Repair And Fix it

Like the first generation of Sebring Convertibles, the 1997 Chrysler Sebring LXI has a Mitsubishi 2.5L V6 engine with fuel injection. The fuel-injection system operates under very high pressure supplied from the gas tank by the fuel pump. Replacing the fuel pump on the LXI is a different procedure than other Sebring models, but fortunately, is well within the capabilities of even a novice mechanic.

Instructions

1

Relieve fuel tank pressure by opening the gas filler cap. Inside the car, pull upward on the rear seat cushion to disengage it from its retaining hooks and remove the cushion from the vehicle. Of the two access panels underneath the cushion, remove the one on the right.

2

Disconnect the wiring harness that attaches to the fuel pump. Turn the ignition and allow the engine to run until it dies from a lack of fuel system pressure. This permits safe removal of the fuel pump. Once the fuel pressure has been released, disconnect the negative battery cable.

3




Remove the hose connecting the fuel pump to the fuel rail. Remove the mounting bolts holding the fuel pump in place and lift the pump out of the fuel tank. Wrap the pump in shop towels to catch remaining gasoline and relocate the pump to a well-ventilated area.any

4

Place the new fuel pump into the fuel tank by carefully aligning the pump with the slots in the tank until the pump is securely seated. Reinstall the mounting bolts (22 inch-pounds of torque) and reconnect the hose leading to the fuel rail. Reinstall the access panel and seat cushion.

5

Make sure that the gas filler cap has been reinstalled and reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the ignition to the "On" position for a few seconds to allow the fuel system to build pressure, then start the engine to confirm proper operation.

The Chrysler Sebring, a mid-sized sports car, was introduced in 1995. Reviewers have called the Sebring convertible and sedan models stylish, but manufacturer recalls and repair bulletins over the years document problems that you should be aware of.

Engine Problems

Engine failures, often from oil sludge, have been a major problem with this vehicle. Chrysler issued fuel pump recalls for several model years, including the years 1995 to 2000, and water- and oil-pump failures have been common occurrences. Reports of cars stalling have been attributed to a faulty CAM sensor. Repair Pal lists multiple warnings about premature head-gasket failures for Sebrings built in the late 1990s.

Electrical Problems

Engine or instrument panel cluster lights have mistakenly lit up because of power train computers that need reprogramming. Safety recalls for models between 1997 and 2000 addressed exterior lighting problems. Many Sebring owners have had to replace faulty starters and sensors when the ignition failed. Malfunction switches that dont operate properly have made radios flash or shut down entirely, especially in the 2001 and 2002 model years.

Miscellaneous Problems

Reports about plugged AC and rear drains on 2001 to 2006 models are posted on Repair Pal. Ill-fitting sunroofs and doors have resulted in water leaking into the cars interior and trunk. Owners have also reported slow heating units and ineffective fan blowers. Transmission issues have included hard shifting and frozen shifters. Drivetrain problems that could effect speed control prompted recalls from 1996 to 1999.

The Sebring was first introduced to the North American market in 1995. It is a middle-size car manufactured by Chrysler. The 2001 model could be purchased as a coupe or a sedan. It was packed with a lot of features, including an ABS braking system, airbags and CD player. Like any car, the Sebring should be inspected and serviced periodically. If the head gasket in your 01 Sebring needs replacing, you can do the job if you have mechanical experience, the right tools, and access to a hoist.

Instructions

Removal Procedure

1

Disconnect the negative cable of your Sebrings battery. Remove the nut from the negative post with a box-end wrench. Lift the cable from your battery, move it outside of the battery box, and close the lid of the battery box.

2

Drain the antifreeze from the cooling system. Remove the throttle body air inlet hose and the air cleaner housing assembly. Take out the intake manifold. Disconnect the heater hose from the thermostat housing. Pull out the heater tube support bracket from the cylinder head.

3

Unplug the camshaft position sensor (CPS) electrical connector, then unplug the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve electrical connector. Raise the vehicle on the hoist.

4

Disconnect the exhaust pipe from the exhaust manifold. Remove the accessory drive belts. Unscrew the crankshaft damper. Remove the upper and lower timing belt covers. Take off the timing belt. Remove the camshaft sprockets. Remove the timing belt idler pulley and the rear timing belt cover.

5

Lift the cylinder head cover. Take out the camshafts and rocker arms. Remove the cylinder head bolts using the torque wrench, then remove the cylinder head from the engine block.

6

Inspect and clean the cylinder head. The cylinder head must be flat within 0.004 inches. The cylinder head bolts should also be examined before reuse. If the threads are necked down, the bolts must be replaced. To ensure that the engine gasket is properly sealing, proper surface preparation must be performed, especially with aluminum engine components and multi-layer steel cylinder head gaskets.

Installation Procedure

7

Lay the cylinder head gasket on the block. Before installing the bolts, the threads should be coated with engine oil.

8

Install the cylinder head on the block. Tighten the cylinder head bolts using the 4-step torque turn method. In the first step, tighten all the bolts to 25 foot-pounds. In the second step, tighten all the bolts to 50 foot-pounds. In the third, tighten the cylinder head bolts again to 50 foot-pounds. In the final step, make an additional one-quarter of the turn with the torque wrench.

9

Install the rocker arms and camshafts. Replace the cylinder head cover. Install the rear timing belt cover and timing belt idler pulley. Install the camshaft sprockets. Install the timing belt.

10

Replace the upper and the lower timing belt covers. Install the crankshaft damper, then install the accessory drive belts. Connect the exhaust pipe to the exhaust manifold. Torque the fasteners to 250 inch-pounds.

11

Plug in the camshaft position sensor (CMS) electrical connector. Connect the EGR valve electrical connector. Install the heater tube support bracket to the cylinder head. Connect the heater hose to the thermostat housing. Install the intake manifold. Connect the throttle body air inlet hose and air cleaner housing assembly. Fill the cooling system.

The battery in the 2006 Chrysler Sebring is located behind the fender by the drivers-side tire. The procedure for replacing the battery in the Sebring is different than it is on many other vehicles. The Sebring has a maintenance-free battery that should not need to be serviced until it is time to replace it. A fully operational battery is vital for keeping the car in good working condition.

Instructions

1

Park the Sebring in a level area. Turn the steering wheel fully to the right. Turn off the engine.

2

Unscrew the bolts that hold the fender shield in place in front of the driver-side tire. Remove the fender shield.

3

Unscrew the bolt on the negative battery terminal connector. Remove the connector from the negative terminal.

4

Unscrew the bolt on the positive terminal and remove the connector.

5

Loosen the bolt that holds the battery holding arm in place. Move the holding arm out of the way to allow full access to grasp the battery.

6

Lift the battery out of the compartment and set it aside.

7

Insert the new battery into the compartment. Make sure the terminals are positioned in the same way they were on the old battery.

8

Reposition the battery holding arm. Tighten the bolt that holds the arm in place.

9

Replace the positive battery connector to the positive terminal. Tighten the battery connector bolt.

10

Replace the negative battery connector and tighten the connector bolt.

11

Reposition the fender shield. Install the bolts that hold the fender shield in place.