Target Audience:
Dodge Stratus owners seeking DIY repair information, independent repair shops, technicians.
Competitor Manuals:
Haynes, Chilton (This is an officially licensed manual, often more detailed than aftermarket publications).
Licensing:
Officially Licensed - implies accuracy and completeness aligned with manufacturer specifications.
Accessibility:
Digital format allows for quick access and searchability.
Comprehensiveness:
Covers a wide range of repair and maintenance procedures.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, assembly, disassembly, timing, cooling, lubrication
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, diagnostics
Transmission Manual:
Service, repair, overhaul of manual transmission variants
Transmission Automatic:
Service, repair, overhaul of automatic transmission variants
Drivetrain:
Axles, CV joints, differential, drive shafts
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shock absorbers, springs
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, linkage
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, disc and drum brakes, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, horn, wipers
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, HVAC controls
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system service and repair
Body Electronics:
Power windows, locks, mirrors, remote keyless entry
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Systematic fault finding, DTC interpretation, wiring diagrams
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, belt replacement, fluid checks
Repair:
Engine component replacement, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension strut replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common problems and solutions, symptom-based diagnosis
Rebuilding:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilding
Installation:
Component installation procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.
Detail Level:
Includes torque specifications, clearances, and precise measurements for critical components.
Engine Code 2.0L:
2.0L SOHC I4 (Chrysler A67 engine)
Displacement 2.0L:
1996 cc (121.8 cu in)
Bore 2.0L:
87.5 mm (3.44 in)
Stroke 2.0L:
83.0 mm (3.27 in)
Compression Ratio 2.0L:
9.3:1
Horsepower 2.0L:
118 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 2.0L:
125 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm
Engine Code 2.4L:
2.4L DOHC I4 (Chrysler EDZ engine)
Displacement 2.4L:
2429 cc (148.2 cu in)
Bore 2.4L:
87.5 mm (3.44 in)
Stroke 2.4L:
101.0 mm (3.98 in)
Compression Ratio 2.4L:
9.1:1
Horsepower 2.4L:
141 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 2.4L:
155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Code 2.5L V6:
2.5L SOHC V6 (Chrysler 5H/6H engine)
Displacement 2.5L V6:
2497 cc (152.4 cu in)
Bore 2.5L V6:
75.5 mm (2.97 in)
Stroke 2.5L V6:
70.0 mm (2.76 in)
Compression Ratio 2.5L V6:
9.4:1
Horsepower 2.5L V6:
164 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2.5L V6:
166 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 U.S. quarts (4.3 L) with filter for 2.0L and 2.4L. Check manual for V6 capacity.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 API Service SG or higher (synthetic recommended)
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol) or equivalent (50/50 mix)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 U.S. quarts (7.6 L) - check manual for exact capacity by engine
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission (for 2.0L and 2.4L engines)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (for all engine options)
Automatic Transmission Type:
Chrysler A604 / 41TE (4-speed, electronically controlled)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+3 (Mopar automatic transmission fluid) or equivalent.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 U.S. quarts (6.6 L) for fill, 11.7 U.S. quarts (11.1 L) for overhaul.
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Not explicitly rated for 1996 models, but airbags were standard.
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
Not explicitly rated for 1996 models.
ABS:
Available on some trims (standard on higher trims).
Airbags:
Standard dual front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point seat belts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seat belts.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced roof structure, not specific rollover protection system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, with quality oil and filter.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped spark plugs (specific type recommended).
Coolant Flush:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for ATF+3.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Check manual, typically around 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
Drive Belt Inspection:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace as needed.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (Dexron II is NOT recommended).
Common Issue Transmission Auto:
Intermittent shifting problems, solenoid issues in the 41TE transmission. Oil leaks from valve body.
Common Issue Engine Mounts:
Premature wear of engine and transmission mounts, leading to vibration.
Common Issue Suspension:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and strut mounts. Knocking sounds from front suspension.
Common Issue Electrical:
Window regulator failures, dashboard light issues, sensor failures (e.g., crankshaft position sensor).
Common Issue HVACtemp Actuator:
HVAC temperature blend door actuator failure, causing improper temperature control.
Common Issue Radiator Fan:
Radiator fan motor failure leading to overheating.
Dodge Brand Context:
Dodge was known for offering a range of vehicles from sports cars to family sedans. The Stratus aimed to capture a segment of the growing mid-size sedan market.
First Generation:
The 1996 Dodge Stratus was part of the first generation of the Stratus line (1995-2000), which replaced the Dodge Spirit and Shadow.
Platform Sharing:
Based on Chrysler's JA platform, shared with the Chrysler Cirrus and Plymouth Breeze, which were also new for 1995.
Design Philosophy:
Styled with a focus on aerodynamic curves and a smooth, modern appearance for its time.
Assembly Location:
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA
Production Years:
1995-2000 (for the first generation)