🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Stratus

Year:

1998

Platform:

JA (Chrysler JA Platform)

Chassis Code:

JA

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size sedan, often marketed as a stylish and affordable option.

Competitors:

Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima.

Design:

Often praised for its distinctive styling, particularly the cab-forward design influenced by aerospace principles.

Platform Sharing:

Shared the JA platform with other Chrysler Corporation vehicles like the Plymouth Breeze and Chrysler Cirrus, indicating shared engineering and components.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Full service, repair, maintenance, rebuilding, refurbishing, and restoration

Estimated Pages:

Large, comprehensive (specific count not provided but implied by 'everything you will ever need')

Type:

Full Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely printed manual or digital format (e.g., PDF), based on description.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine removal and installation, cylinder head, valve train, piston and connecting rod, crankshaft and main bearings, timing system, oil pump and water pump, lubrication system, cooling system.

Engine Control:

Fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control systems, engine management diagnostics, sensor and actuator testing.

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission removal and installation, internal component overhaul, clutch system service, shift linkage adjustments.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission removal and installation, torque converter service, transmission fluid and filter changes, internal transmission diagnostics and repair, hydraulic control systems.

Suspension:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar), rear suspension (shocks, control arms, trailing arms), wheel alignment procedures, steering system components.

Brakes:

Brake system diagnosis, front and rear brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake fluid bleeding and replacement, parking brake system, ABS system components and diagnostics.

Steering:

Power steering system diagnosis, pump and rack replacement, steering column service, tie rod end replacement.

Electrical System:

Battery service, starting and charging systems, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument panel and gauges, power windows and locks, mirrors, wipers and washers, horn.

Body And Frame:

Body panel repair and replacement, door and window glass service, interior trim removal and installation, bumpers, hood and trunk lid service, underbody and chassis corrosion protection.

HVAC:

Heating and air conditioning system diagnosis, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), refrigerant handling and service, climate control module.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank and pump service, fuel filter replacement, fuel lines and injectors, fuel pressure testing.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, tire rotation, fluid checks and top-offs, battery maintenance.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution.

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for replacing all major mechanical and electrical components.

Rebuilding Overhaul:

Detailed instructions for the complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of engine, transmission, and other major assemblies.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, with detailed diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Type:

Likely printed book or a digital PDF. If PDF, expected to be searchable and printable.

Quality:

Professional quality printing with clear diagrams and text, or high-resolution digital format.

Binding:

If printed: Likely durable binding (e.g., spiral bound, perfect bound) suitable for workshop use.

Paper:

If printed: Durable, often glossy paper stock to withstand workshop conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2.0L I4 (SOHC) and 2.4L I4 (DOHC - DOHC was optional/later models, 2.4L was also available in 1998)

Engine Displacement 2.0L:

1996 cc

Engine Displacement 2.4L:

2429 cc

Horsepower 2.0L:

Approx. 132 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 2.0L:

Approx. 129 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Horsepower 2.4L:

Approx. 150 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque 2.4L:

Approx. 160 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Induction:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

2.0L Engine Code:

318P

2.4L Engine Code:

318A (for DOHC)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-speed automatic transmission (42LE)

Transmission Type Optional:

5-speed manual transmission (NV T350 - less common)

Automatic Features:

Electronically controlled, overdrive

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+3 (Chrysler)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 7.0 quarts (6.6 liters) for refill

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

108.7 inches (2761 mm)

Length:

191.7 inches (4870 mm)

Width:

70.3 inches (1786 mm)

Height:

55.7 inches (1415 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

3100 - 3300 lbs (1406 - 1497 kg), depending on engine and options

Wheelbase Bolt Pattern:

5x100 mm

Standard Tire Size:

P205/60R15

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

Not specifically rated or available for 1998 models in a detailed manner. Generally considered adequate for the era.

NHTSA Side Impact Driver:

Not specifically rated or available for 1998 models.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) often standard or optional on higher trims.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Seatbelts:

Front pretensioner seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player on higher trims or as an option.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional cruise control.

Auxiliary Inputs:

No factory auxiliary input (e.g., USB, AUX) available for this model year.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles (5,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 100,000 miles (48,000 - 160,000 km) depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum/iridium).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or 2-3 years.

Engine Oil Type:

API Certified SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check owner's manual for exact specification, likely 5W-30).

Coolant Type:

Chrysler ' Yeşil Antifreeze/Coolant' (Ethylene Glycol based) or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to owner's manual).

Common Problems Engine:

Head gasket leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks, oil leaks, piston slap on early 2.0L engines.

Common Problems Transmission:

Hesitation or slipping in automatic transmission, failure of the torque converter lock-up clutch.

Common Problems Electrical:

Power window motor failures, HVAC blower motor issues, faulty door lock actuators.

Common Problems Suspension:

Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings leading to clunks and poor handling.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge History:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler, then Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, now Stellantis), has a long history of producing a wide range of vehicles, from trucks to performance cars.

Stratus Introduction:

The Dodge Stratus was introduced for the 1995 model year as a replacement for the Dodge Spirit. It was part of Chrysler's 'cloud car' trio, alongside the Plymouth Breeze and Chrysler Cirrus, all built on the JA platform.

Manufacturing Location:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA.

Production Years:

1995-2000 (for the first generation JA platform).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Ratings:

Varied consumer reviews; praised for styling and ride comfort by some, criticized for reliability and build quality by others. Not a standout award winner but a solid competitor in its segment.