Dodge Stratus 1996 Repair Service Manual

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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Stratus Year: 1996 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Mid-size sedan Pricing Strategy: Competitively priced within its segment, offering good value for money. Competitive...

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Type: Car

Vendor:

Sku: 389859

Tags: 1996 Car Cars Dodge Misc Stratus

Product variants

Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Stratus

Year:

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Segment:

Mid-size sedan

Pricing Strategy:

Competitively priced within its segment, offering good value for money.

Competitive Analysis

Key Competitors:

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

Key Features

Platform:

Chrysler JA platform, shared with the Plymouth Breeze and Chrysler Cirrus.

Design Philosophy:

Aero-influenced styling, spacious interior, and comfortable ride.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

Manual Type:

Repair Service Manual

Target Audience:

Professional Technicians and Adept DIYers

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly for all available engine variants.

Engine Performance:

Diagnosis and repair of performance issues, fuel delivery, ignition system, and emissions control.

Transmission Manual:

Detailed repair procedures for the manual transmission.

Transmission Automatic:

Comprehensive diagnostics and repair for the automatic transmission, including torque converter and valve body.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive system components, including CV joints, axles, and differential.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, including struts, control arms, bushings, and wheel bearings.

Steering:

Power steering system, including pump, rack and pinion, hoses, and fluid.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brake systems, including caliper, rotor, pad replacement, bleeding, and ABS diagnostics.

Electrical System:

Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box layout, component testing, and troubleshooting for all electrical systems.

Lighting System:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, and related control modules.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, and climate control panel diagnosis and repair.

Body And Frame:

Body panel repair, interior trim removal and installation, door and window mechanisms.

Chassis:

Frame structure, subframes, and mounting points.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, and evaporative emissions system.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, and pipes.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, and fan assembly.

Emission Control:

Diagnosis and repair of emission control systems, including EGR, O2 sensors, and catalytic converter functionality.

Procedures Included

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, and brake inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, including symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for replacing key components such as spark plugs, belts, hoses, batteries, alternators, starters, fuel pumps, water pumps, brake pads, and more.

Major Repairs:

In-depth procedures for engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, suspension and steering system repairs, and brake system overhauls.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for identifying the root cause of malfunctions across all vehicle systems.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive and detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle circuits.

Specification Tables:

Torque specifications for critical fasteners, fluid capacities, and wear limits.

Technical Depth

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIYers.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

File Format:

Searchable Text:

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing.

Binding Type

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine 1 Code:

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.0 L (1996 cc)

Engine 1 Cylinders:

Engine 1 Horsepower:

114 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

120 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Engine 1 Fuel System:

Multi-port fuel injection (MPI)

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

87.5 mm x 83.0 mm

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

9.3:1

Secondary Engine

Engine 2 Code:

Engine 2 Displacement:

2.4 L (2429 cc)

Engine 2 Cylinders:

Engine 2 Horsepower:

150 hp @ 5800 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 2 Fuel System:

Multi-port fuel injection (MPI)

Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:

87.5 mm x 100.7 mm

Engine 2 Compression Ratio:

8.9:1

Performance

0-60 Mph 2.0L:

Approximately 10.5 seconds

0-60 Mph 2.4L:

Approximately 9.0 seconds

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Type:

5-speed manual transmission

Optional

Type:

4-speed automatic transmission (41TE)

Features

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mopar ATF+4 or equivalent (check manual for exact specification)

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Length:

187.1 inches (4753 mm)

Width:

70.2 inches (1783 mm)

Height:

55.5 inches (1410 mm)

Wheelbase:

104.4 inches (2652 mm)

Front Track:

60.1 inches (1527 mm)

Rear Track:

59.5 inches (1511 mm)

Ground Clearance:

5.0 inches (127 mm)

Interior

Front Headroom:

38.7 inches (983 mm)

Front Legroom:

41.9 inches (1064 mm)

Rear Headroom:

37.4 inches (950 mm)

Rear Legroom:

34.5 inches (876 mm)

Interior Volume:

101.2 cubic feet (2866 L)

Cargo

Trunk Volume:

14.2 cubic feet (402 L)

Weights

Curb Weight 2.0L:

3031 lbs (1375 kg)

Curb Weight 2.4L:

3148 lbs (1428 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

4000 lbs (1814 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Not Recommended

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 100 mm

Wheel Size:

15 inches

Tire Size Standard:

P195/65R15

Tire Size Optional:

P205/55R16 (Some trims/options)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

Four Stars (1996 Model Year)

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:

Four Stars (1996 Model Year)

Active Features

Optional (Standard on some higher trims/later production)

Passive Features

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seat belts

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system not standard in 1996, relies on seat belt securing child seats.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player available on higher trims.

Display:

Basic digital clock and radio display.

Driver Assistance

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Connectivity

Auxiliary Input:

Not available in the standard factory configuration.

Bluetooth:

Not available.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Engine Oil Change:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil recommended).

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

With every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement 2.0L:

Every 100,000 miles (Platinum-tipped spark plugs recommended).

Spark Plug Replacement 2.4L:

Every 100,000 miles (Platinum-tipped spark plugs recommended).

Coolant Flush:

Every 50,000 miles or 3 years.

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Every 50,000 miles or 3 years (under severe driving conditions, sooner).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Not Applicable (Both engines use a timing chain).

Fluid Specifications

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH or higher. Viscosity: SAE 5W-30 (preferred) or SAE 10W-30. Refer to owner's manual for specific temperature ranges.

Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:

4.0 quarts (3.8 L) with filter

Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:

4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant, HOAT type recommended for longevity).

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 7.0 quarts (6.6 L)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (ATF+4 may be specified on some models, consult manual).

Known Issues

Engine Idle Instability:

Can be caused by dirty throttle body, vacuum leaks, or faulty Idle Air Control (IAC) valve.

Transmission Harsh Shifting:

Often related to low or dirty transmission fluid, or issues with the valve body or solenoids.

Radiator Leaks:

Common failure point, especially at the plastic end tanks.

Ac System Leaks:

Leaks can occur in the condenser, evaporator, or hoses.

Window Regulator Failure:

Plastic components can wear and break, leading to windows not operating correctly.

Suspension Noise:

Worn ball joints, control arm bushings, or strut mounts can cause clunking or rattling sounds.

Power Window Switches:

Common for switches to fail or become unreliable.

Heater Core Leaks:

Can cause a sweet smell inside the cabin and fogging of the windshield.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Manufacturer:

Dodge division of Chrysler Corporation.

Model Evolution

Introduction:

Introduced for the 1995 model year as a replacement for the Dodge Spirit and Aries.

Generation:

First Generation (1995-1997)

Model Year Changes 1996:

Minor trim and feature adjustments, potential updates to powertrain control modules. No major redesign for 1996.

Production

Manufacturing Location:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Ward Automotive 10 Best Engines:

The 2.4L DOHC engine (part of the Neon family engines, shared some design elements) was recognized by Ward's Auto in prior years, though not specifically for the 1996 Stratus application.

Ratings

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Generally average to below average for its era, with common issues noted in electronics and transmissions. This manual is crucial for addressing them.

Certifications

Emission Standards:

Complies with EPA emission standards for the 1996 model year.