Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size convertible, marketed as an affordable and stylish open-top option.
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking a convertible experience without the premium price tag of luxury marques.
Key Competitors:
Ford Mustang Convertible, Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, Toyota Camry Solara Convertible.
Convertible Top:
Power-operated convertible top with accompanying maintenance and repair procedures.
Styling:
Distinctive styling for its era, offering a sporty aesthetic.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valvetrain, lubrication system, cooling system.
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control, exhaust system, engine diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (42LE), manual transmission (getrag), clutch system, torque converter, gear shifting mechanisms, troubleshooting.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, drive axles, CV joints, differential.
Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson strut), rear suspension (independent trailing arm), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, steering wheel, troubleshooting.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or optional rear disc), ABS system (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, troubleshooting.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, gauges and instruments, horn, power windows, power locks, convertible top operation.
Body And Frame:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top mechanism and hydraulics, interior trim, body repair, rust prevention.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, troubleshooting.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fault finding procedures for all major systems.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, convertible top repair.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues across all vehicle systems.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II system diagnostics, interpreting sensor data, using scan tools.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
NHTSA Front Driver 2021 Compliance:
Not explicitly tested or rated for this year in a manner comparable to modern standards; general safety provisions apply.
NHTSA Front Passenger 2021 Compliance:
Not explicitly tested or rated for this year in a manner comparable to modern standards; general safety provisions apply.
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and front windshield frame for enhanced rollover protection.
Oil Change Interval Miles:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement Miles:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
Approx. 100,000 miles (for platinum or iridium plugs, check specific type).
Timing Belt Replacement Miles:
N/A for 2.0L (chain-driven). For 3.0L V6 (belt-driven), typically every 60,000-100,000 miles. Consult manual for exact spec.
Engine Oil Type:
API Certified SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based, typically a green color for this era) or equivalent.
Convertible Top Motors:
Common reports of convertible top hydraulic system leaks or motor failures.
Intake Manifold Gasket 2.7L:
While the 2.7L V6 wasn't common in the convertible, it was notorious for intake manifold gasket failures in sedans; the 3.0L V6 is generally more robust.
Window Regulators:
Potential for window regulator failures leading to windows not moving or getting stuck.
ABS Sensor Failure:
ABS wheel speed sensors can fail, triggering ABS warning lights.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler, FCA, now Stellantis), has a long history of producing performance-oriented and value-driven vehicles.
Platform:
Based on the Chrysler JA platform, shared with the Dodge Stratus sedan and coupe, and Sebring coupe.
Generation:
First generation Stratus (1995-2000). The convertible variant was introduced in late 1995 for the 1996 model year.
Manufacturing Location:
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA
Production Years:
1996-2000
