🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Stratus

Model Years Covered:

1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

Chassis Platform:

JA (First Generation)

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, Dodge Stratus owners seeking in-depth repair knowledge

Value Proposition:

Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs confidently, saving money on labor costs and ensuring quality work

Competitor Manuals:

Covers a broader range of specific repairs and diagnostics than generic Haynes or Chilton manuals for this era

Comprehensiveness:

Covers all aspects of vehicle maintenance and repair for the specified model years

Accuracy Detail:

Based on factory service data, providing precise procedures and specifications

Ease Of Use:

Organized by system with clear instructions and diagrams, often incorporating diagnostic trees

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Type:

All Service & Repair

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, engine control systems (ECU/PCM), emissions control

Transmission Systems:

Automatic Transmissions (e.g., 41TE, 42LE), manual transmissions, clutch system, torque converter

Drivetrain Systems:

Front-wheel drive, CV joints, driveshafts, differentials

Brake Systems:

Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension (struts, control arms, bushings), power steering system, steering column

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body controls, wiring diagrams, fuses and relays

HVAC Systems:

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (A/C) system, components, and controls

Body Interior Exterior:

Body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, seats, bumpers, glass replacement

Safety Restraints:

Airbag system, seat belts, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) components

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake pad replacement, belt replacement

Repair Procedures:

Engine component replacement (e.g., water pump, alternator), transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component repair, starter motor replacement, A/C system repair

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), electrical diagnostics

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for fasteners, fluid capacities, clearances, wear limits, diagnostic parameters

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures

Depth Of Coverage:

Complete, from basic maintenance to major component overhauls and advanced diagnostics

Diagnostic Capability:

Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for identifying and resolving faults

Rebuild Procedures:

Instructions for rebuilding major components like engines and transmissions

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval

Printability:

Printable pages for in-garage reference

Image Clarity:

High-resolution images, diagrams, and illustrations

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine 1:

2.0L (122 cu in) SOHC Inline-4 (Engine Code: A818 / 2.0L)

Base Engine 1 Hp:

Approx. 132 hp @ 5600 rpm

Base Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 130 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Base Engine 1 Fuel System:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Optional Engine 1:

2.4L (148 cu in) DOHC Inline-4 (Engine Code: EDZ)

Optional Engine 1 Hp:

Approx. 150 hp @ 5800 rpm

Optional Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 160 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Optional Engine 1 Fuel System:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Optional Engine 2:

2.5L (150 cu in) DOHC V6 (Engine Code: BEV, BEV-1, BEV-2 - Chrysler EGD engine family)

Optional Engine 2 Hp:

Approx. 164 hp @ 5800 rpm (early models), up to 170 hp @ 5800 rpm (later models)

Optional Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 170 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (early models), up to 175 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (later models)

Optional Engine 2 Fuel System:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Cylinder Block Material:

Aluminum (all engines)

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum (all engines)

Firing Order 4Cyl:

1-3-4-2

Firing Order V6:

1-2-3-4-5-6

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission (MTX)

Optional Transmission 1:

4-speed Automatic Transaxle (41TE / 42LE family)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Selectable overdrive, electronic control

Manual Transmission Features:

Standard front-wheel drive transaxle design

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (refer to manual for specific Mopar PN)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 106.0 inches (2692 mm)

Length:

Approx. 188.2 inches (4780 mm)

Width:

Approx. 70.7 inches (1796 mm)

Height:

Approx. 55.5 inches (1410 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3000-3400 lbs (1360-1542 kg) depending on engine and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4200-4500 lbs (1905-2041 kg)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 14.2 cubic feet (402 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test Driver Front:

Likely 4-star for driver front impact (ratings may vary by year)

NHTSA Crash Test Passenger Front:

Likely 4-star for passenger front impact (ratings may vary by year)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good to Acceptable, depending on specific test parameters and year (check IIHS archives for specifics)

ABS:

Available on most trims, standard on some higher trims

Traction Control:

Optional on some models

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard; side airbags optional on some models

Seat Belts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners (front), three-point seatbelts (rear)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player options, speaker configurations vary by trim

Navigation:

Not available from factory

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard, aftermarket options may exist

Climate Control Type:

Manual climate control standard, automatic climate control optional on higher trims

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection

Spark Plug Replacement 4Cyl:

Approx. 100,000 miles with platinum-tipped plugs

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

Approx. 100,000 miles with platinum-tipped plugs

Timing Belt Replacement:

N/A (all engines are OHC with timing chains)

Engine Oil Type:

API SN or higher, SAE 5W-30 (check owner's manual for exact viscosity, synthetic recommended)

Engine Oil Capacity 4Cyl:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter

Engine Oil Capacity V6:

Approx. 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter

Coolant Type:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent, typically Mopar OAT Pink

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 9.0-10.0 quarts (8.5-9.5 liters)

Common Issue 1:

Transmission solenoid failure (especially in 41TE/42LE transmissions)

Common Issue 2:

Head gasket leaks (particularly on the 2.0L engine in earlier years)

Common Issue 3:

Suspension component wear (bushings, ball joints, control arms)

Common Issue 4:

Power steering pump leaks or whining noise

Common Issue 5:

EVAP system (emissions) leaks, leading to check engine light

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Brand Context:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler (now Stellantis), known for performance and value-oriented vehicles

Model Introduction:

The Dodge Stratus was introduced for the 1995 model year as part of Chrysler's 'cloud car' lineup, replacing the Dodge Spirit.

Platform Sharing:

Shared the JA platform with the Chrysler Cirrus and Plymouth Breeze.

Trim Levels:

Typically offered in ES (sportier) and SE (standard) trims, with various option packages.

Production Period:

1995-2000 (First Generation)

Manufacturing Location:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Reception:

While not a recipient of major prestigious awards, the Stratus was a popular choice in its segment for its comfort and value proposition, especially the ES trim.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports ratings for this era of Dodge vehicles often indicated average to below-average reliability, particularly concerning transmission and electrical systems. Detailed analysis of specific model years and engines is available within the manual's diagnostic sections.