I have a 2002 Chysler Sebring, which is in SW Michigan, each day when 1st started the car acts as though it has no power steering at all and is very hard to turn, but once it warms up it drives and turns fine. The fluid level is at the top line and the belt is tight. Anyone have any ideas what may cause this?

 

Just a guess, but maybe it's a problem with the internal seals in the gear getting hard and leaking until they get warm and soften up. Warmer weather should improve the situation.
I have an '02 Sebring also and have never experienced this. I don't think it's a common problem.
If that's the problem, the solution is not cheap.
Before I replaced the gear though, I'd change the fluid.
If anyone ever added fluid, it's possible that the wrong stuff was put in and it didn't mix well with what was in there to start.

 

Just to add my $0.02, I was having problems with the pump in my 2004 'Vert ticking and rattling, so I added some Lucas, which is (VERY) viscous. It fixed the problems with the sticking and stuttering, but acted exactly like you're talking about here; no power steering until it warmed up and then it was fine. Drawing some out and adding standard fluid fixed it.

 

I did draw out all the fluid in the power steering tank and replaced it with new. But the same problem continues. I backed it out of the garage this morning it was very hard to steer again, when I put it back in the engine light was on, so tomarrow morning I'll run it down to Autozone see what the code is... will let you know if the light has anything to do with the steering. Thanks for you ideas/advice.

 

Replacing the fluid in the reservoir might get about a third or a quarter of the fluid in the system. Replacing it all is virtually impossible that way and would require several refills of the tank. You can search the web for better methods, but unfortunately, there's no easy way to do the job.
There are devices to pressure check the gear and pump to diagnose the system but that's not really a DIY solution. You might need professional help on this one.