I have a 2001 Sebring convertible and the heat suddenly stopped working. I don't think it is a thermostat or heater core problem, because the temperature guage still goes to the same reading it always has, and takes the same time to get there. The heat worked fine one day, and the next there was no heat at all, so I don't think its the heater core, either. Any suggestions on where to start checking?

 

No heat as in TEMP or AIRFLOW out the vents? Pretty sure main heat is cable controlled(blend air door) and may have broken or popped off an end, IF you have good airflow from the interior fan.

 

Both heater hoses should be hot to the touch if coolant is flowing through the heater core.
If the return hose is cool, then there is a flow restriction, most likely the heater core.
I had an ’04 convertible. I believe the blend door was controlled by the BCM, not a cable.
All the HVAC dash controls went to the BCM, and the BCM controlled everything.
I’m not sure the ’01 is the same – but I think it is.

You can also try disconnecting the battery for 15 minutes to reset the BCM.
Sometimes this has cleared up HVAC/actuator operating problems.

 

Thank you, Rebel59 and flaokie (is that a Vikings reference?). I will check the heater hose temps.

I'm am already planning to replace the battery. Do either of you know the size of the bold for the battery connection? I want to thread some bolts into the new battery so I can put the trickle charger on it for a few days to make sure it is fully up to snuff before going through the ordeal of swapping them out.

 

If your battery is low, that can cause strange things to happen on these cars.
When I install the positive lead for the trickle charger, I cut the end of the ring lug with a pair of snips, to make a U shape fork.
File the inside of the fork to make it wider if you have to.
I just loosen the cable bolt and slip the fork under the bolt head.
The negative lead can be connected to any bolt that is a good ground.

 

Thank you flaokie, but I want to put the charger on the new battery on the bench for a few days before i install it to make sure it is fully "topped up." So I want to thread bolts into the battery to clip the charger leads to.

 

I think they are 3/8” with a coarse thread.
You should be able to get just the bolt at most auto stores.

 

All bolts on the Chrysler are metric sizes.

You can access two terminals under the hood for jumping or charging the battery without removing it. They are on the left spring tower and clearly labeled.

A common problem in these cars is the control head for the heater. Control heads are relatively cheap and easy to come by. It was the same part used in the Sebring sedan and convertible from 2001 thru 2006 and in the Dodge equivalent in the same years. There is a great deal of discussion here on the forum you can search for.

 

Thank you, flaokie. I will check those out.