Hey folks, I just joined the forum today and I just purchased a 1998 Sebring coupe LXi. So far I like it, but it does need a little work.
First, there is an exhaust leak up front somewhere, I haven't had a chance to spot it exactly, but I was wondering where would be a good place for stock exhaust parts like manifold/downpipes, and such? Not looking for a whole system or any real aftermarket stuff.Â
Also, I have a CEL constantly, no performance issues or any noticeable problems. What is the procedure for getting the codes to blink out on the 1998 Sebring?
Any help would be appreciated. By the way, great site, lots of good info here. Thanks ~Mark
If you have a leak try replacing the exhaust gasket first. And for getting CELs it's just take the key and cycle on-off-on-off-on and count the light blinks. All codes are double digit. The first set of blinking is the first digit, the second set is the second digit. Third set is first digit of second number and second set is second digit of second number and so on. Post up what codes it says.
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Mod List. Um WAY too many to fit on here. But the engine can handle about 800HP
Welcome and congrats on your new car. Â These are great cars.
I'm going to guess you have a V6. Â It's always useful when asking questions to let us know what engine you have. Â Exhaust leak and stock parts try the dealer, Exile Racing http://www.exileracing.com/ as they have a lot of parts.
They keydance method might not work for your car, I believe that the last year you could do that was 96 and since you have a 98 it won't work. If it doesn't you can go to your local *insert profane word here* Autozone and they will scan it for you for free and let you know whats wrong. If you are in the Portland, OR area (sorry didn't check your profile) I could come over and scan it for you as soon as I get my scanner back.'
I do have the 2.5 V6 engine. I tried the key dance for the CEL but it didn't work. I'll have to take it to a shop to get it scanned since there isn't an Autozone anywhere near me. There is an Advance Auto part place, not sure if they do that service. Anyone in Central Pennsylvania have a scanner??
Would it be possible that the leak in the exhaust it throwing off one of the sensors for the exhaust emiisions control system and that could be causing the CEL? just wondering.
???One more question about the car. I noticed that cruising around 50-65 or so, there is a quite noticeable whining noise, from possibly the transmission. It only makes the noise when I press the gas pedal whether there is a load on it or not. It's loudest at 60MPH but changes pitch as I accelerate and gets a little quieter. Is this a normal sound or is there a transmission issue waiting to happen? Thanks again everyone. I'll get a pic or two up soon.
I didn't check where ur from, but i know i took my Sebring to CarX, and they repaired the leak in the exhaust for around $300. He basically did a lot of welding, which not all car repair shops will do. When i took mine there, that's what he told me (which actually held true b/c i took it to a total of 7 other places who told me $600+labor)
You may want to search around on aseclub.net for : Sroufe7, he makes downpipes. And allz you have to do is find someone to put it on for you.
key dance works for the DOHC, but NOT the SOHC after 1998, at least, according to the factory spec manual I have :dunno:
anyway, head over to autozone, they will read the code for free. then tell us what it is and we can trouble shoot that. (EDIT: read you don't have one. call up autoparts stores and see if they'll do that. if not you'll have to either buy one or have a shop do it, and they might charge you)
a CEL can be flipped from any of a hundred reasons.
mine was one b/c of "small evap leak" and what that meant, after two to three years of taking it to different places, that in reality, the problem was that a sensor in the gas tank rusted (yeah rusted) out and the ENTIRE tank had to replaces as EVERYTHING was rusted tight. Oh yeah, did I meantion that I also had a leak in the front exhaust manifold (which was replaced), and I think I had an issue elsewhere too basically, many things can set off the CEL
and it took like the fifth shop to finally diagnose that.
the whine may be the belts? that's a hard one, i don't know. other people here are way more knowledgable about that.
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I work at Advance Auto and we do CEL lights free of charge. Also should have the parts you need. My name's Marc too and I've got a '98 LXi as well. I've got the same exact whine you are reffering to. I ask someone on here a couple years back and they said it's the final-drive bearings and that I could replace them but it would eventually do it again. I recomend a large stereo, that's how I got rid of my whine . Seriously though, I've just learned to all but ignore it. I've put about 40k on my car in the last four years since I bought it and it's not been anything but an annoyance. So I wouldn't worry about it. Welcome to the club though. Great place here, everyone is super helpfull. Not too many Brings on here very often, but you'll see me around a bit. There's not too many ?'s you could ask, that one of these wonderful Venge guys or gals couldn't answer for you. A lot of them know more about these cars than I probably ever will. Everyone here is great people! Enjoy the ride.
« Last Edit: April 06, 2006, 05:45:00 AM by CrimsonBring »
Thanks Marc and everyone. I'm going to head to Advance Auto today to get a tranny flter and fluid so I'll see if they can plug me in and get rid of that damn CEL. As for the whine, I've been using your method already! Thanks again.
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basically, many things can set off the CEL
. Seriously though, I've just learned to all but ignore it. I've put about 40k on my car in the last four years since I bought it and it's not been anything but an annoyance. So I wouldn't worry about it. Welcome to the club though. Great place here, everyone is super helpfull. Not too many Brings on here very often, but you'll see me around a bit. There's not too many ?'s you could ask, that one of these wonderful Venge guys or gals couldn't answer for you. A lot of them know more about these cars than I probably ever will. Everyone here is great people! Enjoy the ride. 
