Chrysler Sebring JXI 1999 Convertible, Repair, Troubleshooting

[catdog2two]

I'm going to replace spark plug tube gaskets; can the valve cover gaskets be reused? It's not leaking around it. They are rubber correct? also, intake manifold gaskets; what is done to those if you have to remove the im everytime to work on this vehicle; use same gaskets or clean/scrape/purchase new ones everytime. thanks for your response. Great videos all around.

[syyenergy7]

@catdog2two The valve cover gaskets probably can not be reused since the originals are made or cork. You can reuse the intake gaskets. I will use Permatex 80065 High Tack Spray A-Gasket on them which resists gasoline.

[catdog2two]

@syyenergy7 Thanks for the info; that answers my question. I will buy the valve cover kit instead of just spark plug seals.

[pedriuskii]

Also, as a follow-up comment, i've rebuilt my distributor by buying an aftermarket coil and cam sensor, i replaced them, they worked well, so far they have over a year working, they're Taiwanese parts, coil was $15, sensor was $10, cap $5 and rotor like another $5, shipping was like $20. I bought them from Taiwan directly. I just had my crank sensor go bad, I got a new one, it's not working right but I ran out of daylight so I cant check it. Anyway glad to see someone else working on this car!

[pedriuskii]

i've done all of this to my 2.5 Dodge Stratus, it's insanely hard to work on when trying to change a timing belt or water pump, by insanely hard i mean NIGHTMARE HARD! I actually had to suspend my engine and transmission, unbolt all the engine mounts and exhaust pipe and then swing the motor to the front just to get to that power steering plate bolts, I hate doing work on this car, though I like it. And yes, the stupid little problems that come up with the car are very anoying to track down.

[syyenergy7]

@pedriuskii Yes. The power steering pump bracket upper bolts are very difficult to get at. This car generally is hard to work on with the extra caution that it may not like some aftermarket parts. Otherwise it can be pretty reliable. I like driving this car more than others.

[TexasToast09]

I'll upload a video of my car tomorrow and all it's problems! maybe you can help!

[TexasToast09]

I paid 4100 for the car in 2008, I've spent more than that in repairs! Never again! I'm getting a Honda next!

[syyenergy7]

@TexasToast09 Honda is very reliable.  If you go with a US car, the Mustang is a good choice. The following is huge so the aftermarket has everything. I found some problems that really drive people nuts with Sebrings are just various "stupid-little-tricks". I will not say that Chrysler makes a very good car, but anything can be made reliable. Opinions on cars are like "religion".

[TexasToast09]

I have this car, I bought it in 2008 with 40,000 miles on it, it now has 106,000 miles on it. I am 20 and I got it when I was 16. Up until 2011 I haven't had any problems with it but then... I got them. I had the wheel barrings replaced. New suspension, shocks, wheel cylinders and that was $1,200. Then during a trip from TX to MN, my radiator fan went out in OK, that cost 700 dollars! for a fan!!! Then my distributor when out in October! $680!! Now my caps are leaking and ignition swtch is bad.

[syyenergy7]

@TexasToast09 I am very aware of some of the problems with these cars. As far as who makes a roomy convertible that is not too bad on gas, the Sebring is about the only one. Some problems with this car are choice of aftermarket parts & that will really drive you nuts. These cars are also harder to work on than average. The point of the vids is to make it easier. I don't endorse Chrysler. Back in the 1960's they were great. I like the Sebring CONVERTIBLE.

[TexasToast09]

@syyenergy7 and don't get me wrong, I love this car, If it didn't have all these problems it would be perfect. I'm a big guy, 280 pounds. I can fit in this car very very well, I am also 6'2". This car has been a great kids car. Just a little costly with repairs, but I get average gas millage, about 20 mpg.

[syyenergy7]

@TexasToast09 The ignition switch is $26. You need a special "security" torx wrench for that. The "security" torx set is about $8 online.

[TexasToast09]

@syyenergy7 I would gladly buy that, but I'm in no way certified to work on my car. LOL, I will break it. My dad however could help me. Where would I buy this switch? The problem I am having is that my key won't turn any more unless I jam it in really hard so it hits the hammer. I was told that the ignition switched would have to be changed, is that right?

[syyenergy7]

@TexasToast09 That would be the lock itself that is jamming. You could have a locksmith take out the pins that are jamming. The security is in the electronic chip so if you take out 1 or 2 pins in the tumbler it would not matter, as far as making the car easier to steal. The ignition switch itself is something different.

[silveradotoomuch]

How much difference is there between your 99 JXi and my 96 Sebring LXi 2.5? I am having heck with mine. I am getting low spark power, not even enough to get it started most of the time. Someone told me that they thought my timing belt has slipped a notch or so. Of course mine does have 194,000 on it.

[syyenergy7]

@silveradotoomuch The '96 to 2000 are basically the same as far as the 2.5 engine. I will posting a video on the timing belt and water-pump very soon.

[syyenergy7]

@silveradotoomuch I started uploading videos on the timing belt.  This part 1

watch?v=qpSk5nfeaac

[mistydancer35]

This is a great informational video for mechanics and non-mechanics alike.Syyenergy I would very much appreciated some help with my 97 sebring that is sitting in my driveway. Should I create a post describing whats going on or should I email you?

[mistydancer35]

@mistydancer35  appreciate(correction)

[syyenergy7]

@mistydancer35 If it's too long to comment, use an email. Otherwise a comment is fine.

[aaronvaz1]

Excellent video. Good advice about removing the upper intake manifold to access the top two bolts to the power steering bracket. I found that getting at those bolts was impossible otherwise. I'm impressed that you got your 99 to go that many miles. I'm doing a timing job on a 2000 JXI now that has 120000 miles and its leaking from every front seal and from an unknown spot on the back. The owner neglecting oil changes probably has something to do with that though.

