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Chrysler Repair/'98 Sebring Transmission

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Expert: - 10/4/2011


Question
I was told that my car, which is a 1998 Chrysler Convertible Sebring, is taking off in second gear. My brother knows a lot about these types of things, but, unfortunately, he did very little by way of telling me how to fix this. Is that even possible and if so what can I have done to fix the problem? I also would like to know if a transmission from a 1998 Chrysler Sebring LXi Coupe will work in my car. Someone had one for sale, but I didn't want to purchase it without knowing if it will work or not. I would really appreciate any help and advice you could give to me.

Answer
Hi Sha,
The best thing to do is go to a nationwide autoparts store such as Autozone who will do a free fault code readout of the transmission controller by plugging into a socket under the dash. Get the specific 4-digit code numbers and then tell me what they are and that will give us an idea of what is wrong with your transmission. The Sebring LXI has the same engine and probably a similar transmission but I would want to be sure it is identical by comparing the numbers on the cases*, and second if you don't know anything about what its condition is (recent fault code readout or was it rebuilt/repaired recently with a receipt/warranty) you may just be buying another problem. The issue of what is wrong with your transmission will be best known by the fault code numbers.
Roland
* The Jxi car is built by Chrysler, the Lxi is built by Mitsubishi who worked in tandem in those years. But there could be some minor incompatibility unless the numbers are identical.

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Roland Finston

Expertise

I specialize in Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth cars, minivans, and SUV's for the model years 1982-2008 based upon my 50-year DIY experience, factory shop manuals and wiring diagrams. I offer fast repair advice to help you minimize repair costs by helping you diagnose and do it yourself. Problems with electronically controlled engines and transmissions as well as body wiring problems are my specialty.

I take questions one at a time between 8am and 10pm CT and attempt to answer within 20 minutes. "Maxed Out" means I am answering another question of otherwise busy, so try again later.

There are answers on file to more than sixteen thousand Chrysler questions at your finger tips: put a few key words in the "find" box (above) or click on "view past answers" for a chronological list of my q and a's. Don't use "Add to this answer" if you still have a question...ask it. As to trucks and jeeps I only have manuals for the '04-'06 model years.

Experience

Five decades as a 'do-it-yourselfer' on domestic and imported cars

Organizations
Yahoo Autos Group called The Chrysler Lebaron Club (co-moderator)

Education/Credentials
Degrees in Physics/bruised knuckles.

Awards and Honors
"Top expert of 2010" and "2011" at Allexperts. Among top 50 experts for years 2006-2009 at Allexperts.

Quickest "average response time" at Allexperts (currently no. 1).

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