🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth

Model:

Cirrus, Stratus, Breeze

Platform:

Chrysler JA platform

Body Styles:

4 Door Sedan

Drivetrain:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Trim Levels:

Highline, Premium, Sport

Market Regions:

Left-Hand Drive (LHD) and Right-Hand Drive (RHD)

Chassis Code:

JA

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size sedan

Target Audience:

Family cars, commuters

Key Competitors:

Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima

Design Philosophy:

Cab-forward design, spacious interior, modern styling for its era.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides in-depth, factory-level information essential for accurate diagnosis and repair, reducing reliance on guesswork and potentially costly misdiagnoses.

📋 Manual Details

Vehicle Years:

1997, 1998, 1999

Specific Models:

Chrysler Cirrus, Dodge Stratus, Plymouth Breeze

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Purpose:

Professional repair and maintenance guidance

Language:

English

File Format:

Adobe Acrobat PDF

Delivery Method:

ZIP archive

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, transaxle (automatic and manual)

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (front and rear), differential, driveline, wheels, tires

Electrical:

Battery, starter, charging system, instrument panel, audio systems, horns, vehicle speed control, turn signals, flashers, windshield wipers/washers, lamps, restraint system (airbags, seatbelts), electrically heated systems, power door locks, vehicle theft security system, power seats, power windows, power mirrors, chime/reminder systems

Body:

Bumpers, frame, body panels, interior trim, HVAC (Heating and Air Conditioning)

Emission Control:

Emission control systems and components

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, lubrication, fluid changes, filter replacements

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, symptom-based diagnostics

Repair:

Component removal, installation, adjustment, and overhaul procedures

Wiring:

Complete wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to major component overhaul and electrical system diagnosis

Specialized Coverage:

Includes specific procedures for the 41TE 4-speed electronic automatic transaxle and NV T350 5-speed manual transaxle, as well as detailed electrical schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution scans, typically searchable text where OCR is applied.

Printability:

Printable pages allowing for hardcopy use in a workshop environment.

Binding Format:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.0L (1996cc)

Engine 1 Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder

Engine 1 Valvetrain:

16-valve SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Engine 1 Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Engine 2 Displacement:

2.4L (2378cc)

Engine 2 Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder

Engine 2 Valvetrain:

16-valve SOHC

Engine 2 Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Engine 3 Displacement:

2.5L (2498cc)

Engine 3 Configuration:

V6 (60-degree)

Engine 3 Valvetrain:

12-valve SOHC

Engine 3 Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Engine 4 Displacement:

2.4L (2378cc)

Engine 4 Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder

Engine 4 Valvetrain:

16-valve DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)

Engine 4 Aspiration:

Turbocharged

Engine 4 Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 132 hp (2.0L) to 215 hp (2.4L Turbo) depending on engine and year.

Torque Range:

Approximately 130 lb-ft (2.0L) to 220 lb-ft (2.4L Turbo) depending on engine and year.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic Transaxle

Standard Transmission Model:

41TE (4-speed Electronic Automatic Transaxle)

Optional Transmission:

5-Speed Manual Transaxle

Optional Transmission Model:

NV T350

Automatic Features:

Electronically controlled, adaptive shifting logic.

Automatic Fluid Type:

Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent, consult specific manual for early ATF+3)

Manual Fluid Type:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil

📐 Dimensions

Body Style:

4-Door Sedan

Wheelbase:

Approx. 108.0 inches

Length:

Approx. 193.0 inches

Width:

Approx. 70.9 inches

Height:

Approx. 55.7 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,200 - 3,500 lbs (varies by engine and trim)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4,400 lbs

Towing Capacity:

Not typically recommended or specified for significant towing.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 100 mm

Wheel Size:

15-inch or 16-inch alloy wheels standard depending on trim.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Mixed results for the era. Frontal crash tests generally acceptable, side impact varied. Manual provides detailed SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) information.

Braking System:

Front disc / Rear drum or Front disc / Rear disc (depending on model/trim). ABS available on some models.

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger front airbags (standard).

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seat belts, with driver's side pretensioner.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette or CD player, optional premium sound systems.

Manual Coverage Infotainment:

Includes removal, installation, and basic troubleshooting for audio components.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models, with detailed system diagrams and diagnostic information in the manual.

Manual Coverage Electrical Systems:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams are provided, essential for diagnosing and repairing any electrical or electronic component, including power features and security systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (consult manual for specific recommendation).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic, every 50,000-100,000 miles for manual (refer to manual for exact intervals).

Coolant Change:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG, SH, or SJ rated, viscosity SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (consult manual based on temperature).

Coolant Specification:

Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based, HOAT formula recommended for later years)

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid:

Chrysler/Mopar Power Steering Fluid or ATF+4.

Common Problems:

Transmission issues (especially the 41TE), cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses), oil cooler line leaks, power window regulators, front suspension wear (ball joints, tie rods), interior trim issues.

Manual Assistance For Issues:

The manual provides detailed diagnostic procedures and repair steps for these common issues, enabling accurate troubleshooting and repair.

📚 Vehicle History

Parent Company:

Chrysler Corporation

Debut Year:

1995 (as Dodge Stratus and Plymouth Breeze), 1996 (as Chrysler Cirrus)

Platform Sharing:

Part of the Chrysler JA platform, shared with other Chrysler-era Dodge and Plymouth models, and later Neons and PT Cruisers.

Production Period:

1995-2000 for JA platform sedans.

Assembly Location:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Editorial Reviews:

Received mixed reviews during its production cycle, often praised for interior space and ride comfort but criticized for some powertrain reliability aspects and build quality compared to Japanese competitors. Manual helps address common issues.