I have a 2002 Limited convertible, and the systems keeps needing to be bled. When I did it the first time, I found that one cylinder had a bent rod and was leaking. l replaced the cylinder and bled the system. It was fine for three months or so, then I had to bleed it again. I thought that perhaps the fact that the pump vibrated off the board it was on and fell below the cylinders during the first session, so I bled the system again, this time making sure the pump stayed put, but here it is a couple months later and the top is stopping half-way up again. I have to retract it a bit, then it will finish the cycle. Curiously, if the weather is warm (80s) it will go up all the way, but when I get home from work and raise the top in 60 degrees, I have to go through the two-step routine. I have been checking for leaks with rags placed under all connections, and there are no drips. I'm thinking the impeller is worn and cavitating, but I wanted to get your thoughts.

If I do need a pump, do you have any suggestions for a source? Rock Auto doesn't list them. I got the cylinder I replaced from Hydro-E.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions you may have.

 

Sounds like your system is sucking air in somewhere. See if the fluid level is rising. Since it happens more in cooler weather, it's probably a seal that's getting a little hard with age. Your best bet is to consult with a shop that specializes in convertible tops. They deal with them all day, every day and know the ins and outs of them better than any place else, including the dealership, which has one or two technicians on staff who attended a class on convertible tops ten years ago and probably haven't worked on one since. You might also go on line and find the Chrysler Sebring Convertible Club and post your question there.

 

Thank you, dcotter. I'll see if the Sebring club has any suggestions and see if there's a convertible shop near me.

 

Reporting back in hopes that it may help someone down the road.
I decided to re-bleed the system, so I could take advantage the last few ragtop days this year while I try to find the root of the problem and when I pulled the plug off the pump, I discovered that it had a tiny crack in the base, and the pump was way low on fluid. Bled the system, put it back together, placed a shop towel under the pump, and after I lowered the top, sure enough there was fluid on the rag. So I know that at least this last time, the problem was fluid leaking through the plug. Got a new plug and so far so good. Will have to wait until spring and a succession of ragtop days to find out if that was the problem all along or there is still an air leak.

 

I got a clear condiment bottle at walmart and filled it with the ATF fluid. I also pull the reservoir/pump off the frame and hold it filler hole up and fill it up. then plug the hole and cycle the top a few times to purge all the air. Then hold it filler hole up and fill it up again. That seems to make the most difference. I used to have to do it every 3-6 months and since I do it this way it's been over a year.