Segment:
Mid-size sedan and coupe, competing in a crowded domestic and import market.
Competitors:
Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima.
Design:
Cab-forward design, available in sedan and coupe (Stratus Coupe was a rebadged Mitsubishi Eclipse).
Value Proposition:
Offered a balance of space, comfort, and available V6 power at a competitive price point.
Models Covered:
All Dodge Stratus models (sedan and coupe)
Years Covered:
1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for comprehensive workshop manuals)
Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Engine:
Comprehensive engine diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for all engine variants.
Transmission:
Detailed service and repair procedures for both automatic and manual transmissions.
Brakes:
ABS systems, disc/drum brake servicing, hydraulic components, parking brake.
Suspension And Steering:
Struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, power steering systems, steering column.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, fuse and relay locations, battery, alternator, starter.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system servicing, heater core, blower motor, climate controls.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel alignment, door mechanisms, glass replacement, frame repair principles.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, fuel lines, evaporative emissions control.
Exhaust System:
Muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust pipes, oxygen sensors.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid checks/replacements, filter changes, tune-ups, belt replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, common problem identification, symptom-based solutions.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment.
Rebuilds:
Comprehensive engine and transmission overhaul procedures.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, sensor testing, system checks, electrical tracing.
Depth:
Professional-level detail covering all repair aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds.
Engine Rebuild Detail:
Torque specifications, piston ring gap, bearing clearances, valve timing, cylinder head resurfacing procedures.
Transmission Rebuild Detail:
Disassembly, clutch pack specifications, valve body diagnosis, solenoid testing, torque converter replacement.
Electrical Diagnostics Detail:
Detailed wiring diagrams by circuit, component pinouts, resistance checks, voltage drop testing.
Transmission 1 Type:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission 1 Availability:
Available with 2.0L and 2.4L engines.
Transmission 2 Type:
4-Speed Automatic (41TE/42LE)
Transmission 2 Availability:
Available with all engine options.
Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (for automatic transmissions, check specific year/model for exact spec)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., platinum).
Timing Belt Replacement:
For 2.0L (420A) engine, timing belt inspection/replacement recommended around 90,000 - 100,000 miles. 2.4L (EDZ) uses a timing chain. V6 uses a timing chain.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (API Certified, refer to manual for exact viscosity based on temperature).
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant (typically green).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Problem 1:
Head gasket failures, particularly on the 2.4L engine.
Common Problem 2:
Automatic transmission issues (e.g., torque converter shudder, solenoid failures).
Common Problem 3:
Power window regulator failures.
Common Problem 4:
Wheel bearing failures.
Common Problem 5:
CV joint wear.
Common Problem 6:
Cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses).
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler, then Fiat Chrysler Automobiles).
First Generation:
1995-2000. Based on the Chrysler JA platform (shared with Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring).
Facelift:
Mid-cycle refresh for the 1998 model year, with updated styling and interior revisions.
Coupe Variant:
Introduced in 1996 as the Dodge Stratus Coupe, a rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Eclipse (shared platform, different styling and powertrains).
Manufacturing Location:
Sterling Heights, Michigan (USA)
