Fix It

MAP is an acronym for manifold absolute pressure. A MAP sensor is an electronic control that works in conjunction with the intake manifold, a system of tubes and chambers that carry a mixture of air and fuel to the intake valves.

Function

A MAP sensor measures the pressure of the air channeled to the carburetor before it passes through the intake manifold. The signal that the MAP sensor emits changes in accordance to the pressure it detects.

Signals and Changes

The MAP sensors signals helps the engine control module determine what changes need to be made in the fuel mixture. these changes include how much fuel is injected and when cylinders are ignited.

Importance of Readings

Without accurate readings from the MAP sensor the proper air-fuel mixture is not maintained. This has a direct effect on the performance of the engine.

Faulty MAP Sensors

If the MAP sensor malfunctions, the "Check Engine" light should come on, although it may not stay lit. Engine performance will be drastically reduced. One common performance issue is hesitation when attempting to accelerate. This is a result of the loss of horsepower that is characteristic of a vehicle has a bad MAP sensor.

Bad MAP sensors also contribute to an increase of auto emissions.

The control module on your vehicles ignition is an electronic device that controls the ignition spark sequence. The device resembles a fuse, and also allows your vehicles starter to fire up your engine. Though this device is durable, it is sensitive to extreme heat. Since most control modules are located beneath the hood near the engine, over time the module can go bad. If the control module goes bad, your engine will not start.

Instructions

1

Turn your vehicles ignition so it is in the off position. Make sure your gear shifter is in the "Park" or "Neutral" position, and that the emergency brake is engaged.

2

Examine the bottom side of the steering wheel near the wire harness beside your vehicles fuse box. In some cases, the module will be located beneath the dashboard. But in most cases the module is located inside the distributor cap beneath the hood.

3

Pull on the hood release lever below the dashboard on the drivers side of the vehicle. The release lever may also be located along the left side of the drivers seat on the floor. Get out of the car, and go to the front of the car. Pull up on the hood slightly, and locate the hoods release latch beneath the front edge of the hood. Lift up on the hood, and prop the hood up with support mechanism under the hood.

4

Locate the distributor cap on the engine, and loosen its retaining Phillips-head screws. Remove the distributor cap from the engine, but do not remove the spark plugs or spark plug wires.

5

Examine the revealed distributor area for the control module. It will either be mounted inside the distributor assembly, or on the outer section of the distributors casing. Disconnect the wire connectors from the module. Remove the Phillips-head bolts mounting the module to the distributor. Remove the bad control module from your vehicle.

6

Attach the new control module to the distributor assembly with the included mounting bolts and washers. Reconnect the wire connectors to the control module. Replace the distributor cap, and its retaining screws. Remove the hoods support mechanism, and close the hood.

The Chrysler Sebring was a rental fleet special (to put it favorably). Chrysler made the Sebring with lowest bidder parts and the minimum amount of research and development, which may have led to Chryslers dire financial straits. Maintenance on Chrysler Sebrings is an unfortunate constant if you own one, as they are not made well in any sense of the word. The control arms in the Sebring support the steering knuckle and suspension components and are only on the front wheels.

Instructions

1

Park the Sebring Convertible somewhere flat and out of traffic. Empty the car out to make it lighter to jack up. Place the car jack under the corner that you want to replace the control arm on. Jack the corner up and slide in a jack stand to keep it up. Use the tire iron to remove the lug nuts from the wheel and then slide the wheel off the steering knuckle.

2

Pull the retaining pin out of the ball joint on the underside of the steering knuckle. Use a pair of pliers and a flat-head screwdriver as a pry bar. Unbolt the ball joint nut and then pry the ball joint out of the steering knuckle. Unbolt the two bolts on the lower end of the left arm of the control arm from the steering knuckle. Repeat the unbolting on the right arm of the control arm.

3

Unbolt the upper part of the control arm and then pull it down from the cars frame. Slide in the new control arm and bolt it onto the frame. Slide in the steering knuckle and thread in the two bolts on each side first to hold the knuckle in place. Tighten the bolts down with a wrench once the knuckle is properly aligned. Push the ball joint back in and bolt it into place. Slide the retaining pin back in and reattach the tire. Lower the Sebring off the jack stand.