Chrysler Repair: Chrysler Sebring, chrysler sebring, variable intensity

Question
Hi,

I own a 1999 Sebring and got some problems.
When I turn my headlights on the dash lights and the lights by the gear shifter is not coming up. Also when I turn the car off and after I turn the headlights off its going down in the same time. (before its was staying like for 2 minutes.)

My other problem is with my AC. Oil leaking and smells like burned rubber, if I drive like 5 minutes I can see smoke coming from the location of AC compressor where the belt is.
I tried to use the stop leaking for AC but for some reason I couldnt do it. My AC blows warm air.

Thank you for you help.

Adam

Answer
Hi Adam,
On the AC it appears that you have a bad compressor because of the oil (refrigerant?) leaking. There is probably some excessive resistance to rotation because of a bad bearing and that is why the drive belt is slipping and melting. I would be inclined to go to an independent AC shop with a good reputation and have them access/repair your AC.
On the lights, have you checked the position of the variable intensity knob on the rheostat located to the left of the steering wheel at the lower edge of the dash, maybe it is just in the "off" position. Otherwise, check whether your tail/license lights are working: if they aren't then that is why your interiors aren't also because they are on the same fuse. If they are, then there has to be a problem with the rheostat or the wires from the taillight relay to that reheostat. On the '95 Sebring sedan (for which I have the manual) the fuse is #4 (15 amp) in the relay box in the engine compartment. I can't be sure about your '99 being the same location.
Roland