Market Segment:
Mid-size sedan segment.
Key Competitors 2004:
Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima.
Vehicle Appeal:
Offered stylish design, comfortable interiors, and a range of powertrain options. The convertible variant was a popular choice for its segment.
Target Audience:
Vehicle owners, DIY mechanics, repair shops seeking detailed technical information.
Cost Savings:
Enables owners to perform their own repairs and maintenance, saving on labor costs.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, cooling systems.
Drivetrain:
Differential, driveline, clutch, transaxle (automatic and potentially manual), drive axles.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system, wheel alignment.
Brakes:
Brake system components (hydraulic, ABS), parking brake.
Electrical Electronics:
Electronic Control Modules (ECMs), instrument cluster, audio/video systems, chime/buzzer systems, horn, ignition control, lamps, message systems, power systems, restraints (airbags), speed control, vehicle theft security, wipers/washers, wiring diagrams.
Body Chassis:
Body construction, frame, bumpers, exhaust system, tires/wheels, interior and exterior trim.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, lubrication, fluid changes, filter replacements.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete component overhauls and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Options 2004:
2.4L (2378 cc) EDZ I4, 2.7L (2736 cc) EHB V6, 3.0L (2977 cc) EGJ V6 (Special trim levels).
Horsepower 2.4L I4:
Approximately 147 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque 2.4L I4:
Approximately 155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower 2.7L V6:
Approximately 189 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque 2.7L V6:
Approximately 190 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Horsepower 3.0L V6:
Approximately 200 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque 3.0L V6:
Approximately 218 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI).
Octane Rating:
87 octane (minimum) for I4 and 2.7L V6; 89 octane (recommended) for 3.0L V6.
Engine Code Identification
6 Cylinder 2.7L Code:
EHB
6 Cylinder 3.0L Code:
EGJ
Transmission Options 2004:
4-Speed Automatic Transaxle.
Manual Transmission Availability:
Manual transmission was not widely offered for the 2004 Sebring/Stratus sedan; predominantly automatic.
Automatic Transmission Type:
Chrysler's 41TE / 42LE series automatic transaxles (depending on engine).
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (MS-9602) recommended.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 - 9.0 quarts (refer to manual for exact capacity based on drain/refill vs. overhaul).
Wheelbase:
Approximately 106.0 inches (2692 mm)
Length:
Approximately 193.7 inches (4920 mm)
Width:
Approximately 70.1 inches (1781 mm)
Height:
Approximately 55.7 inches (1415 mm) for sedan, ~54.9 inches (1394 mm) for coupe.
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 3200 - 3500 lbs (1451 - 1588 kg), varying by engine and trim.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star (for models equipped with side airbags).
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star (for models equipped with side airbags).
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for models produced after mid-2003).
ABS:
Standard or Optional depending on trim.
Traction Control:
Optional on some models.
Airbags:
Standard front airbags, optional front side airbags.
Audio System Options:
Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional premium Infinity sound systems, CD changer.
Display Technology:
Basic dashboard displays and instrument cluster. No complex infotainment screens typical of modern vehicles.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically available on base models; aftermarket solutions possible.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 - 100,000 miles for iridium-tipped plugs (refer to specific engine and plug type).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified).
Engine Coolant Type:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Pink Coolant (MS-9769).
Common Problems 2004 Sebring Stratus:
Transmission issues (especially with earlier automatics, though improved in 2nd gen), suspension component wear (bushings, ball joints), HVAC blower motor resistor failure, power window motor failures, oil leaks (valve cover gaskets).
Manufacturer:
Chrysler, a historical American automotive manufacturer known for a range of vehicles from practical sedans to luxury models.
Generation:
This manual covers the second generation of the Sebring/Stratus (JS platform), which debuted for the 2001 model year and ran through 2006 (sedan/coupe) and 2007 (convertible).
Manufacturing Location:
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA.