Chrysler Repair: 2002 LE Sedan 2.0: Timing Chain or Belt, chrysler sebring, timing belts

Question
Hi Roland

Here I am again. Can you tell me if my car (LE Sedan 2.0 Chrysler Sebring) has got a distribution belt or a distribution chain? How can I know? If it is a chain, what sort of maintenance should it be given?

Answer
Hi Roberto
Both the SOHC and DOHC 2.0L engines have timing belts. You can remove the inspection cover for belt at the front of the engine and inspect the condition of the belt (DOHC only) while the entire cover has to come off of the SOHC to inspect, which is a much bigger project. The shop manual recomments replacement at 105,000 miles. Because of the interference type design it means that for both engines the valves will be damaged if the belt breaks while the engine is running. So I would keep an eye out for wear beginning at that point of mileage.
Roland