2001 Chrysler Sebring: engine overheating

Filed Jun 30, 2010 · Electrical, Visibility · 87,600 miles · ID · fire

1. Normal use of fan blower with A/C or heater in a 2001 chrysler sebring sedan lxi. 2. Blower becomes inoperative intermittently at all speeds with either A/C or heater on. The intermittent part of the problem has been occurring since my wife bought the car new. Fan blower motor was replaced twice, blower resistor block was replaced three times. In troubleshooting the problem, I found that the contacts of the power wire from the blower fan to the blower resistor at the resistor electrical connector developed a high resistance thus causing the contacts to overheat. The contacts overheated to the point of melting both sides the connector's plastic together. In order to replace the resistor, I had to break the plastic of the resistor connector in order to remove it. Further examination revealed the presence of a smoke trail coming from the pin 1 (power wire) side of the connector. Several days before, I thought I detected the odor of a burning electrical component. If the contact had not changed, thus lowering the resistance, a fire would definitely result. The melted plastic of the connector ends leads me to say that a fire did occur. The resistance was high enough to melt the plastic, but not blow the 30 amp fuse. 3. The electrical connector blower resistor was cut off. Since there are no replacement connectors available, I used insulated female "spade" quick disconnect terminals crimped to each wire to connect the blower resistor. A small dab of rtv silicon was applied to each terminal to help lock them in place. Before reinstalling a new blower resistor, I enlarged the hole to the air duct where the resistor mounts into. The original hole cut out from the factory was too small for the resistor to easily fit into. This I feel contributes to the problem. I have kept the old parts as evidence.

Filed Mar 20, 2009 · Engine · 133,731 miles · SC

I have a 2001 chrysler sebring lxi 2.7l v6 sedan. On february 28, 2009, engine overheated and failed on highway I-77 north. I pulled out of traffic as asap. Engine locked up and would not start. Engine ruined. Car had to be towed from hwy. Car ran perfectly before going on the hwy. I have service records to prove the oil was changed with synthetic oil every 3,000 miles. I have a receipt to prove I topped off the coolant prior to the engine failure. My extended warranty denied the claim on march 3. I found that extended warranties either reject these claims automatically or pay them and then cancel your coverage. After denial, I researched the problem and found that this chrysler model has had numerous complaints due to engine and cooling defects, including the engine itself, the water outlet/coolant arm, and head gasket. Engine failure happens frequently to consumers driving 60 MPH or faster (highway conditions). Consumers report that this problem occurs despite proper maintenance of the car. There is no warning prior to engine overheating and failure. You don't know there's a problem until smoke starts. My car smoked long before the temperature gauge showed red hot. The hand was still in the middle when smoke first started. Local mechanics, salvage yards, and even chrysler master techs confirmed these problems and that you cannot foresee them. Chrysler should have issued a recall regarding these problems but never did. The only engine-related recall actually issued was for the harness for the crankshaft position sensor. Obviously, chrysler has tried to avoid such costly replacements. A new, remanufactured engine (without the original defects) costs around $6200 in my area. My problem came from chrysler defects. Chrysler should be required to install a brand new, remanufactured engine and all other damaged parts at no charge to me. Chrysler should also pay for the towing of my car to a chrysler service shop and reimburse me for the previous tows.

Filed Aug 20, 2006 · Engine · 65,000 miles · OH

Car overheated, mechanic says a new engine is needed, no repair at this time not drivable.

Filed Jan 17, 2006 · Engine · 65,000 miles · UT

Engine failure in 2001 chrysler sebring with 2.7 l. Engine at approx. 65,000 miles without any forewarning. No warning lights or overheating occurred. Engine must now be replaced due to cracked block. Chrysler will not pay for any of the repairs.

Filed Dec 6, 2004 · Engine · 44,000 miles · CT

Car enginge shows normal running temperature but when its at idle blows cold heat. With rpms up it blows hotter air. Been in shop several times with no cases filed in dodge's database that shows reason for suspision. Even swithced dealerships to no avail. All test ran shows normal but car is about to hit its 75000 mile warrenty so im not sure if they are trying to limp me along for future gains. It started in the fall of 2002 and continues to this day had replaced thermostat flushed cooling system tested pressure but nothing.. Ive been told it could be the heater core but thye wont go there unless they have reason to but thats the only thing that hasnt been checked it never overheats etc..great car but just has to keep rpms up for heat.