🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Stratus

Year:

1996

Platform:

JA (Chrysler JA platform)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Dodge Stratus was positioned as an affordable, mid-size sedan offering good value and practicality in the domestic automotive market. It competed against vehicles like the Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina, and Japanese imports such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

Competition:

Competed directly with segment leaders, aiming to capture market share through competitive pricing and a focus on comfort and interior space. The Stratus was part of Chrysler's strategy to revitalize its sedan offerings.

Features:

Offered a relatively spacious interior, comfortable ride, and a choice of reliable powertrains. The design was characterized by clean lines and a contemporary aesthetic for its time.

📋 Manual Details

Overall Coverage:

All models and all repairs A-Z

Vehicle Specificity:

Vehicle specific, not generic repair information

Technician Usage:

Same manual used by dealership technicians

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print (likely bound)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshaft, valve train, timing, lubrication, cooling system

Engine Performance:

Fuel system, ignition system, emissions control, intake/exhaust systems, turbocharging (if applicable), engine management (ECU)

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission assembly, clutch, driveline, shift linkage

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission assembly, torque converter, valve body, hydraulic controls, planetary gear sets, electronic controls (if applicable)

Brakes:

Front and rear disc/drum brakes, hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, springs, control arms, steering knuckles, bushings

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion, steering linkage

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, switches

Body And Frame:

Body construction, structural components, exterior trim, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, glass, sunroof

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser, blower motor, climate controls

Safety Systems:

Airbag system, seat belts, child seat anchors (LATCH)

Accessories:

Power windows, power locks, mirrors, cruise control, audio system

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, inspections

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), inspection procedures

Repair:

Component removal and installation, adjustment procedures, rebuilding procedures, component replacement

Specifications:

Torque specifications, alignment specifications, electrical specifications, clearances, fluid capacities

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete vehicle electrical wiring diagrams

Engine Rebuild:

Complete procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, machining, and reassembly.

Transmission Overhaul:

Detailed steps for automatic and manual transmission disassembly, component replacement, and reassembly, including hydraulic circuit testing.

Body Repair:

Guidelines for body panel alignment, rust repair, and replacement of exterior components.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for electrical circuits, including use of multimeters and wiring diagrams.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls

Diagnostic Tools:

Information relevant to using diagnostic tools and scan tools (where applicable for the era)

Diagnostic Charts:

Includes detailed diagnostic charts for common symptoms to pinpoint root causes.

Special Tools:

Identifies specific special tools required for certain procedures, such as fuel pressure gauges, engine timing tools, and bearing pullers.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Likely a printed, bound manual. If digital, it would typically be PDF.

Quality:

High quality, designed for shop use

Binding:

Likely a durable hardbound or spiral-bound format for ease of use in a workshop environment.

Paper:

Durable, often glossy or semi-gloss paper to withstand workshop conditions and frequent use.

Organization:

Typically organized by major vehicle systems (Engine, Transmission, Brakes, etc.) with clear chapters and sub-sections.

Illustrations:

Includes detailed diagrams, schematics, and photographic illustrations to guide repair procedures.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

2.0L SOHC I4 (Mitsubishi 4G63 / Chrysler 2.0)

Engine 1 Displacement:

1997 cc

Engine 1 Horsepower:

132 hp @ 6000 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

127 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Engine 2:

2.4L DOHC I4 (Chrysler EDZ)

Engine 2 Displacement:

2429 cc

Engine 2 Horsepower:

145 hp @ 5800 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

155 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Engine 3:

2.5L SOHC V6 (Mitsubishi 6G73)

Engine 3 Displacement:

2497 cc

Engine 3 Horsepower:

160 hp @ 5600 rpm

Engine 3 Torque:

156 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)

ECM:

Chrysler NGC (Next Generation Controller) or similar integrated engine control module

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 1:

5-speed Manual (Getrag/Chrysler A568 for 2.0L and 2.4L)

Transmission Type 2:

4-speed Automatic (Chrysler 41TE/42LE 'Ultradrive' for 2.0L, 2.4L, and 2.5L V6)

Automatic Features:

Electronic control, overdrive

Automatic Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent, consult manual for exact spec for 1996)

Manual Fluid:

GL-3 or GL-4 Manual Transmission Fluid (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90, consult manual)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

103.7 inches

Length:

187.7 inches

Width:

70.4 inches

Height:

55.7 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3100-3300 lbs (depending on engine and options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Consult vehicle specific VIN plate

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 15.0 cubic feet

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

4 Stars (as per NHTSA ratings for the era)

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:

4 Stars (as per NHTSA ratings for the era)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable (for vehicles equipped with side airbags, if available, though unlikely for 1996)

ABS:

Optional (Anti-lock Braking System)

Traction Control:

Not typically available on 1996 models

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard

Seat Belts:

Front: Three-point active seatbelts with pretensioners; Rear: Lap and shoulder belts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control systems

Cruise Control:

Optional

Connectivity Features:

No integrated Bluetooth or modern connectivity features. Basic power accessories like windows and locks.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil recommended for longer intervals, consult manual for specific type)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 100,000 miles (if using platinum/iridium plugs), 30,000 miles for conventional plugs

Coolant Flush:

Every 60,000 miles or 5 years

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (automatic transmission)

Engine Oil Type:

API Certified SAE 5W-30 (or 10W-30 depending on climate). Consult owner's manual for exact specification and capacity.

Coolant Type:

Chrysler (Mopar) Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water). Ethylene Glycol based. Usually bright orange or yellow for this era.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+3 or Type 996 power steering fluid (consult manual)

Common Problems:

Head gasket leaks (especially on 2.0L and 2.4L engines), intake manifold gasket leaks, HVAC blower motor failures, power window regulator issues, ABS sensor failures, early automatic transmission shifting problems (especially on 41TE/42LE models).

Engine Performance Issues:

Carbon buildup on valves (especially with 2.0L engine), EGR valve issues, oxygen sensor failures impacting fuel economy and emissions.

Suspension Wear:

Front control arm bushings, sway bar links, and ball joints are common wear items.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Heritage:

Dodge, as a division of Chrysler Corporation, has a long history of producing practical and performance-oriented vehicles. The Stratus represented Chrysler's push into the modern sedan market with contemporary styling and technology.

Stratus Launch:

The Dodge Stratus was introduced for the 1995 model year as a replacement for the Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim. It was part of the Chrysler JA platform, sharing its underpinnings with the Chrysler Cirrus and Plymouth Breeze.

Stratus Generation 1:

First generation (1995-2000) based on the JA platform. Known for its distinctive cab-forward styling.

Manufacturing Plant:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Recognitions:

While specific major awards for the 1996 Stratus are not widely documented, it was part of Chrysler's effort to compete in a crowded sedan market. Its design was generally well-received for its era, contributing to Chrysler's overall market presence.