Hello To Everyone!
 

The title may possibly be misleading and appear as if it should be in the 'Newbie Section' but I'm just introducing myself before asking some questions which I hope I can find answers to.

I've just bought a 2008 Sebring 2.0 CRD Diesel four door saloon, now I love the car and have had no problems so far but it didn't come with an owners manual , the salesman informed me it doesn't have a timing belt but a timing chain instead.

Does this mean I never have to worry about changing it?

I am in the process of accumulating parts to give it a service and need clarification,I'm based in Scotland and parts aren't as readily available as other types of car over here, I've managed to get an Air Filter/Oil Filter and have found a place that sells Fuel Filters, although one parts dealer told me it just says the Fuel Filter is 'In the tank' and they didn't sell them, so I'm a tad confused as to whether I should get one or if I need one.

I also noticed you can get a Pollen Filter but only found that out after I'd bought the Air and Oil filters, and unfortunately this place I found it requires you to buy all three as part of a Service Kit.

Do I need one?

My last question is about Tires, the ones I have appear to be a rare size(215/55/R18) and therefore extremely expensive.

My question is can I change them for a more common tire(I've noticed other 18 inch tires for about a third of the price of these) , and would it affect the performance or anything else if I did change?

Sorry for all the questions, can't seem to source an owners manual anywhere.

Appreciate any help.

Ok...first things first..... It is spelled SALON.....

Here in the U.S. ..A SALOON is an old west slang expression for a PUB.. So unless you have one of those MAGICAL CUP HOLDERS that automatically dispenses PINTS ....:):)

The fuel filter is below the Aircleaner assembly, next to the brake Booster. 'The in-tank filters are typically for GASOLINE engines.

Cabin air filter, or Pollen Filter as you described it, should be changed, but is NOT mandatory....

Changing Tire sizes really is not recommended, since the vehicle operation and performance was designed around a specific set of parameters. ABS Brakes, Traction control and even Speedometer and Odometer can be affected by "Non Standard" wheels and tires. A discussion with a Dealership service department and a Competent tire specialist may provide a suitable compromise.

Ha ha, on this occasion since you've been helpful I'll stand corrected, although I assure you over here where the Queens English is impeccably observed and we don't mispell words like 'Authorise' as 'Authorize';), it is Saloon.

Salon is somewhere a woman would go to get her nails done;)

Ah so the fuel filter can and should be changed, thanks for that.

Thank you for the Tire advice also, I had been advised that you can change them.

Much obliged:)

ps Are you familiar with the Timing Belt/Chain situation?

I knew I forgot something......

It most certainly is a Belt. Service info says 150,000 KM for replacement....

My Chrysler: Chrysler Owners Service Manuals - Chrysler Cars, Minivans, SUVs, Convertibles, Crossovers

It might be worth a shot, although diesel passenger cars are rare here in the states...

It is indeed a Belt, the dealer says it's recommended to change at 90,000 miles.

Aren't you guys in the States still dealing in miles as opposed to Kilometres?

Do you know if it's a big job to change it?

ie taking out the whole engine block like you do with some cars?

I don't think diesel cars would be so rare in the States if you were paying the fuel prices we do in the UK ;)

Thanks again for your help.

yep....But the info I got was direct from chryslers internal server, and it lists the vehicle as "EXPORT"...so all the values are in metric....My math skills are horrible, so I didnt try to convert it.:)

As for diesel....Here in the states, diesel is typically more expensive, and we probably have much more stringent emissions regulations than you guys.

As for the belt, Reading the procedures, it seems pretty straight forward, although I personally have never done a belt on a diesel. However, it does reference "Locking Tools" for cam and crankshafts....And being that Ive never done one..I really cant say how critical the tool would be.....Other than that, it is removing covers, loosening a tensioner and swapping out the belt.

yep....But the info I got was direct from chryslers internal server, and it lists the vehicle as "EXPORT"...so all the values are in metric....My math skills are horrible, so I didnt try to convert it.:)

As for diesel....Here in the states, diesel is typically more expensive, and we probably have much more stringent emissions regulations than you guys.

As for the belt, Reading the procedures, it seems pretty straight forward, although I personally have never done a belt on a diesel. However, it does reference "Locking Tools" for cam and crankshafts....And being that Ive never done one..I really cant say how critical the tool would be.....Other than that, it is removing covers, loosening a tensioner and swapping out the belt.

It's more expensive here too but you get almost twice as much mileage from a tank of diesel than petrol(Gasoline;)), so it's more economical.

Over here the diesel emissions I think are lower than Gas emissions, we pay a certain amount every year for Road Tax and I noticed when I first went diesel the annual fee was way cheaper and when I enquired why, was told it was because diesel was 'Greener' and it was down to the emission that the Tax duty was cheaper.

Thanks for the Belt advice, I noticed it was up quite high and didn't need anything removed from atop it, so figured it had to be easier than any Cars I've owned.

I won't be doing it myself, just wondered how much labour cost it would incur and it's nice to be armed with the knowledge.

:).....