1997 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXi from North America - Comments

Well, I certainly am sorry about the problems some of you've been having. I don't mean to be rude, but unfortunately the original reviewer bought a real lemon, plain and simple, and should probably not be taken as an all encompassing verdict on all Sebrings.

We've had our '97 JXi for almost ten years now and she has given us (knock on wood for the future) 87,000 miles of rock-solid performance. It's still spacious, comfortable, fairly spirited, and just as pretty as the day we bought it, even if it's long been relegated to fair-weather duty. Yes, the odometer/tach does seem to be a common problem with these models, but does not affect the drivability of the car in any way, as even when out it still seems to keep accurate mileage. If you are handy with a solder gun it's a pretty easy fix and there are tutorials online for it.

As I said, we bought this car new so I know for certain that regular maintenance has been spot-on, the first three years through our local dealer (which we've never had any problem with) and the last seven years have all been done by myself, aside from tires and alignments. Buying a used Sebring is just like buying any used car. Without proper service records one never can know how cared for (or abused) the car had been by it's previous owner (s). If you have a good, trustworthy mechanic and the car gets thoroughly checked then you can be fairly certain with regard to it's reliability.

Anyone who is in the market for a full-sized convertible that fits four adults in comfort and style would be hard pressed to find one that's as good of a bargain as the Sebring. Don't be scared off from a truly fine car just because of a couple of lemons! Mopar4Ever!

I love my 96 Sebring convertible, On sunny days, I push it out of my garage and sit in it and dream I'm at the beach. If it would run long enough without overheating, I'd go to the a real beach. It tends to collect moisture when it rains, but that's OK, 'cause it doubles as a cloth topped bathtub. Another plus, you always have water with you when it overheats. If needed, you can jack it up and take a nice long shower under the quarter panel as the rainwater runs out of the floor and body panels, it's a little rusty and smelly at times though., This is the most versatile car I've ever owned. Thanks Chrysler! What's your next great idea?

September 8, 2007

I bought a new Chrysler Sebring Convertible in 2003. It is a 2002 model that was still on the showroom floor in February. Larger engine, power seats and 4 disk CD changer. This car has run beautifully and the dealership has been great. Now I am into replacing front and rear brakes at 35,000miles. No problems with the instrumentation or window leakage. There is a transmission leak that I will need to have fixed when it becomes a problem. Cost quote for that is over $500. We change the brakes ourselves to keep the cost down. The car still looks good when cleaned and shined. Travels well on long trips too. I plan to keep this car for a long time.

I have a sebring convertible JX 2.5 V6 I have just replaced the thermostat... the one that came out of the vehicle is different than the one specified for the car by the dealer...part # MD 194988 does anyone know the temperature range on this? Has anyone had a similar experience? The car fan came on for the first time in 5 years (after I shut off the car) and this morning after driving it 4 blocks and turning it off it wouldn't start again... anyway just some strange happenings. sound familiar to anyone?

I have the same problem with the tachometer and odometer. Is there a website where I can go to learn how to fix it? I heard two solutions: the computer behind the dashboard, which I can't fix, and something about soldering a wire. If it's the wire, that's something I can do. Also, maybe Chrysler should take responsibility for this constant problem, since I see it everywhere on the Internet.

I had a problem with the odometer/tac, and found this easy fix. It appears it is a faulty solder point on the circuit board.

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_wrong_with_a_1997_Chrysler_Sebring_when_the_odometer_and_RPM_gauge_stop_working

I hope this link I found helps.

Also, I have what looks like a missing O2 sensor harness. The sensor is there, but nothing is plugged into it, so needless to say it doesn't work...

I have a 99 Sebring JXI Convertible which only has one of the problems expressed in here. Well, it probably does, since I haven't actually checked it yet. The rear window defogger does not work. According to this list of problems there are some tabs that either need reattaching or permanent soldering or something to correct it. I will investigate that later today.

The only issues I have with the car (only has 52,000 miles currently) is that there is a metallic rattle from the right rear of the car. Seems to be either brake or suspension related in that corner. Going over bumps and rough roadway causes that corner to rattle sounding like a spring in a metal box. When I apply the brakes (hydraulic) the noise stops. Applying the brakes loads the suspension so any lose bushing wold stop rattling or if the caliper or pads are rattling same thing they will go quiet as well.

Anyone experience this one? other than that, the car is a dream.. A little underpowered for my desires, the car would have been much better with the 3.5 V-6 used in the Concorde. Massive torque in that engine.

I own a 1997 Chrysler Sebring JX.

I had a problem with my gauges, but I did the easy fix online by soldering the joints back up and it works great.

Unfortunately I have a huge electrical problem and I am wondering if anybody knows what it is or if it occurs to anybody else?

When I accelerate quickly or bring the car over 2,500 RPM, all the gauges go out along with the radio shutting off and the battery light turns on. All the gauges come back after slowing down and taking the foot off the gas.

The lights go extremely bright sometimes, burning out, and all interior lights go extremely bright. The windshield wipers go extremely fast, and windows go up extremely fast as well, and also the car starts to lag in power. It once also burned out my computer when it happened.

I believe something may be wrong with the alternator overpowering everything after I wind it up too far when accelerating fast. I am wondering if it's that piece that grounds out in the starter? If anybody has ever heard about that?

I am going to try the alternator and I'll get back on to post if that fixes it. Anybody please give me a hint if you have any idea what it may be?

Justin.

My mother bought a 99 Sebring Conv. Limited with around 60k she drove it for years with no problems serious problems then at 210k she did a 360 in the snow and put a ding above the rear drivers side tire that's when she then decided to park it... Loving her car soo much she then bought a 2000 Sebring limited with 70k on it drove it for a yr and a half now with a bad transmission and a blown moter at only 105k she parked it and drives her 99 with over 210,000 miles still no problems so really I think that its somewhat the luck of the draw chrysler apparently cannot come up with the same vehicle because they are techniclly the same however the 2000 was became a peice of garbage SO quick no its no good what so ever and she drives her original again I guess at least she didn't get rid of it and has something to fall back on... also her husband is a mechanic so these two sebrings have had top notch love and care Chyrsler won't be around much longer with the route they are going and the customer service skills that they have...

I've had two 1997 Jxi Convertibles, both basically have the same problems.

The dashboard lights go out after awhile.

The drivers rear window motor went out on both cars.

I've had to change the distributor cap on both cars; that causes the car not to start after a while driving, but when it cools off it would start again.

The fan is not working properly, in one of the cars, and it was running hot. I changed the thermostat, but that wasn't the problem, it still ran hot, then I took it to a dealer, and they told me that it had two locks on the hose leading to the radiator??? I called Chrysler and they told me that because that year of car had a total recall, they don't make those parts anymore, go figure, so now I need to get a new car, no more Sebring for me. If anyone knows anything about locks on the hose, please let me know.