🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Stratus

Model Years Covered:

1995-2000

Platform:

JA/JXI (Chrysler NS/JA platform)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Dodge Stratus was positioned as a mid-size sedan in the North American market, competing with models like the Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu, and Toyota Camry.

Competitive Advantages:

Offered distinctive styling and a comfortable ride for its segment. Later models benefited from Chrysler's platform sharing and powertrain advancements.

Key Features:

Front-wheel drive, available in sedan and coupe (Stratus Coupe) body styles, offering a range of inline-4 and V6 engine options.

Value Proposition:

This manual provides dealership-level technical data, enabling owners and independent repair shops to perform accurate diagnostics and repairs, thus saving on costly dealership labor.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Comprehensive workshop service and repair for all systems.

Page Count:

N/A (Digital Download)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed repair and overhaul procedures for all available engine variants, including timing belt replacement, cylinder head service, piston and connecting rod installation, crankshaft service, and lubrication system maintenance.

Engine Performance:

Diagnosis and repair of engine performance issues, fuel delivery system checks, ignition system troubleshooting, emissions control system service, and turbocharger (if applicable) diagnosis.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump testing, fuel injector service, fuel pressure regulator diagnosis, fuel tank service, and evaporative emissions control system (EVAP) troubleshooting.

Transmission Automatic:

Overhaul procedures, torque converter service, valve body diagnosis, seal replacement, fluid and filter change procedures, and electronic control module (ECM) diagnostics for automatic transmissions.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch replacement, transmission gearset service, bearing replacement, shift linkage adjustment, and fluid specifications for manual transmissions.

Brakes:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper service, hydraulic system bleeding, ABS diagnostics and component testing, parking brake adjustment, and brake fluid specifications.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension component replacement (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends), wheel alignment specifications, and troubleshooting suspension noises.

Steering:

Power steering pump diagnosis and replacement, steering rack service, power steering fluid specifications, and steering linkage inspection.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams for all circuits, fuse and relay identification, battery service, alternator testing and replacement, starter motor diagnosis, lighting system troubleshooting, and horn system repair.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling procedures, compressor replacement, blower motor service, climate control system troubleshooting, and heater core replacement.

Body Exterior:

Door panel removal, hood and trunk latch adjustment, bumper cover replacement, exterior trim removal and installation, and glass replacement procedures.

Body Interior:

Seat removal and installation, dashboard removal, interior trim panel replacement, headliner service, and airbag system precautions and service.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common issues, including symptom-based troubleshooting guides and fault code interpretation.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, coolant flush and fill, brake fluid flush, and transmission fluid and filter changes.

Repair Procedures:

Complete component replacement, overhaul of major assemblies, body panel repair, and interior component repair.

Installation Procedures:

Installation guides for common aftermarket accessories and replacement parts.

Depth:

Professional-grade, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic strategies.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Diagrams Included:

Abundant step-by-step diagrams, illustrations, and exploded views.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

2.0L SOHC Inline-4 (Mitsubishi 4G63-based)

Engine 1 Displacement:

1997 cc (122 cu in)

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

85.0 mm x 88.0 mm (3.35 in x 3.46 in)

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

8.5:1

Engine 1 Horsepower:

114 hp @ 5500 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

127 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

Engine 2:

2.4L DOHC Inline-4 (Chrysler EDZ)

Engine 2 Displacement:

2429 cc (148 cu in)

Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:

87.5 mm x 100.0 mm (3.44 in x 3.94 in)

Engine 2 Compression Ratio:

9.0:1

Engine 2 Horsepower:

145 hp @ 5500 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 3:

2.5L SOHC V6 (Chrysler EDB/EDG)

Engine 3 Displacement:

2499 cc (152 cu in)

Engine 3 Bore X Stroke:

78.0 mm x 85.0 mm (3.07 in x 3.35 in)

Engine 3 Compression Ratio:

9.1:1

Engine 3 Horsepower:

160 hp @ 5700 rpm

Engine 3 Torque:

170 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

Performance Highlights:

Engine options provided a balance of fuel economy and adequate performance for daily driving. The V6 offered a noticeable improvement in acceleration.

