🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Stratus Convertible

Year:

2000

Platform:

JS platform (Chrysler JA/JX)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Convertible

Competitors 2000:

Ford Mustang Convertible, Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, Toyota Camry Solara Convertible, Pontiac Firebird Convertible

Unique Selling Points:

Affordable convertible option, comfortable ride, stylish design for its era, available V6 engine, decent interior space for a convertible.

Customer Base:

Individuals seeking a stylish, open-air driving experience at a more accessible price point than premium European or Japanese convertibles.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Systems:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Brakes, Suspension, Steering, HVAC, Electrical, Body, Convertible Top Mechanism, Diagnostics, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repair Procedures

Estimated Pages:

Approx. 2000+

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

ZIP (containing PDF files)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

2.0L SOHC I4, 2.4L DOHC I4 (Turbocharged), 2.7L DOHC V6

Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic (41TE/AE)

Chassis:

Front Wheel Drive (FWD), Independent Front Suspension (MacPherson Strut), Independent Rear Suspension (Multi-link)

Brakes:

Front Disc (Vented), Rear Disc, ABS System

Steering:

Power Assisted Rack and Pinion

Body And Trim:

Convertible Top System (Hydraulic and Manual Components), Body Panels, Doors, Bumpers, Interior Trim

Electrical:

Battery, Charging System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Audio System, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Convertible Top Controls

HVAC:

Air Conditioning, Heater, Defroster, Ventilation, Climate Controls

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), OBD-II Systems, Component Testing, Circuit Diagrams, Troubleshooting Flowcharts

Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Service, Electrical Component Repair, Convertible Top Repair, Body Panel Replacement

Installation:

Component Installation, Accessory Installation

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Quality:

High-resolution, searchable text and clear, legible diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

2.0L (1996cc) SOHC 16-Valve I4 (Engine Code: 420A)

Engine 1 Hp:

132 hp @ 5500 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

126 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Engine 2:

2.4L (2429cc) DOHC 16-Valve I4 (Engine Code: EDZ - Naturally Aspirated, EB3 - Turbocharged)

Engine 2 Hp Na:

150 hp @ 5800 rpm (EDZ)

Engine 2 Torque Na:

170 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (EDZ)

Engine 2 Hp Turbo:

168 hp @ 5200 rpm (EB3)

Engine 2 Torque Turbo:

180 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm (EB3)

Engine 3:

2.7L (2736cc) DOHC 24-Valve V6 (Engine Code: EAX)

Engine 3 Hp:

200 hp @ 6000 rpm

Engine 3 Torque:

190 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)

ECU:

Chrysler NGC (Next Generation Controller) or equivalent

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (41TE / 41AE)

Optional Transmission:

N/A (Automatic was standard across most trims)

Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, lock-up torque converter.

Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 9602)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 8.7 quarts (8.2 liters) for a complete fluid change.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

193.7 inches (4920 mm)

Width:

70.5 inches (1791 mm)

Height:

56.4 inches (1433 mm)

Wheelbase:

108.0 inches (2743 mm)

Front Headroom:

38.9 inches (988 mm)

Front Legroom:

42.3 inches (1074 mm)

Rear Headroom:

35.0 inches (889 mm)

Rear Legroom:

32.8 inches (833 mm)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 10.1 cubic feet (with top up)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3500 - 3800 lbs (1588 - 1724 kg) depending on engine and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4500 lbs (2041 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:

4 Stars (Driver), 4 Stars (Passenger)

IIHS Side Impact Rating:

Acceptable (2000 model year results vary by test)

ABS:

Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)

Traction Control:

Optional (TCS)

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Front Airbags

Seat Belts:

3-point front and rear seat belts, pretensioners.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced A-pillars and windshield frame, pop-up rollover hoops (often a dealer-installed option or part of specific trim packages).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD or Cassette player, optional Infinity premium audio system.

Climate Control:

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

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Gauges And Displays:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature; warning lights for various systems.

Keyless Entry:

Optional on most trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.

Engine Coolant Flush:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), or as recommended by the manual, especially for severe service.

Spark Plug Replacement:

100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs (if equipped); check manual for specific type.

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)

Engine Coolant:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent HOAT antifreeze (Orange color).

Power Steering Fluid:

Chrysler MS-5901 or equivalent.

Common Wear Items:

Struts and suspension components, wheel bearings, front CV axles, timing belts (on certain engines if not replaced), power window regulators, convertible top hydraulic lines/pump.

Engine Common Problems:

Head gasket leaks (especially on earlier 2.7L V6), oil leaks, sensor failures (e.g., crankshaft position sensor).

Transmission Common Problems:

Slipping, delayed engagement, harsh shifting due to worn clutch packs or solenoid issues. Regular fluid changes are critical.

Convertible Top Issues:

Leaking seals, slow or inoperable hydraulic systems, fabric wear or tears.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing performance-oriented and mainstream vehicles, often with bold styling and accessible pricing. The Stratus represented Chrysler Corporation's attempt to capture a share of the popular mid-size sedan and convertible market.

Stratus Generation 1:

The Dodge Stratus (and its Plymouth Breeze and Chrysler Cirrus counterparts) debuted in 1995 as part of the Chrysler JA platform. The convertible version, launched for the 1996 model year, was based on the coupe but offered a full convertible experience.

Stratus Generation 2 Facelift:

For the 2001 model year, the Stratus received a significant facelift and was repositioned as the 'Stratus R/T' sedan, while the convertible continued largely unchanged from the previous generation's styling until its discontinuation. The 2000 model is part of the first generation's later production run.

Manufacturing Location:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA

Production Years:

1996-2006 (Convertible, though major updates occurred in 2001 for the sedan line)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Wards Auto World Honors:

The JA platform cars (including the Stratus sedan) were recognized by WardsAuto in the late 1990s for engine advancements, particularly the 2.7L V6, but specific convertible awards are less common.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings for the Stratus Convertible varied, with some years receiving below-average marks, often related to powertrain and electrical components. This manual is crucial for maintaining and addressing these potential issues.