🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chrysler

Model:

Sebring

Year:

2004

Generation Code:

JR41 (Second Generation)

Chassis Code:

JR

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Chrysler Sebring was positioned as a mid-size personal car, offering coupe, sedan, and convertible body styles to appeal to a broad market segment. It competed with vehicles like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Taurus, and Chevrolet Malibu.

Strengths:

Offered variety in body styles, attractive styling for its class, and often a more affordable price point compared to some competitors. The convertible was a particular strong suit.

Weaknesses:

Interior materials and build quality were sometimes criticized compared to Japanese competitors. Drivetrain refinement and fuel economy were not always class-leading.

Body Styles:

Available as a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, and 2-door convertible, providing significant choice.

Engines:

Offered with a range of engines, including inline-4 and V6 options, catering to different performance and economy needs.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Models:

2004 Chrysler Sebring (Coupe, Sedan, Convertible)

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive OEM repair manual)

Type:

OEM Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing system, valve train.

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection system, ignition system, emission controls, cooling system, lubrication system.

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission operation, disassembly, assembly, clutch, shift linkage.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission operation, removal, installation, internal components, valve body, torque converter, fluid cooling.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive system, drive axles, CV joints, differential, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar), rear suspension (independent or semi-independent depending on body style, trailing arms, shocks), wheel alignment.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rods, power steering pump, fluid.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, caliper, pads, rotors, brake lines, master cylinder, power brake booster, ABS system (if equipped), parking brake.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument cluster, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.

Body Exterior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass, seals, convertible top mechanism (if applicable).

Body Interior:

Dashboard, seats, upholstery, interior trim, climate control system components, airbags, seat belts.

Climate Control:

HVAC system, A/C compressor, evaporator, condenser, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant, operation, diagnostics.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system, SRS module, seat belt pre-tensioners, ABS diagnostics.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, brake inspections, belt inspections.

Engine Repair:

Engine tune-ups, head gasket replacement, timing belt/chain service, oil pan gasket, piston and ring replacement, valve adjustments.

Transmission Service:

Transmission fluid and filter changes, clutch replacement, transmission overhaul, torque converter replacement.

Brake Service:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake fluid flush, caliper and cylinder replacement, ABS bleeding.

Suspension Repair:

Strut and shock absorber replacement, control arm bushing replacement, ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, wheel bearing replacement.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting electrical faults using wiring diagrams, component testing, fuse and relay diagnostics, starter and alternator testing.

Body Repair:

Door lock and window regulator repair, hinge adjustment, bumper cover replacement, convertible top repair (if applicable).

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, starting problems, electrical faults, and component failures.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Depth:

Comprehensive OEM level, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Likely searchable (typical for quality PDF manuals)

Printability:

Printable (as per product description)

Binding:

N/A (Downloadable PDF, no physical binding)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Completeness:

Complete OEM Shop Manual coverage

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2.4L DOHC I4 (GEMA engine), 2.7L DOHC V6 (EER engine), 3.0L SOHC V6 (Mitsubishi 6G72 engine - primarily in coupe)

2.4L I4 Horsepower:

Approx. 150 hp @ 5800 rpm

2.4L I4 Torque:

Approx. 160 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

2.7L V6 Horsepower:

Approx. 189 hp @ 6400 rpm

2.7L V6 Torque:

Approx. 190 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

3.0L V6 Horsepower:

Approx. 200 hp @ 5750 rpm

3.0L V6 Torque:

Approx. 275 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

4-speed automatic transmission (42LE for V6, 41TE for I4) or 5-speed manual transmission (for I4 models).

Optional Transmission:

N/A (Specific transmission was often tied to engine and trim)

Automatic Features:

Adaptive electronic control, TorqueFlite design lineage.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 109.0 inches

Length:

Approx. 193.7 inches (Sedan/Convertible), 193.4 inches (Coupe)

Width:

Approx. 70.9 inches

Height:

Approx. 55.0 inches (Coupe), 57.6 inches (Sedan), 55.6 inches (Convertible)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3200 - 3700 lbs (depending on body style and engine)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Good (2004 Sebring Sedan - IIHS)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Good (2004 Sebring Sedan - IIHS)

NHTSA Side Impact Driver:

Good (2004 Sebring Sedan - IIHS)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:

Acceptable (2004 Sebring Sedan - IIHS)

ABS:

Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Front airbags, available side airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional Infinity premium audio system, cassette player available on some models.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system was available on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors were common features depending on trim level.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil), or 3,750 miles if primarily used for short trips or severe driving conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 100,000 miles (for platinum or iridium spark plugs, which were standard on many engines).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (with filter) for 2.4L I4; Approx. 4.5 quarts (with filter) for 2.7L V6.

Coolant Type:

HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically Mopar OAT or equivalent.

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 4)

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF+4 or Chrysler specified power steering fluid.

Engine Oil Sludge:

The 2.7L V6 engine can be prone to oil sludge buildup if maintenance is not rigorously followed, leading to potential camshaft and bearing damage.

Transmission Problems:

Some automatic transmissions (especially the 42LE) can develop issues with solenoids, torque converters, or valve bodies, particularly at higher mileage.

Suspension Wear:

Front suspension components like ball joints, tie rod ends, and strut mounts can wear over time, leading to noise and alignment issues.

Convertible Top Actuators:

For convertible models, the hydraulic actuators or motors for the power convertible top can fail.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Chrysler has a long history of producing diverse vehicle segments, from luxury sedans to practical family cars. The Sebring nameplate has been used across different Chrysler models over time, evolving from a coupe to a family of sedans, coupes, and convertibles.

Generation Evolution:

The 2004 Sebring represents the second generation (JR41) of the Sebring nameplate, which was a significant redesign from the previous generation. It was built on the Chrysler JS platform, shared with the Dodge Stratus and Mitsubishi Eclipse.

Manufacturing Location:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Jd Power Initial Quality:

The 2004 Sebring received mixed reviews in initial quality studies. While it offered good value, some competitors often ranked higher in perceived quality and reliability.