Market Position:
The Chrysler Sebring JR (2001-2006) was positioned as a mid-size car, available in coupe, convertible, and sedan body styles, competing in a segment with models like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Ford Mondeo.
Competitive Analysis:
The Sebring offered a distinctive American design, particularly the convertible variant which was a strong seller. However, it often lagged behind Japanese competitors in terms of perceived build quality and driving dynamics.
Key Features:
Available in coupe, sedan, and convertible body styles. Offered a range of powertrain options including efficient 4-cylinder engines and a powerful V6.
Engine Service:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission controls, engine diagnostics, timing belt/chain service
Transmission Service:
Manual transmission (NVT150), Automatic transmission (41TE, 42LE, 45RFE), transaxle service, clutch, torque converter, diagnostics
Drivetrain Service:
Front-wheel drive system, CV joints, drive axles, differential
Suspension Service:
Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints), Rear suspension (torsion beam, trailing arms), alignment specifications
Steering Service:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear/rack and pinion, diagnostics
Brake Service:
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), ABS, parking brake, hydraulic system, bleeding procedures
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, starting system, charging system, lighting, fuses, relays, instrument cluster, power windows, power locks
HVAC System:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) controls, refrigerant system, blower motor, AC compressor
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seats, glass, convertible top mechanisms (if applicable)
Chassis And Frame:
Frame construction, unibody structure, subframes
Preventive Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and flushes, tire rotations, spark plug replacement, belt inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for all major systems, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair of all major vehicle systems
Component Replacement:
Detailed guides for replacing common wear items and major components
Diagnostics And Testing:
Electrical system testing, sensor testing, actuator testing, mechanical component testing
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission overhauls, electrical diagnostics, and body repairs
Engine 2.0L:
2.0L 16V DOHC I4 (ED3), Approx. 135 hp, 130 lb-ft torque
Engine 2.4L:
2.4L 16V DOHC I4 (ECB), Approx. 150 hp, 162 lb-ft torque
Engine 2.7L V6:
2.7L 24V DOHC V6 (EHB), Approx. 200 hp, 190 lb-ft torque
Engine Management:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug technology for 4-cylinder engines. Distributorless Ignition System for V6.
Compression Ratio 2.0L:
10.0:1
Compression Ratio 2.4L:
9.4:1
Compression Ratio 2.7L V6:
9.7:1
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 16 gallons (60.6 liters)
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission (NVT150) - primarily with 2.0L engine
Optional Transmission 41Te:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle (41TE) - commonly with 2.4L engine
Optional Transmission 42Le:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle (42LE) - commonly with 2.7L V6 engine
Optional Transmission 45Rfe:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle (45RFE) - also available with 2.7L V6 engine, potentially later models
Automatic Features:
Includes AutoStick (manual shifting capability) on some automatic transmissions.
Length Sedan Coupe:
Approx. 193.7 inches (491.9 mm)
Length Convertible:
Approx. 193.7 inches (491.9 mm)
Width:
Approx. 71.5 inches (181.6 mm)
Height Sedan:
Approx. 57.9 inches (147.1 mm)
Height Coupe:
Approx. 54.1 inches (137.4 mm)
Height Convertible:
Approx. 54.7 inches (139.0 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 109.7 inches (278.6 mm)
Seating Capacity:
5 passengers
Trunk Volume Sedan Coupe:
Approx. 15.8 cu ft (447 liters)
Trunk Volume Convertible Top Up:
Approx. 13.1 cu ft (371 liters)
Trunk Volume Convertible Top Down:
Approx. 7.5 cu ft (212 liters)
Curb Weight Est Min:
Approx. 3,300 lbs (1497 kg) (for base models)
Curb Weight Est Max:
Approx. 3,800 lbs (1724 kg) (for V6 convertible models)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Varies by model and engine, typically around 4,500 lbs (2041 kg)
NHTSA Frontal Driver 2004:
4 Stars (out of 5) - Compatible with passenger vehicles
NHTSA Frontal Passenger 2004:
4 Stars (out of 5) - Compatible with passenger vehicles
IIHS Small Overlap Frontal Crash:
Good (for earlier models of this generation, testing standards may differ for 2004)
Active Features Standard:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control (on some models/trims)
Passive Features Standard:
Driver and front passenger airbags, Side curtain airbags (optional/later models), Seatbelt pretensioners, Crumple zones
Passive Features Convertible:
Pop-up Roll Bars (on some convertible models for rollover protection)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, with synthetic blend or full synthetic oil. Consult owner's manual for specific recommendations.
Service Intervals Filters
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on operating conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Coolant Flush Interval:
First flush at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 3 years.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years, depending on driving conditions. Check fluid condition regularly.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.4L I4:
Approximately 100,000 miles (160,000 km) using original equipment specification spark plugs (e.g., NGK).
Spark Plug Replacement 2.7L V6:
Approximately 100,000 miles (160,000 km) using original equipment specification spark plugs (e.g., Champion).
Engine Oil Specification 4Cyl:
API certified, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40, meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification.
Engine Oil Specification V6:
API certified, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40, meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification.
Engine Oil Capacity 4Cyl:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change.
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
Approx. 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change.
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant or equivalent, typically purple color. Mopar OAT coolant may also be specified.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 - 8.0 quarts (6.6 - 7.6 liters), depending on engine.
Fluid Specifications Transmission
Transmission Fluid Type 41Te 42Le:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 4) or equivalent, meeting Chrysler MS-9602 specification.
Transmission Fluid Capacity 41Te 42Le:
Approx. 3.5 - 4.0 quarts (3.3 - 3.8 liters) for a fluid change.
Transmission Fluid Type Nvt150:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Manual Transmission Fluid
Fluid Specifications Brake
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid
Known Issues Engine Mounts:
Premature failure of engine mounts, leading to vibration and noise.
Known Issues Power Steering:
Leaks from power steering pump or lines, potential for pump whine.
Known Issues Transmission Automatic:
Hesitation, slipping, or rough shifting in automatic transmissions can occur. solenoid issues are common.
Known Issues Convertible Top:
Issues with the hydraulic system or motors for the power convertible top can arise.
Known Issues Electrical:
Window regulator failures, door lock actuator issues, and intermittent electrical gremlins are reported.
Known Issues Suspected Clunks:
Front suspension components like sway bar links and bushings can wear, causing clunking noises.