If you drive the Chrysler Sebring under normal driving conditions, you should change the automatic transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. However, if you drive the car under severe driving conditions, such as in extreme temperatures, over hilly terrain or in stop-and-go traffic, change the fluid every 15,000 miles.
Drive the Sebring about 10 miles to warm the transmission fluid. Raise and support the car with ramps or jack stands. Make sure the car is level. Place a drain pan beneath the transmission. If there is a splash shield on the transmission pan, remove it by pulling down on the fasteners.
Loosen the retaining bolts on the transmission pan with a socket wrench. Use care not to damage the pan, the transmission or the bolts. Gently tap the pan loose with a rubber hammer.
Allow the pan to hang down just enough so the fluid can drain out into your drain pan. It should come out along one side of the transmission pan where it meets the transmission itself.
Finish removing the retaining bolts and take the pan off the transmission. Remove the old sealant with a scraping tool. Clean the areas on the pan and the transmission where the sealant was.
Remove the transmission fluid filter. You may find that it's necessary to remove screws or clips to get the filter off. Install a new filter and a O ring gasket on the valve body.
Clean the oil pan and the magnet inside. You can use an appropriate solvent and lint free cloth. Rinse them thoroughly and allow them to air dry. Remember to replace the magnet in its original location.
Apply a thin, 1/8 inch bead of MOPAR RTV sealant along the edge of the transmission pan. Replace the pan and use a socket wrench to secure it with the retaining bolts. Lower the Sebring.
Pour 4 quarts of MOPAR® ATF Plus 3 type 7176 into the dipstick filler tube using a funnel. If this fluid isn't available, use Mopar Dexron III automatic transmission fluid or its equivalent. Start the engine and let it idle for one or two minutes. Move the gear selector through each gear, ending in "Park" or "Neutral."
Check the fluid level. If needed, add just enough fluid to bring the level about 1/8 inch below the "Add" mark.
Let the engine run long enough to bring the transmission fluid up the normal operating temperature. Check the fluid level again. The level should be in the "Hot" range. If it isn't, add enough fluid to get to the correct level. When the fluid level is correct, replace the dipstick fully in to the refill tube and turn off the engine.