[syyenergy7]

@aaronvaz1 Sometimes a product called Auto-Rx can also help with seals. It's mainly for sludge but sometimes dirt and sludge causes a seal not work right. It's been known to stop leaks for this reason simply by cleaning all the dirt and sludge around seals.

[bajacapt]

Part 2 comment: just a follow up on my message before. we changed the plugs, cables, rotor, timing belt, timing pulleys, water pump, fuel filter, air filter, crankshaft sensor and the distributor, looks like this last distributor is another lemon from Autozone but has lifetime warranty. Love this year Sebring, going to try my best to figure this one out. Thanks again for this video and if you got any suggestions I will very gladly welcome them...

[syyenergy7]

@bajacapt If there is oil pooling in the spark plug wells due to the o-rings leaking in the valve covers, then it could cause a slight short in the ignition and that is hard on the distributor. I think sometimes distributors have a short life for this reason.

[bajacapt]

@syyenergy7 I will take a good look in there tomorrow with day light, I been checking your videos on the 1999 Sebring, they all very helpful, thanks for sharing them. This particular model is a very nice car, I really enjoy driving it,I hope I can figure this out, I will check for oil pooling but almost sure it is clean in there. I checked the Cardone Select Distributor, $265 after a 10% discount coupon, makes me regret t have pick it up from Autozone, which I saw your video before

[bajacapt]

@syyenergy7 I checked the sparksplug wells, is dry in there, sparks brand new as well. I spoke to store manger at Autozone, they will give me store credit on distributor which I will use to buy the motor mount which need replacing. I went ahead and ordered the Cardone Select distributor at $265 free shipping, coming from Ohio so it should get to me in San Diego about 4 days. How long have you had your Cardone Select Distributor for? thanks!

[syyenergy7]

@bajacapt I had the Cardone Select for over a year now. Cardone is the largest manufacturer of aftermarket distributors. The "Select" is new, not re-manufactured and each 100% tested to conform to OEM specs and a lot less than a dealer part. It should work fine.

[bajacapt]

@syyenergy7 Yes, I been reading positive comments on Cardone Distributors. I was doing research on the motor mounts, looks like they are only 3? and insert only for rear, the whole one for passenger side front and the tranny mount, does that sound right? The mounts on my Sebring fairly wore out, definitively need replacing, thanks again for your input!

[syyenergy7]

@bajacapt There are 3 motor mounts and 1 trans mount. 2 motor mounts are in the cradle and you can buy just the inserts. I filled those mounts up with urethane window sealant so they should last longer. The stock mounts seem a little weak and it's probably made that way to smooth out vibration.

[bajacapt]

@syyenergy7 That's a great tip on filling those mounts with urethane sealant, I will do that as well. Looks like I got to do more research on the mounts, I only found 3 total at autozone, part #14600 Tranny Mount $81.99, part# 12841 Front passenger side $64.99 and part# 3011 insert only fits rear motor mount $18.99, looks like I am missing one, I wonder if I need 2 of the inserts only for rear?

[syyenergy7]

@bajacapt It looks like you are missing the front insert for the engine cradle.

[bajacapt]

@syyenergy7 Thanks, I will inquire at the store about it, not listed online...

[bajacapt]

Hi Syyenergy, thanks for saring this video.

About a year ago I bough an used but in good condition Sebring 1999 JXI convertible, love the car. About one year ago the car simply died while driving it around, luckily around the neighborhood, my mechanic told me it was a dead distributor, I bought a rebuilt one from Autozone for $220 dlls, lasted one full year, last week it died again, got warranty replacement, lasted one week and died tonight, it turns back on but dies at random times...

[glues4wood]

what aftermarket front bearings would you suggest advance has 2 driveworks for 59.99 and Moog for 87.99 o'reilly's has Precision for 87.99 and Master pro for 61.99

thanks for the tips

I made a video of a noise I was getting link is here

youtube.com/user/glues4wood#p/­a/u/0/LfN8HgU5Ero

any ideas ?

[glues4wood]

its a 98 convertible jxi

[Arlind86]

piece of shit motor

[eldiscjockey2]

hi i have a 2000 sebring jxi , i ready chance the distributor and the fuel pump and fuel filter i ran the car for maybe a day {6-8 hrs} and then the cars dies on me when i let it cool down for 2 to 3 hrs the car will start again could it be the asd relay

[bowman1268]

I used autolite and mine runs great.

[syyenergy7]

@bowman1268 Interesting. I know the Iridium Autolites work fine. Most times the standard Platinum Autolites don't run as well.. The thing with the Chrysler ignition is that it can be sensitive to anything not exactly OEM because it 'learns'. I read various 'horror stories' where people could not get the car to run right. I'm pretty certain many times that was aftermarket parts. One part aftermarket should be ok, but sometimes a combination of aftermarket is bad, depending on what is used.

[asuyadot]

Just recently replaced parts that you went over, to include cardone select distributor (bad cam sensor), crank sensor, plugs, "Xact " wires from Advance auto parts, alternator, battery, and oh yea the spark plug tube seals, and valve cover gaskets. I'm guessing that my next project will be to replace timing belt on my 99 JXI Convertible current millage of 129,000

[syyenergy7]

@asuyadot Sounds good. That power steering pump bracket is that thing that is a semi-pain to get out of the way. Watch what waterpump you use when you do it. People very recently had a lot of trouble with NAPA waterrpumps and parts recently, which used to be great parts before. I trust a Bosch or Beck-Arney waterpump. These cars can be super reliable with some tricks. Glad your ride is working great.