Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, automotive enthusiasts
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima
Design Philosophy:
Comfort-oriented, family-friendly mid-size sedan with a focus on value and American styling.
Value Proposition:
Provides in-depth factory-level diagnostic and repair information, crucial for accurate and efficient maintenance of the Chrysler Sebring.
Primary Coverage:
Complete Factory Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Component Replacement, Wiring Diagrams
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1500 (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
Completeness:
Complete Official Factory Service Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, emission control, lubrication, cooling system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (42LE/45RFE variants), clutch, driveline, axles, transfer case (if applicable, though unlikely for FWD Sebring Sedan)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic, ABS, parking brake), wheels, tires
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC system, exterior lighting, bumpers
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, power windows/locks/mirrors, audio system, diagnostic connectors, body control modules (BCM)
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heater, climate control system, refrigerant handling
Restraints:
Airbag system, seat belts
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake, transmission), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostics:
Symptom-based troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical circuit testing, component testing
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack replacement, electrical component repair/replacement
Installation:
Component installation procedures, torque specifications for critical fasteners
Adjustments:
Wheel alignment, parking brake adjustment, clutch adjustment (if applicable, unlikely)
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Wiring Diagrams:
Included; detailed, color-coded schematics for all electrical systems.
Diagnostic Charts:
Extensive; provides systematic approaches to diagnosing common and uncommon issues.
Engine Code And Description 2 7L:
EER - 2.7L V6 SOHC 24V (45-degree bank angle)
Engine Code And Description 2 4L:
ED3 - 2.4L I4 DOHC 16V (World Engine)
2 7L V6 Horsepower:
190 hp @ 6400 rpm
2 7L V6 Torque:
190 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
2 4L I4 Horsepower:
156 hp @ 5700 rpm
2 4L I4 Torque:
160 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
ECU Type:
NGC (Next Generation Controller) or similar Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep ECU
Standard Transmission I4:
4-speed Automatic (40TE/41TE)
Standard Transmission V6:
4-speed Automatic (42LE/45RFE variants)
Optional Transmission:
None specified for sedan models in these years.
Transmission Control:
Electronic
Transmission Fluid Type 40Te 41Te:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Specification MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid Type 42Le 45Rfe:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Specification MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid Capacity I4:
Approx. 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) for 40TE/41TE (dry fill)
Transmission Fluid Capacity V6:
Approx. 7.2 quarts (6.8 liters) for 42LE/45RFE (dry fill)
Length:
Approximately 193.7 inches (4920 mm)
Width:
Approximately 71.5 inches (1816 mm)
Height:
Approximately 57.3 inches (1455 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 107.5 inches (2730 mm)
Curb Weight I4:
Around 3,100 - 3,300 lbs (1400 - 1500 kg)
Curb Weight V6:
Around 3,300 - 3,500 lbs (1500 - 1590 kg)
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 15.6 cubic feet (441 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (for 2004 model year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (for 2004 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
Good (for 2004 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
Good (for 2004 model year)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable (for 2004 model year)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for 2004 model year)
ABS:
Standard on most trims
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims
Airbags:
Front airbags, optional side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Audio Options:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional Infinity audio system, steering wheel audio controls on some trims.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system on higher trims.
Keyless Entry:
Standard on most trims
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically standard on these models; may require aftermarket modification.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control
Seat Features:
Power adjustable driver's seat optional, heated front seats optional.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe duty) / 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal duty, synthetic oil recommended for extended interval).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and fluid condition. Manual provides specific guidance.
Coolant Change:
Initial fill long-life, then every 30,000-60,000 miles (refer to specific coolant type). Likely HOAT coolant.
Spark Plug Replacement I4:
Approximately 100,000 miles (if platinum or iridium plugs)
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Approximately 100,000 miles (if platinum or iridium plugs)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (preferred) or SAE 10W-30. API certified, ILSAC GF-4 or newer.
Engine Oil Capacity I4:
4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) OAT - Mopar OAT or equivalent.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Specification MS-9602)
Common Issues 2 7L V6:
Head gasket leaks (especially the rear bank), oil sludge buildup if not maintained, water pump leaks, exhaust manifold cracks.
Common Issues I4:
Less prone to major catastrophic failures than the 2.7L V6, but can experience oil consumption or EGR valve issues.
Common Issues General:
HVAC blend door actuator failures, power window motor failures, suspension component wear (ball joints, control arms), wheel bearing failures.
Parent Company:
Chrysler Group LLC (part of DaimlerChrysler at the time)
Generation 3 Introduction:
2001 model year
Facelift Positioning:
This 2004-2006 period represents the latter half of the third generation, following a refresh.
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform with Dodge Stratus and Chrysler Cirrus (earlier generation) and Chrysler Sebring Convertible.
Manufacturing Plant:
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA
Jd Power Rankings:
While not consistently at the top of its class for initial quality or long-term dependability in its segment, it offered competitive styling and features for the price point.
Safety Awards:
Received 'Good' ratings in NHTSA frontal and side impact tests for the earlier part of its generation, demonstrating a solid safety structure for its time.
Epa Fuel Economy I4 Auto:
Approx. 22 MPG city / 30 MPG highway
Epa Fuel Economy V6 Auto:
Approx. 19 MPG city / 27 MPG highway