Preliminary Steps (Essential):
1. Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Use jack stands to safely support the vehicle. Wear safety glasses and gloves. Have a well-lit and ventilated workspace.
2. Gather Tools and Materials: You'll need a complete set of metric sockets and wrenches, various extensions and adapters, a torque wrench, engine hoist, transmission jack (highly recommended), fluid drain pans, and potentially specialty tools like a harmonic balancer puller.
3. Consult a Factory Service Manual: A Chilton's or Haynes manual *might* offer some guidance, but a genuine Chrysler factory service manual is absolutely crucial. It will provide detailed diagrams, torque specifications, and step-by-step instructions specific to your 1997 Sebring and its 2.7L engine.
General Steps (Highly Simplified and Incomplete):
1. Disconnect everything: This includes all electrical connectors, vacuum lines, fuel lines (carefully!), coolant hoses, transmission lines (if automatic), and the exhaust system. Label everything meticulously so you can reassemble correctly.
2. Drain fluids: Drain the engine oil, coolant, and transmission fluid (if automatic).
3. Remove accessory components: Remove the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and other attached components.
4. Disconnect the transmission: This is a complex step that varies depending on whether you have an automatic or manual transmission. You'll likely need to support the transmission with a transmission jack.
5. Remove engine mounts: Carefully unbolt and remove the engine mounts.
6. Lift the engine: Use the engine hoist to carefully lift the engine out of the engine bay. This requires careful maneuvering to clear the firewall and other obstructions.
Reassembly: Reassembly is essentially the reverse of disassembly, but again, refer to your factory service manual. Incorrect reassembly can lead to serious damage.
Disclaimer: This is a highly simplified overview. Attempting this without the proper knowledge, tools, and a factory service manual is extremely risky. Improper engine removal can lead to serious damage to your vehicle and potential injury to yourself. Consult a professional mechanic.
