Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, DIY enthusiasts
Competitors:
Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima
Vehicle Appeal:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride, affordability, availability of V6 engine option.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides dealership-level technical information for cost-effective vehicle maintenance and repair, saving on labor costs.
Engine:
2.0L I4 SOHC (97 hp), 2.4L I4 DOHC (150 hp), 2.5L V6 SOHC (164 hp)
Transmission:
42LE Automatic Transmission
Brakes:
Front Disc / Rear Drum, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Independent Suspension
Steering:
Power Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
Charging System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Body Control Modules
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (AC) System
Fuel System:
Fuel Tank, Fuel Pump, Fuel Injectors, Fuel Filter
Exhaust System:
Exhaust Manifold, Catalytic Converter, Muffler
Cooling System:
Radiator, Water Pump, Thermostat, Coolant Hoses
Body And Frame:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Chassis Frame
Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Fluid Checks and Replenishment, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement
Repair:
Engine Component Replacement (e.g., Alternator, Starter, Radiator), Transmission Overhaul, Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, HVAC Component Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Diagnostics, Wiring Diagrams for Electrical Fault Finding
Installation:
Component Installation (e.g., Audio System, Exterior Accessories - where applicable to repair)
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1996 cc)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline-4 Cylinder, Single Overhead Cam (SOHC)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
97 hp @ 5000 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
114 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Engine 2 Displacement:
2.4 Liters (2429 cc)
Engine 2 Configuration:
Inline-4 Cylinder, Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC), 16-Valve
Engine 2 Horsepower:
150 hp @ 5800 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
167 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine 3 Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2499 cc)
Engine 3 Configuration:
V6 Cylinder, Single Overhead Cam (SOHC), 24-Valve
Engine 3 Horsepower:
164 hp @ 6200 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
163 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4 Stars
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4 Stars
ABS:
Optional on most trims, standard on some higher trims
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement 2.0L:
Every 30,000 miles (conventional)
Spark Plug Replacement 2.4L/2.5L:
Every 100,000 miles (platinum/iridium plugs)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on driving conditions
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Engine Oil Spec:
API SJ, SAE 5W-30 (check manual for specific viscosities based on temperature)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0 Quarts (3.8 L) with filter change (2.0L, 2.4L); 4.5 Quarts (4.3 L) with filter change (2.5L V6)
Common Problems Engine:
Head gasket leaks (especially 2.4L), oil leaks, timing belt issues (on older 2.0L SOHC models before major overhaul), intake manifold gasket leaks.
Common Problems Transmission:
Hesitation, slipping, harsh shifting (common for the 42LE transmission, often due to solenoid issues or fluid degradation).
Common Problems Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, worn sway bar links, premature strut wear.
Common Problems Electrical:
Window regulator failures, power lock actuator failures, gauge cluster issues, intermittent issues with body control modules.
Brand Establishment:
Dodge, established in 1914 as a manufacturer of automotive parts and later complete vehicles.
Generation Debut:
The Dodge Stratus was introduced for the 1995 model year as part of Chrysler's 'cloud car' trio (along with Chrysler Cirrus and Plymouth Breeze), replacing the Dodge Spirit and Aries.
Year Updates:
The 1999 model year saw minor cosmetic updates and the introduction of the more powerful 2.4L DOHC engine as an option, replacing the previous 2.0L DOHC engine. The 2.5L V6 remained.
Manufacturing Plant:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA
Production Years:
1995-2006
