Six problems related to engine belts and pulleys have been reported for the 2002 Chrysler Sebring. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
A quiet squealing noise under the hood over a period of 3 to 4 months getting louder leading to trouble starting car and finally car would not start with jump and new battery. Took car to mechanic and it turned out to be a simple frozen pulley except for the fact it was connected to the air-conditioner shaft. The pulley can not be removed without replacing the ac unit and serpentine belt. This design is apparently on many Chrysler models and is a very expensive fix should and when it occurs.
I had over $968. 00 of repair work done at machaik Chrysler (georgetown,texas ). The manager stated they found oil leaking onto the spark plug, had to perform a combustion chamber cleaning,chemically cleans intake chamber . Mopar fuel injection and fuel rail. Remove the throttle body and chemically clean carbon from throttle body. After I had this work done I drove 5-7miles down the road, and my 2002 Chrysler Sebring timing belt broke at 82,758 while I was driving on the highway. I had no power, lights,absolutely nothing worked, and almost got killed in traffic.
Premature engine failure, 2. 7 liter Chrysler no warning lights leading up to inevitable engine failure. 10/27/08, 6:30 p. M. Heater abruptly stopped working. 10/28, 2 miles into a. M. Commute; stopped at red light, turned right once traffic clear. Upon acceleration engine hesitates, nearly causing driver behind to rear end me. Pulled off street to check that car was running ok, seemed fine. 9 miles into commute. Oil light flickers, pulled into gas station within 4 blocks, scared engine would lock up or blow. Checked oil, dry dipstick! purchased 2 quarts, added 1 & barely registered on dipstick. Added 2nd, now registered over filled (oil in engine was held back due to sludge, & released while adding new oil?). Oil light stops flickering & is off. 1 more mile to work. Engine hesitated a couple of times during a. M. & p. M. Commutes. 9:58 p. M. , 11 miles into p. M. Commute stop at gas station, check oil. Before opening hood, noticed antifreeze odor, couldnt tell if coming from my car or others nearby. Oil still registered on dipstick as overfilled. Noticed steam coming from engine near mid front of car, passenger side, could not find exact location. Purchased coolant just in case. Final 2 miles of commute, temp gauge registered higher than normal. 10/29, 8:00 a. M. Take car to dealership. Drip marks on driveway from evening before. Arrived at dealership service, informed me they were no longer Chrysler dealership/service as of oct. 1, (sign outside & cars in the lot had not been taken away). Diagnosis: replace water pump, oil, ac & power steering belts, oil sending unit, timing chain & gears, tensioners & upper connectors. Estimate: $1,548. 2nd opinion: replace water pump, valve cover gasket, thermostat, belts, & oil for $1,371. Also suggested replacing timing chain, total $2,500. However, the shop had 15-year former Chrysler service veteran on staff who suggested I not make repairs because the engine will seize soon, and id be wasting money. Still making payments on car.
The car began to make a loud noise from the engine area that sounded like a loud muffler. We took it to the mechanic near our home who diagnosed it with a failed tensioner spring on the timing belt which caused engine sludge.
My 2002 Chryslersebring was sitting in the shop right now gettung a new timing chain at 64,000 miles. My outside extended warranty will not cover a new enginge because they know that Chrysler has this as a defect. It's not right, and Chrysler should be held accountable. We all have had the same exact issue.
Timing chain failure at approximately 74500 miles. Total engine failure. Car is covered under extended warranty, case pending.