on my headlights. The rest of the instrument panel lights up normally but the cluster stays dark. At first, the cluster would remain dark and then after a couple of minutes it would light up normally. Now it no longer relights. The multiple turn stalk operates normally and all the relevant fuses are good. Before I get robbed by the dealer I was wondering if anyone else had a similar problem and what the fix and cost were. Thanks,

Sebring5

fury2

my dash lights blink on and off. any suggestios?

Claires

You might also want to post your question in the Chrysler Sebring Owners: Problems & Solutions discussion.

cdnlady

Hey southerngal,

I am experiencing the same thing with the gas gauge on my '04 sebring. Read your post and I am curious as to what your dealer told you to do about it or how they ended up fixing it.

Thanks,
:confuse:

duke8513

I am having problems with my rear passenger window. Once the window is down I can't get it to go up unless I pull the window half way up and mess with the power switch after a while it goes up. This happens all the time now and only on the rear passenger window.

Help!

tkfitz

I have been looking at different model year cars for some time now. Is there anything in particular about the 2.5 V6 or 4 cyl. engines that would need to be taken into consideration? 96,97,98 convts. are quite cheap to buy.

krbrat

How much was it to get the rear window fixed??

peace2you

As far as I know, the only Sebring engine to stay far away from is the 2.7 V6. Tons of problems with those. Also, the 98 model is on Consumer Reports cars to avoid list.

tkfitz

Almost all of the newer V6 convt. I have seen have the 2.7. The 4 cyl. models are a little lethargic for my taste...but if the price is right-who knows. There seem to be a glut of the 2000 model year and up available from dealers. Lots of 2004s especially.
But as the car would essentially be a fair weather toy for my wife it would be nice to find a low milage older one in decent condition. Just something to take up to the Maine coast.
By the way...the 2.7 really does not deserve the bad rap. If maintained properly it is no worse than anything else. Most engine rebuilders offer them with the same warranty as any other engine.
Thanks for the advice

vcjumper

Going with synthetic oil should pretty much eliminate the chance of it sludging.

kmckinley

Try replacing the window switches in the door panel. My drivers side window & rear passenger side window had the same problem (See question #123, does anyone reply on this board?). I thought it might be the relay. I replaced that & no difference. Once I replaced the switch assembly the problem was solved. Try your local JY for the switch assembly (got mine for less than $25. Good luck!

mlcryslr

After three years of blissful ownership, I'm having a problem closing the convertible top using the close switch. About every other time I close the top, the pump will not raise the top all the way. Usually the top will raise about a third of the way. Does anyone have a maintenance manual showing how to "recharge" the pump? Are there other remedies for restoring the top's motor or pump to it's "original vigor".

tdanton

anyone know a place where I can take my 98 Sebring to have roof repaired in the DC Metro area?
thanks.

deb123

A few months ago, we purchased a used 1998 Sebring Convertible jxi. We love the car, but the seat belts in the two front seats do not work. It started out that they would work in the mornings, but by the afternoon they would lock down and if they retracted, you could not get them back out. Then, my husband unplugged a module underneath the passenger seat and now that seatbelt is locked in and will not come out at all. The driver's side belt still works in mornings, but if you drive it much by late afternoon, it locks down also. We have taken it to several mechanics who cannot figure it out. We are totally at a loss as to what the problem could be. Can anyone help? We know with the new seat belt laws, we will eventually get a ticket plus it is not safe being unbuckled. Anyone's help or advise would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

dougp1

I have the exact same problem. Did you get a solution?

Claires

Welcome to the Forums, deb123! You might want to ask about this over in the Maintenance & Repair Forum. There may be someone who's had the same problem and has been able to resolve it.

bobed2121

I had my top re-stiched. I need to put the rear window back in. I have heard that you have to buy the top with the glass heat-installed from the manufacturer? Sounds like a want-to-sale a new top line to me. Has anyone had to or had it done, put the rear window in?

kenitzer

I purchased my new Sebring Convertible Touring Edition just over a year ago. Now, 20,000 miles later I am pleased to report I still enjoy the car as much as the day I brought it home. I have averaged around 23-25 mpg. I have done nothing to it other than change the oil (Pennzoil Synthetic 5W30 every 4000 miles) and filter, and wash and wax it. It still looks great (Navy Blue with Tan Leather and Tan Cloth Top) and I still get several compliments, even though Sebring convertibles are relatively common. The seats are comfortable on long drives, the top goes down and up smoothly and the engine offers plenty of power and acceleration. As I reported in my initial review about a year ago, lots of smiles for the miles.

phillyrube

Hi everyone...just bought a 98 Sebring Jxi convertible, after looking at many cars and consumer reports and ratings. This is my work car, since my other is a 99 Dodge ram 2500 V10, and I needed something that wasn't a gas guzzler.

Love the car, no problems, except I did not get an owners manual with it, and new ones are running $29.00.

Two questions: How does the ETC (electronic traction control) work, and how do i rpogram the garage door opener on the sunshade? Otherwise, love the car.

nolesn05

There is a place called Brownings Custom upholstery in Manassas, VA that does ragtop replacements on Sebrings. They also own a body shop next door that performed some top-quality body work on my '97 Chrysler Sebring Convertible two months ago. I'm now seriously considering replacing the top there since it is slowly wearing out now.
Take I-66 to 28S to Manassas. Turn right onto Maplewood Drive. Address is 8451 Maplewood Drive, 703-369-7360. Good Luck!

phillyrube

Well, in a few words, THEY SUCK!!!!! No real illumination except the 20 feet in front of the car.....it's better using the foglights and lowbeams over the high beams. Drove with highs on for an hour and no one blinked me as blinding them. Lens all appear bright and clear, but the beam pattern is none.

Any ideas on replacements? Already going to pull the crap foglights out and get some good 55w H3s in there. Otherwise, love this car, as long as I don't have to drive at night!!!

lngtonge18

This era of Chrysler products were known for bad light dispersal patterns. I would try installing Sylvania Silverstar headlight bulbs. These are about 20% brighter then stock and are bright white in color, not blue. This will probably help somewhat, but its hard to oversome the designed in blotchy light dispersal.

Claires

Phillyrube, try posting in the Chrysler Sebring Owners: Problems & Solutions discussion in the Chrysler Sebring Owners Forum. Someone there is bound to have answers for you.

cynder7

Re: the 2.7 getting a bad rap-I disagree-The 2.7 is a bad engine UNLESS you do 3,000 mile changes -synthetic oil or not. I learned this the hard way and if you go to www.AutoSafety.org or www.dontbuyone.com you will see thousands who have had their engine seize. I was not initially compensated by Chrysler despite being under Warranty-finally after a Channel 9 segment [I helped with] on this engine they reimbursed my $6,666. and I still have a problem with the engine light sometimes coming on-and acting 'funny.' I will think twice before I buy DxC again.
I never owned a car before where you change the oil before you add oil in between service. :mad:

mmoyer

VCjumper.

I've been looking for ways to increase performance on my 99 Sebring convert, 2.5 L v6. Did the intake help? Where did you get it? Part #? Any other performance improvement suggestions?

Mark

mmoyer

VC Jumper.

Nice Car!! Where did you get the windstop??? My bride would take rides with me more often if I could cut down on the wind.

vcjumper

The windscreen is actually from Chrysler.. Check mopar.com for a second generation sebring accessories and you should find the part number there, sorry I don't know it, was almost a year ago now I picked it up. It does fit the first generation sebring as well.

Regarding 2.5L performance, I purchased my intake from f5 Performance but I don't think they make a version for first gen. email me alias at newsguy dot com for more info.