Key Competitors 1997:
Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima
Design Philosophy:
European-influenced styling (shared platform with Chrysler Cirrus, Dodge Breeze, Plymouth Breeze), aimed at a more refined driving experience than previous Dodge sedans.
Target Audience:
Families and individuals seeking a comfortable, stylish, and practical mid-size sedan.
General Coverage:
Complete Factory Service Repair Manual
Vehicle Variants Covered:
All Dodge Stratus models for the 1997 model year
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified, but implies a comprehensive document)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, ignition system, starting and charging system
Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission, manual transmission (if applicable for the year/engine), drive axles, CV joints
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear, ABS)
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instruments, gauges, power accessories, comfort controls, charging system, starting system, ignition system, diagnostics
Body:
Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, glass, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid level checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, steering component replacement, electrical component repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, electrical circuit diagnosis
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic parameters
Depth:
Comprehensive - covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics.
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Printability:
High quality, designed for printing individual pages or the entire manual.
Binding Recommendation:
Printable PDF allows for personal binding preferences (e.g., spiral, three-ring binder).
Paper Recommendation:
Standard print paper suitable for automotive service information.
Engine Description 1:
2.0L SOHC Inline-4
Bore X Stroke 1:
87.5 mm x 83.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
9.3:1
Horsepower 1:
114 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 1:
122 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Engine Code 2:
ESX or EES
Engine Description 2:
2.4L DOHC Inline-4 (Vortec)
Bore X Stroke 2:
87.5 mm x 100.0 mm
Compression Ratio 2:
9.3:1
Horsepower 2:
150 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque 2:
159 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Pump Pressure:
Refer to manual for specific PSI
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 quarts (6.6 Liters) for 2.0L, 8.5 quarts (8.0 Liters) for 2.4L (check manual for exact spec)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, 5-year/100,000 mile type (e.g., Mopar P5010017)
Standard Type:
Automatic Transmission (FWD)
Transmission Model 1:
A604 / 41TE (4-speed automatic)
Optional Type:
Manual Transmission (less common, potentially for specific engines/markets)
Transmission Model 2:
T350 / NVG 1500 (5-speed manual)
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+3 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 3) - Mopar P5010015 or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 6.6 quarts (6.3 Liters) for A604/41TE (dry fill, check manual for specific capacity)
Transmission Cooling:
Integrated transmission cooler within the radiator.
Length:
Approx. 190.0 inches (4826 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.2 inches (1783 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.4 inches (2652 mm)
Front Track:
Approx. 60.2 inches (1529 mm)
Rear Track:
Approx. 60.3 inches (1532 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Refer to manual for specific spec
Front Headroom:
Approx. 38.9 inches (988 mm)
Rear Headroom:
Approx. 37.7 inches (958 mm)
Front Legroom:
Approx. 41.8 inches (1062 mm)
Rear Legroom:
Approx. 37.9 inches (963 mm)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 15.1 cubic feet (428 liters)
Curb Weight 2.0L:
Approx. 3150 lbs (1429 kg)
Curb Weight 2.4L:
Approx. 3220 lbs (1461 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to VIN sticker or manual
Towing Capacity:
Not typically recommended or specified for towing.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver 1997:
Four Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger 1997:
Four Stars
IIHS Side Impact Rating 1997:
Acceptable (for models with side airbags, which were optional and uncommon in '97)
ABS:
Optional on lower trims, standard on higher trims (e.g., ES)
Airbags Front:
Standard driver and passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional side curtain airbags (rare for 1997 models)
Seatbelts:
Front: Three-point active seatbelts with pretensioners; Rear: Three-point belts for all seating positions.
Radio Options:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic analog tuning or optional digital tuner.
Speaker System:
Typically 4 or 6 speakers depending on trim level.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Keyless Entry:
Optional remote keyless entry.
Phone Integration:
Not available in the modern sense; no Bluetooth or smartphone integration.
HVAC Controls:
Manual climate control with rotary knobs and fan speed selectors. Optional automatic climate control on some higher trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, using synthetic or synthetic blend oil. Conventional oil every 3,000 miles or 3 months. (Refer to manual for precise recommendation).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Not typically equipped with a cabin air filter in this generation.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Platinum-tipped plugs: 100,000 miles. Standard plugs: 30,000 miles (check plug type). Refer to manual for specific recommendation and gap.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 60,000 miles for normal service, 30,000 miles for severe service. (Critical: Use correct ATF+3).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 100,000 miles or 5 years.
Engine Oil Type 2.0L:
SAE 5W-30 (Synthetic or blend recommended for 7,500-mile interval)
Engine Oil Type 2.4L:
SAE 5W-30 (Synthetic or blend recommended for 7,500-mile interval)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:
Approx. 4.0 quarts (3.8 Liters) with filter change.
Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check reservoir cap; DOT 3 is common for this era)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Chrysler Power Steering Fluid (Mopar P5010016) or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon ATF.
Common Problem 1:
Head Gasket Failure: Particularly on the 2.4L engine, can be prone to blown head gaskets, leading to coolant leaks or oil contamination.
Common Problem 2:
Transmission Problems: The A604/41TE automatic transmission can experience issues with solenoids, valve bodies, and torque converters, especially with infrequent fluid changes.
Common Problem 3:
Suspension Wear: Bushings and ball joints can wear over time, leading to noise and imprecise handling.
Common Problem 4:
HVAC System Issues: Blend door actuators, blower motors, and A/C compressor failures can occur.
Common Problem 5:
Electrical Gremlins: As with many vehicles of this era, minor electrical issues related to wiring harnesses, grounds, or control modules can surface.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust vehicles, from trucks and muscle cars to family sedans. The Stratus represented a shift towards more refined, globally influenced designs for the brand.
Stratus Generation 1:
First generation (1995-2000). The 1997 model year is part of this initial generation, which shared its platform and many components with the Chrysler Cirrus, Dodge Breeze, and Plymouth Breeze.
Stratus Updates 1997:
Minor trim and option package updates for 1997, but no significant mechanical or styling changes from the initial launch.
Manufacturing Location:
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA
Production Years:
1995-2000