1999 Chrysler Sebring convertible

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1999 CHRYSLER SEBRING
74,000 MILES

1999 Chrysler Sebring convertible.
Both electric door locks are giving me a problem.

Driver side door will not lock or unlock when the lock button is depressed. There is no sound what so ever coming from the door when the button is pressed. I can manually lock or unlock the door fine.

Passenger side door lock works some of the time. It takes from 1 to 5 button clicks to get it to work. The door makes a grinding type sound for about 1 second when any attempt is made to lock or unlock the door. When it does work, there is no grinding sound. Using any lock button or the auto lock feature when the car starts moving produces the same sound. I can manually lock or unlock the door fine.

I can unlock both doors individually fine using the key in the exterior locks.

Question 2. I would like to take apart the door panel to more closely inspect the problem. Is there a set of dis-assembly instructions available?

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,752 POSTS

For the passenger door, replace the actuator. The armature breaks free and spins on the motor's shaft causing that sound. For the left one, look for broken wires between the door hinges.

The service manual is the best thing to have to see how to remove the trim panel. Look for hidden fasteners, especially screws behind pop-out speaker grilles and under arm rests. There's many different panels depending on the trim options the car came with. Also look for plastic snaps around the outside. Use the special tool that slides in under them to pop them out. (Similar to using a hammer to pull a nail). That will prevent breaking the plastic panel that holds those clips in place. Some panels have plastic fingers hanging down. Once any screws are removed, you lift those panels up and away from the door, then unsnap any plastic clips on the linkages.