Segment:
Mid-size sedan, competing in a popular and competitive segment of the automotive market.
Competitors:
Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord.
Design Philosophy:
Offered a European-inspired design and ride quality, aiming for a blend of comfort and practicality.
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul procedures for all available engines.
Transmission:
Coverage for automatic transmission (e.g., 41TE) diagnosis, repair, and maintenance.
Brakes:
Complete information on hydraulic brake systems, ABS (if equipped), rotor and pad replacement, caliper service.
Electrical:
Extensive coverage of wiring diagrams, component testing, charging system, starting system, lighting, and accessories.
Suspension Steering:
Procedures for suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, ball joints, control arms), wheel alignment specifications, steering system service.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system service, refrigerant handling, heater core replacement, blower motor diagnostics.
Body Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, underbody and frame component service.
Fuel Emissions:
Fuel delivery system diagnosis, fuel pump testing, evaporative emission control system (EVAP).
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug service.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common issues.
Repair Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, and reassembly.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, including specific test equipment usage and pinpoint tests.
Installation:
Instructions for installing new or reconditioned components.
Body Repair:
Information on structural repair, collision damage repair, and panel replacement.
Diagnostic Tools:
Details on using OBD-I or early OBD-II diagnostic tools (if applicable to 1996 models) and specific Chrysler diagnostic connectors.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete component overhauls.
Engine Rebuild:
Complete overhaul specifications, including bearing clearances, piston ring gaps, and torque sequences.
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Printability:
Designed for printing, allowing users to print specific pages or the entire manual.
Binding Type:
Digital (N/A for physical binding, but implies printable format).
Paper Type:
Digital (N/A for physical paper type, but implies standard document paper).
Text Search:
Likely searchable if created from OCR'd text, providing efficient information retrieval.
Engine 1:
2.0L SOHC 4-cylinder (Engine Code: 488)
Engine 1 Displacement:
1996 cc
Engine 1 Horsepower:
114 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
120 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Engine 2:
2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder (Engine Code: 772 - Chrysler Neon engine variant)
Engine 2 Displacement:
2379 cc
Engine 2 Horsepower:
150 hp @ 5800 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
160 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Acceleration 0 60 Mph:
Approximately 9-11 seconds (depending on engine and transmission).
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
ECU:
Chrysler NGC (Next Generation Controller) or equivalent for the era.
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed automatic transmission (41TE 'Ultradrive')
Transmission Type Optional:
5-speed manual transmission (Limited availability, especially on higher trims).
Automatic Features:
Includes electronic overdrive and torque converter lock-up.
Atf Type:
Chrysler ATF+3 (MS-9222) or equivalent.
Length:
Approximately 185.7 inches
Width:
Approximately 69.4 inches
Height:
Approximately 55.1 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 104.4 inches
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3100-3300 lbs (depending on engine and options).
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Likely 4-star rating (typical for vehicles of this era).
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
Likely 4-star rating (typical for vehicles of this era).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option, typically on higher trims or as part of a package.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags were standard.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, with driver and front passenger pretensioners.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option, integrated into steering wheel or column stalk.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, and power mirrors were common options.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months (check manual for specific conditions).
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs recommended at 60,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type (e.g., platinum).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (API Certified, check manual for specific viscosity and service classification).
Coolant Type:
Chrysler specific coolant (Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with appropriate corrosion inhibitors.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (or DOT 4 if specified) hydraulic brake fluid.
Common Problems Engine:
Head gasket leaks (especially with the 2.0L engine under certain conditions), intake manifold gasket leaks.
Common Problems Transmission:
Erratic shifting, torque converter shudder (common in many early Ultradrive transmissions).
Common Problems Suspension:
Premature wear of front suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends), strut mounts.
Common Problems Electrical:
Faulty power window regulators, issues with the instrument cluster, alternator failures.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 quarts (with filter, check manual).
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 - 8.5 quarts (check manual).
Dodge Brand Focus:
Known for performance and aggressive styling, though the Stratus aimed for a broader market appeal.
First Generation Start:
The Dodge Stratus was introduced for the 1995 model year as part of the Chrysler JA platform, replacing the Dodge Spirit.
1996 Updates:
Minor refinements, often included equipment package adjustments and potentially minor feature additions/deletions.
Assembly Location:
Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA.
