1997 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXI from North America - Comments

I have a 1997 JXI convertible, 115K miles. I have experienced many of the issues identified by others including:

a) 20Amp starter fuse - replaced starter and fixed problem (previously a mechanic diagnosed it as a loose grounding wire but that was wrong). Until I replaced the starter I put in a heavier fuse, I think 30 amp. b) lights on tach/odometer - first attempt was having dealer resolder cold solder joints and replace bulbs, this lasted 6 months. I replaced the circuit board myself with a new OEM board for about $250 from Bremerton Dodge and resolved all issues with dash. c) oil light - tried replacing pressure sensor but still lights up; seems like 5W-30 oil keeps the light off. d) transmission - will not drive in reverse after sitting for several weeks without driving; if I put car in forward and drive a few inches car will then shift and drive in reverse (seems like flushing transmission fluid helps).

I was an owner of a '96 Sebring JX. from 98-2004. After reading all these posts, I find it interesting that there are not many original owners.

Anyway, I experienced multiple issues with the instrument cluster as well as the vehicle not starting.

I'm military and move about every 3 years, during my time in LA, my Sebring spent over 90 day, cumulatively, in the shop. I kid you not. Fortunately I had an extended warranty (with daimler/chrysler) with a 50$ deductible. Still, it got expensive and there were things (like the instrument cluster, ABS & airbag computer) that were not covered.

Wear and tear stuff - I had the top re-stitched primarily along the rain "piping" above the doors. The fabric separated from the rear window. Towards the end I knew that the top would have to be replaced as it was cracking in the areas that it folded at when it was down.

I love the form and curves of the Sebring, and trading it in was bitter sweet. I firmly believe that everyone should own a 'vert once in their lives.

Same problem as most others who own a 1998 Sebring Convertible, 2.5L. Only stalls, some times when it is real hot out.

I let it sit for about 1/2 hour to cool off, then it will start and I can make it home. I just replaced the fuel filter (What a job!) and the coolant temp sending unit.

I'm thinking about looking at the EGR valve, coil and distributor next. It has 106K miles and I bought it used at 103K. Stalling out must be why it was sold.

There are so many sensors that could be the problem, I figure I'll end up looking at each one over time.

Any words of advice regarding what else to look at would be helpful.

Signed:

An experienced backyard mechanic.

I've been playing with my '97 Sebring JXi convertible for the last 3 weeks. I know it's getting old but when it starts (Key... WHEN IT STARTS) I feel like I'm driving a new car, so I continue and try to fix the never ending problems.

I was blowing 20 amp fuses one after another when I discovered a loose nut at the starter. But I also cleaned the entire starter area with a electrical spray cleaner and that did the trick.

Just when I thought I was out of the woods, the car started stalling and failed to start at times. Being a banger from way back, I took my skill to the fuse box under the hood, gave it a whack and away I went.

But now when the car gets hot, it stalls and won't start until it cools off. DON'T DESPAIR previous writer. While letting the car idle today, I discovered something which may be a major breakthrough, or at least a start to solving our problems. Here is what I saw.

While idling, the vehicle eventually reaches a reading of 1/2 way up the gauge or (9 o'clock). Then the auxiliary fan kicks in. This is to cool the engine during city driving. Right at that moment, the car stalls and won't start right away. I'm thinking short and circuit breaker. Hope this helps.

Hey there, I just happened to stumble on this page, I have a 97 Chrysler sebring convert, and as I read, it seems many people are having a problem with their cars stalling. I'm not a mechanic or anything, but my car started stalling, has over 100k miles, was my mom's brand new before I got it, never had a prob before, took it to a mechanic, they couldn't find anything wrong with it after two test runs, eventually took it to an auto electrician, told him the symptoms, random stalling, not starting up at the get-go sometimes, etc. I can't remember what exact thing was wrong but for 216 bucks he fixed it, no problem. Runs great now. Might help if you haven't considered it electrical.

My 1997 Sebring convertible has intermittent problems with the directional signals - any solutions.

I have a 96 sebring convertible jxi 2.5l V6. I have the same problem of stalling that was mentioned in '28th Jul 2008, 20:23'. The car only stalls when it gets really hot. If I let it cool off, it will run normally again. This is more common in the city than on the highway since engine doesn't get so hot on the highway.

Also, I am having codes P0300 (random engine misfire) and P1296 (air fuel mixture). Even after clearing the code, the engine will misfire a couple of times after running for 20miles or so and then not misfire again, but the service engine light will stay on.

I haven't tried to replace anything yet since I don't want to spend too much money on these repairs bcz the worth of the car isn't so much anymore.