Target Audience:
        
        
            Dodge Stratus owners seeking DIY repair information, independent repair shops, technicians.
        
     
    
    
        
            Competitor Manuals:
        
        
            Haynes, Chilton (This is an officially licensed manual, often more detailed than aftermarket publications).
        
     
    
    
        
            Licensing:
        
        
            Officially Licensed - implies accuracy and completeness aligned with manufacturer specifications.
        
     
    
        
            Accessibility:
        
        
            Digital format allows for quick access and searchability.
        
     
    
        
            Comprehensiveness:
        
        
            Covers a wide range of repair and maintenance procedures.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Mechanical:
        
        
            Complete overhaul, assembly, disassembly, timing, cooling, lubrication
        
     
    
        
            Engine Performance:
        
        
            Fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, diagnostics
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Manual:
        
        
            Service, repair, overhaul of manual transmission variants
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Automatic:
        
        
            Service, repair, overhaul of automatic transmission variants
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Axles, CV joints, differential, drive shafts
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shock absorbers, springs
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, linkage
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Hydraulic system, ABS, disc and drum brakes, parking brake
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, horn, wipers
        
     
    
        
            Body And Interior:
        
        
            Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, HVAC controls
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system service and repair
        
     
    
        
            Body Electronics:
        
        
            Power windows, locks, mirrors, remote keyless entry
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Systematic fault finding, DTC interpretation, wiring diagrams
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, belt replacement, fluid checks
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Engine component replacement, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension strut replacement
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Diagnostic flowcharts, common problems and solutions, symptom-based diagnosis
        
     
    
        
            Rebuilding:
        
        
            Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilding
        
     
    
        
            Installation:
        
        
            Component installation procedures
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.
        
     
    
        
            Detail Level:
        
        
            Includes torque specifications, clearances, and precise measurements for critical components.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code 2.0L:
        
        
            2.0L SOHC I4 (Chrysler A67 engine)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement 2.0L:
        
        
            1996 cc (121.8 cu in)
        
     
    
        
            Bore 2.0L:
        
        
            87.5 mm (3.44 in)
        
     
    
        
            Stroke 2.0L:
        
        
            83.0 mm (3.27 in)
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio 2.0L:
        
        
            9.3:1
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower 2.0L:
        
        
            118 hp @ 5200 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque 2.0L:
        
        
            125 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Code 2.4L:
        
        
            2.4L DOHC I4 (Chrysler EDZ engine)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement 2.4L:
        
        
            2429 cc (148.2 cu in)
        
     
    
        
            Bore 2.4L:
        
        
            87.5 mm (3.44 in)
        
     
    
        
            Stroke 2.4L:
        
        
            101.0 mm (3.98 in)
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio 2.4L:
        
        
            9.1:1
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower 2.4L:
        
        
            141 hp @ 5200 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque 2.4L:
        
        
            155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Code 2.5L V6:
        
        
            2.5L SOHC V6 (Chrysler 5H/6H engine)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement 2.5L V6:
        
        
            2497 cc (152.4 cu in)
        
     
    
        
            Bore 2.5L V6:
        
        
            75.5 mm (2.97 in)
        
     
    
        
            Stroke 2.5L V6:
        
        
            70.0 mm (2.76 in)
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio 2.5L V6:
        
        
            9.4:1
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower 2.5L V6:
        
        
            164 hp @ 6000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque 2.5L V6:
        
        
            166 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            4.5 U.S. quarts (4.3 L) with filter for 2.0L and 2.4L. Check manual for V6 capacity.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            SAE 5W-30 API Service SG or higher (synthetic recommended)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol) or equivalent (50/50 mix)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 8.0 U.S. quarts (7.6 L) - check manual for exact capacity by engine
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Standard Transmission:
        
        
            5-speed Manual Transmission (for 2.0L and 2.4L engines)
        
     
    
    
        
            Optional Transmission:
        
        
            4-speed Automatic Transmission (for all engine options)
        
     
    
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Type:
        
        
            Chrysler A604 / 41TE (4-speed, electronically controlled)
        
     
    
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
        
        
            ATF+3 (Mopar automatic transmission fluid) or equivalent.
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 7.0 U.S. quarts (6.6 L) for fill, 11.7 U.S. quarts (11.1 L) for overhaul.
        
     
    
        
            Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
        
        
            API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
        
        
            Not explicitly rated for 1996 models, but airbags were standard.
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
        
        
            Not explicitly rated for 1996 models.
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Available on some trims (standard on higher trims).
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Standard dual front airbags.
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            Front 3-point seat belts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seat belts.
        
     
    
        
            Rollover Protection:
        
        
            Reinforced roof structure, not specific rollover protection system.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, with quality oil and filter.
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped spark plugs (specific type recommended).
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
        
        
            Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for ATF+3.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
        
        
            Check manual, typically around 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
        
     
    
        
            Drive Belt Inspection:
        
        
            Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace as needed.
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid Type:
        
        
            Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (Dexron II is NOT recommended).
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Issue Transmission Auto:
        
        
            Intermittent shifting problems, solenoid issues in the 41TE transmission. Oil leaks from valve body.
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue Engine Mounts:
        
        
            Premature wear of engine and transmission mounts, leading to vibration.
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue Suspension:
        
        
            Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and strut mounts. Knocking sounds from front suspension.
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue Electrical:
        
        
            Window regulator failures, dashboard light issues, sensor failures (e.g., crankshaft position sensor).
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue HVACtemp Actuator:
        
        
            HVAC temperature blend door actuator failure, causing improper temperature control.
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue Radiator Fan:
        
        
            Radiator fan motor failure leading to overheating.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Dodge Brand Context:
        
        
            Dodge was known for offering a range of vehicles from sports cars to family sedans. The Stratus aimed to capture a segment of the growing mid-size sedan market.
        
     
    
    
        
            First Generation:
        
        
            The 1996 Dodge Stratus was part of the first generation of the Stratus line (1995-2000), which replaced the Dodge Spirit and Shadow.
        
     
    
        
            Platform Sharing:
        
        
            Based on Chrysler's JA platform, shared with the Chrysler Cirrus and Plymouth Breeze, which were also new for 1995.
        
     
    
        
            Design Philosophy:
        
        
            Styled with a focus on aerodynamic curves and a smooth, modern appearance for its time.
        
     
    
    
        
            Assembly Location:
        
        
            Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA
        
     
    
        
            Production Years:
        
        
            1995-2000 (for the first generation)