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission (often paired with the 2.0L engine).

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission (41TE/42LE depending on engine).

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled with overdrive. Later models may feature AutoStick manual shifting capability.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar specification), previously ATF+3 or equivalent. Capacity: Approximately 7-9 quarts for a complete fluid and filter change.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90. Capacity: Approximately 2.5 quarts.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 193.7 inches (491.9 mm)

Width:

Approximately 70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

Approximately 55.5 inches (1410 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 107.5 inches (2730 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approximately 100 cu ft

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 15 cu ft

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3100-3400 lbs (1406-1542 kg), depending on engine and trim.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4 stars (1996-1999 models)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4 stars (1996-1999 models)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable (for models with side airbags)

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on most models. Traction control available on some higher trims.

Passive Safety Features:

Dual front airbags standard. Optional side-impact airbags available on select models.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Base models featured a standard AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional upgrades included CD players and premium sound systems.

Speaker Configuration:

Typically 4 or 6 speaker configurations, with premium options featuring amplifiers.

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise control standard on most trims. Limited availability of advanced driver-assistance systems for this era.

Connectivity Features:

Basic connectivity via auxiliary inputs for aftermarket audio devices was not standard. Remote keyless entry available on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.

Engine Coolant Flush Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.

Spark Plug Replacement 4Cyl:

Every 100,000 miles (iridium type).

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

Every 100,000 miles (platinum type).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 75,000 miles or 5 years (for 2.0L and 2.5L V6 engines, critical replacement).

Engine Oil Type:

API Certified SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on climate).

Engine Oil Capacity:

3.5 quarts (3.3L) for 2.0L, 4.5 quarts (4.3L) for 2.4L, 4.0 quarts (3.8L) for 2.5L V6 (excluding filter).

Power Steering Fluid:

Chrysler/Mopar power steering fluid or equivalent DEXRON III ATF.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Common Issues Engine:

Head gasket leaks (especially on the 2.5L V6), internal engine oil leaks, premature wear of timing belt tensioner and idler pulleys on 2.0L and 2.5L engines.

Common Issues Transmission:

Harsh shifting, slipping in automatic transmissions due to worn clutch packs or valve body issues. Manual transmission clutch wear.

Common Issues Suspension Steering:

Worn ball joints and tie rod ends, premature strut/shock absorber failure, power steering pump leaks.

Common Issues Electrical:

Faulty window regulators, power lock actuator failures, alternator bearing noise, instrument cluster intermittent failures, and coolant temperature sensor issues.

Common Issues HVAC:

Blend door actuator failures leading to improper temperature control, refrigerant leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Brand Heritage:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler (now Stellantis), has a long history of producing performance-oriented vehicles and reliable family cars, often with a bolder styling approach.

Generation 1 Years:

1995-2000

Model Changes 1995:

Introduction of the Dodge Stratus as a successor to the Dodge Spirit and Daytona. Based on Chrysler's JA platform, it was available as a 4-door sedan. Introduced with the 2.0L I4 and 2.5L V6 engines.

Model Changes 1996:

Introduction of the Stratus Coupe based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse platform (DGS platform). The sedan received minor updates. The 2.4L I4 engine was introduced for the sedan.

Model Changes 1997:

Minor equipment adjustments and package updates. Focus on refining the existing platform.

Model Changes 1998:

Introduction of the Stratus R/T trim, offering sportier styling and suspension. Minor interior and exterior styling revisions.

Model Changes 1999:

Further refinements to features and options. The Stratus Coupe was discontinued after this model year.

Model Changes 2000:

Last model year for the first-generation Stratus sedan before its redesign for 2001.

Manufacturing Location:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA (for sedan); Normal, Illinois, USA (for coupe).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The Stratus, particularly the coupe variant, received some positive remarks for styling and handling from automotive journalists of its time. However, it did not garner significant industry awards compared to its competitors.

Consumer Ratings:

Consumer satisfaction varied, with common complaints revolving around reliability and build quality in some areas, particularly in earlier production years.