🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Stratus

Year:

1995

Product Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Chassis Code:

JA

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Sedan, part of the Chrysler JA platform

Target Audience:

Families and individuals seeking practical, affordable transportation

Key Competitors:

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

Design Philosophy:

Aerodynamic styling, comfortable interior, value-oriented pricing

Manual Value Proposition:

Authoritative and comprehensive repair information mirroring dealership service standards

📋 Manual Details

Full Vehicle Coverage:

All Models and All Repairs A-Z

Specific Applications:

Technician-level maintenance, servicing, and diagnostics

Estimated Page Count:

Significant (typically 1000+ pages for comprehensive factory manuals)

Manual Category:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Intended User:

Dealership Technicians, Professional Mechanics, Advanced DIYers

Language:

English

Format:

Likely Printed (original factory) or potentially Digital (PDF) depending on source

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (including disassembly/assembly), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, emissions control

Transmission Drivetrain:

Automatic transmission (AT) and Manual transmission (MT) repair, clutch, driveshafts, differential

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, wheel alignment specifications

Brakes:

Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), ABS system, parking brake

Electrical Electronics:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, wipers, horn, power accessories, instrument cluster, body control modules, wiring diagrams

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair

Body Chassis:

Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, underbody components, structural elements

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, DTC interpretation (where applicable)

Repair Rebuild:

Detailed instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all major systems

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all fasteners during assembly and disassembly

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific procedures

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced diagnostic routines, symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Repair Scope:

Complete overhaul and rebuild procedures for engine, transmission, and other major components

Electrical Schematics:

Comprehensive and detailed wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (if digital version)

Searchability:

Searchable text content (for digital versions), index-based navigation (for printed)

Illustration Clarity:

High-quality illustrations, diagrams, and exploded views

Text Readability:

Clear, legible text with professional formatting

Printed Binding:

Often spiral-bound or hardbound for durability and lay-flat use

Printed Paper:

Durable, often glossy or semi-gloss paper stock suitable for workshop environments

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

ES 2.0L SOHC I4 (1996cc)

Engine Code 2:

16V DOHC Turbo I4 (1996cc)

Engine Code 3:

16V DOHC V6 (2499cc) - Mitsubishi 6G73

Horsepower 2.0L I4:

Approx. 132 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 2.0L I4:

Approx. 128 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Horsepower 2.5L V6:

Approx. 162 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 2.5L V6:

Approx. 157 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or distributor-based depending on engine

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Availability:

5-speed Manual Transmission (MT) likely available on base models

Optional Transmission Availability:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (AT) standard or optional on most models

Transmission Fluid Spec At:

Chrysler ATF+3 (or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Capacity At:

Approx. 8.0-9.5 quarts (dry fill)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 188.4 inches

Width:

Approx. 70.2 inches

Height:

Approx. 55.5 inches

Wheelbase:

Approx. 103.7 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3000-3300 lbs (depending on engine and trim)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model, typically around 4000-4300 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Likely 4-star rating for driver, 4-star for passenger (IIHS data may vary)

NHTSA Side Impact:

Not extensively rated in initial years; later models improved

ABS Availability:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option or standard on higher trims

Traction Control Availability:

Traction Control System (TCS) may be available on some models

Airbag Availability:

Driver and passenger airbags standard

Seatbelt System:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts for front and rear occupants

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Limited speaker configurations available.

Climate Control:

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

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors available on higher trims

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic or high-mileage oil)

Engine Coolant Change:

Initial change at 60,000 miles or 5 years, then every 30,000 miles or 2 years

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 60,000 miles or 4 years

Spark Plug Replacement:

100,000 miles (platinum or iridium plugs)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (API SG or higher specification)

Engine Coolant Type:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (ethylene glycol-based, OAT or HOAT type recommended)

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+3 (Chrysler specification)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Failures Engine:

Head gasket leaks (especially 2.5L V6), intake manifold gasket leaks, oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets

Common Failures Transmission:

Internal seal failures leading to slipping or fluid leaks, torque converter issues

Common Failures Electrical:

Faulty window regulators, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, dashboard warning light issues, intermittent electrical shorts

Common Failures Suspension:

Worn control arm bushings, ball joint wear, tie rod end play

📚 Vehicle History

Parent Company:

Chrysler Corporation

Platform Introduction:

The Dodge Stratus debuted for the 1995 model year, replacing the Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim. It was part of Chrysler's LH platform family, though the Stratus was based on the smaller JA platform shared with the Plymouth Breeze and Chrysler Cirrus.

Production Start Year:

1995

Production End Year:

2006 (globally, with generational changes)

Manufacturing Location:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Initial Reception:

The JA platform vehicles, including the Stratus, were generally well-received for their styling and ride quality at launch, but faced stiff competition in a maturing segment.

Consumer Reports Rating:

Varied by model year and specific issues, generally average to below average for reliability in later years.

Manual Authority:

Authentic factory service information, crucial for accurate diagnostics and repairs, setting a benchmark for aftermarket guides.