Segment:
Mid-size car, family sedan, and convertible
Platform:
Chrysler's JA platform (shared with Dodge Avenger and Plymouth Breeze)
Key Competitors:
Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima
Design Philosophy:
Aimed at European styling influences, offering a distinct alternative in the American market
Convertible Variant:
Notable for offering a convertible body style in this segment, often with a unique design appeal
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive workshop and repair service
Specific Models Included:
1997 Stratus Sedan (JA), 1998 Stratus Convertible JX, 2000 Stratus JX Convertible
Estimated Total Pages:
Varies by individual manual; typically 1000+ pages per year/model combination for full workshop manuals.
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, exhaust, engine management (PCM/ECM)
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission service, diagnostics, and overhaul
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive, axles, CV joints, differentials
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, disc and drum brakes, parking brake
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, steering system
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, linkages
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, body electricals, wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service and repair
Body And Frame:
Body panels, doors, glass, convertible top mechanisms, structural components
Restraints:
Airbags, seat belts, and related safety systems
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures
Adjustment:
Brake adjustment, clutch adjustment, suspension alignment
Replacement:
Component replacement procedures for common wear items and major parts
Wiring:
Detailed electrical system wiring diagrams and troubleshooting
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Diagnostics Focus:
Includes diagnostic flowcharts and specifications for pinpointing faults
Torque Specs:
Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
PDF Quality:
High resolution for clear text and diagrams, searchable text where available
Accessibility:
Downloadable for offline access and printing
Printability:
Optimized for printing specific sections or the entire manual
Binding Type:
Not Applicable (PDF Download)
Paper Type:
Not Applicable (PDF Download)
Engine 1:
2.0L DOHC Inline-4 (2.0L SOHC for some base models)
Engine 2:
2.4L DOHC Inline-4
Engine 3:
2.7L DOHC V6 (Chrysler-designed EER/ES V6)
Horsepower 2.0L:
Approx. 132 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2.0L:
Approx. 130 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Horsepower 2.4L:
Approx. 150 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2.4L:
Approx. 160 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower 2.7L V6:
Approx. 200 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque 2.7L V6:
Approx. 195 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended
Standard Transmission Sedan:
5-speed manual (available on some 4-cylinder models)
Optional Transmission Sedan:
4-speed automatic (42LE)
Optional Transmission Convertible:
4-speed automatic (42LE)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, often with 'Sport' mode option
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+4 (supersedes ATF+3, ATF+2, and ATF+ type 7176)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 108.0 inches (2743 mm)
Length Sedan:
Approx. 193.8 inches (4923 mm)
Length Convertible:
Approx. 189.3 inches (4808 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.1 inches (1781 mm)
Height Sedan:
Approx. 55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Height Convertible:
Approx. 54.8 inches (1392 mm)
Trunk Volume Sedan:
Approx. 15.5 cubic feet (439 liters)
Trunk Volume Convertible:
Approx. 9.0 cubic feet (255 liters) with top up
Curb Weight Sedan:
Approx. 3000 - 3400 lbs (1361 - 1542 kg) depending on engine and options
Curb Weight Convertible:
Approx. 3300 - 3600 lbs (1497 - 1633 kg) depending on engine and options
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 100 mm
Wheel Size:
15-inch or 16-inch alloy or steel wheels
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4-star (1997-1998 models, with specific vehicle configurations)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4-star (1997-1998 models, with specific vehicle configurations)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available, standard on some trims/years
Traction Control:
Traction control system (TCS) available on some models
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard
Seat Belts:
Front and rear seat belts with pretensioners
Convertible Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and chassis structure for convertible safety
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette and/or CD player, optional premium audio systems (e.g., Infinity)
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control systems
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control on most trims
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; primarily focused on audio inputs and basic power features.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement 4Cyl:
Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs
Timing Belt Replacement V6:
Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (if applicable, check specific engine)
Engine Oil Capacity 4Cyl:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter, SAE 5W-30 recommended
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
Approx. 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter, SAE 5W-30 recommended
Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT), 50/50 mix with distilled water
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent
Common Faults Cv Axles:
Premature wear of front CV joint boots leading to joint failure
Common Faults Transmission:
Automatic transmission solenoid issues, torque converter shudder, or electronic control problems (especially early 42LE units)
Common Faults Suspension:
Worn ball joints, control arm bushings, and strut mounts
Common Faults Electrical:
Window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor resistor issues, minor electrical gremlins
Common Faults Convertible Top:
Issues with hydraulic lines, motors, or latches for the convertible top mechanism
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler)
Introduction Year:
1995 (as Chrysler Cirrus, Dodge Stratus, Plymouth Breeze)
First Generation:
1995-2000
Convertible Introduction:
1996 (as Sebring Convertible, with Stratus sedan being the parallel model)
Redesign Impact:
While sharing platform, Stratus and Sebring convertible had distinct styling cues and feature sets.
Assembly Location:
Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
