Segment:
Compact car and mid-size car segment (depending on body style, coupe/sedan).
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers seeking a reliable and practical vehicle, DIY mechanics, and independent repair shops.
Key Competitors:
Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cavalier/Cobalt, Nissan Sentra.
Body Styles:
Offered as a coupe and convertible (Sebring Convertible), and a sedan (Stratus Sedan was closely related).
Value Proposition:
Offered a balance of affordability, decent styling (especially the convertible), and practicality for its class.
Platform:
Chrysler's JS platform, shared with other Chrysler Group vehicles.
Engine:
Comprehensive diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and specifications for all available engines.
Transmission:
Detailed procedures for automatic and manual transmission service, repair, and overhaul.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system components, including axle shafts, CV joints, and differential service.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including shock absorbers, struts, control arms, ball joints, and bushings.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis, repair, and component replacement (pump, rack and pinion).
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, including hydraulic components, ABS operation, rotor and pad replacement, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, component locations, diagnostic procedures for all electrical systems (lighting, ignition, charging, starting, accessories).
Body:
Exterior and interior body panel repair, door and latch mechanisms, glass replacement, and trim components.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement, and troubleshooting.
Interior:
Seat mechanisms, dashboard components, upholstery, and interior trim repair.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and repair, seatbelt mechanisms.
Maintenance:
Detailed scheduled maintenance tasks and recommended intervals.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic flowcharts and common problem resolution guides.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair on all major vehicle systems.
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) code interpretation and guided diagnostic routines.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, fluid types and capacities, engine data, and electrical system parameters.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics.
Engine Options:
2.7L V6 (EER), 2.4L 4-cylinder (EDZ), 3.0L V6 (not common for 2002 JR Sebring, usually Mitsubishi engine in prior generations)
Configuration:
V6, SOHC (Single Overhead Cam)
Horsepower:
189 hp @ 6,600 rpm
Torque:
190 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (Dual Overhead Cam)
Horsepower:
150 hp @ 5,900 rpm
Torque:
160 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
Induction:
Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
ECM:
Chrysler's proprietary Engine Control Module (ECM), typically with OBD-II diagnostic capabilities.
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic transmission (42LE) was standard on most models.
Transmission Type:
A 5-speed manual transmission might have been available on some base models or with the 4-cylinder engine, though less common.
Automatic Modes:
Includes overdrive (O/D) and possibly a 'sport' or 'performance' mode.
Automatic Fluid Type:
Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent specification)
Automatic Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 - 8.5 quarts (7.1 - 8.0 liters) for fluid change, higher for complete overhaul.
Length:
Approximately 193.7 inches (4920 mm)
Width:
Approximately 70.2 inches (1783 mm)
Height:
Approximately 55.5 inches (1410 mm)
Height:
Approximately 55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 109.7 inches (2786 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,100 - 3,400 lbs (1406 - 1542 kg), varies by engine and body style.
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 13.1 cubic feet (371 liters)
Trunk Volume Top Up:
Approximately 8.1 cubic feet (229 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Good (for driver and passenger in frontal crash tests, based on general class performance).
NHTSA Side Impact:
Acceptable/Good (varied based on specific test and year, side airbags were often optional).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was typically standard or optional depending on trim.
Traction Control:
Traction control system (TCS) was often available as an option, particularly with V6 engines.
Airbags:
Dual front airbags standard. Side airbags were optional on some trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for all occupants, pretensioners for front seats.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium audio systems with cassette and/or changer were available.
Navigation:
Touchscreen navigation systems were not commonly available on this generation.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard; aftermarket solutions might be available.
Keyless Entry:
Optional keyless entry system with remote.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult manual for specific oil viscosity.
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or approximately every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plugs:
Inspect around 60,000 miles (96,000 km), replace as needed (material depends on engine, e.g., platinum-tipped).
Coolant Flush:
Initial flush at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) thereafter.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20 (check owner's manual for specific engine requirement). API certified.
Coolant:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant or equivalent (usually a pink or orange color for OAT-based).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 or Chrysler power steering fluid.
Engine 2.7L V6:
Oil sludge buildup in the 2.7L V6 if oil changes are neglected; potential for head gasket issues.
Transmission 42Le:
Overheating can lead to premature wear; solenoid issues are sometimes reported.
Suspension Components:
Front suspension bushings and sway bar links can wear out prematurely.
Electrical:
Window regulator failures, power lock actuator issues, and sometimes dashboard warning light illumination.
HVAC:
Blend door actuator failures leading to incorrect temperature control.
Manufacturer:
Chrysler Corporation (part of DaimlerChrysler at this time).
Generation:
Second generation of the Chrysler Sebring (JR platform).
Styling Influence:
Continuation of the 'cab-forward' design language Chrysler was known for, with a focus on interior space.
Predecessor:
First generation Sebring (1995-2000).
Production Years:
2001-2006 for the JR platform.
Assembly Location:
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA.
Popular Mechanics Editor Choice:
While not always winning top awards, the Sebring convertible often received favorable mentions for its styling and value in its class.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Ratings varied, but often placed average to below-average in reliability and owner satisfaction compared to Japanese competitors.
Emission Standards:
Compliant with EPA emission standards for the model year.
