21st May 2002, 14:57

I own a 1995 cirrus. It has the 2.5 litre v-6 engine. I've noticed that the cirrus and stratus with the most problems are the 4 cylinder models. The difference between the 4 and 6 cylinder is that the 6 cylinder is a Mitsubishi engine while the 4 cylinder is a Chrysler engine. As for the transmission trouble Chrysler uses a different transmission fluid than the other American cars. If you put the wrong fluid in you will probably need a new transmission. It is very important that you read the owners manual. When the manual tells you to use a certain fuel or fluid there is a reason for it. Example I always use to think that using premium gas on regular engine would make it run better. I was wrong it actually slows down the compression, that is why it is only recommended for performance vehicles. I hope this information will help. If you purchase a new Sebring or Stratus get it with the v-6 engine.

13th Mar 2004, 17:54

OK, let's clear the air. If a transmission shop fails to check that the seal has the proper interference fit & depth by using something as simple as a set of calipers, that is called a "comeback", not a manufacturers defect. Please don't take offense to the "poor driver" comment. The point they were getting at is that with an automatic trans. it is IMPERATIVE that you brake the car to a COMPLETE stop while switching gear selection from reverse to drive. Hydraulic pressures are extremely high in modern "slush boxes". Shifting while rolling causes pins to either rock in their bores (eventually working loose over repeated abuse) or shear. I'm an experienced engine builder/machinist/parts salesman/racer. Most people have no idea of the punishment they put on a cars drive train. Nobody obeys the recommendations all the time, but keep that in mind the next time you write a check for repairs.