🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Stratus

Year:

1996

Product Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Product Format:

PDF Download

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size sedan, aimed at families and general consumers.

Competitors:

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

Platform:

Chrysler JA platform, shared with the Chrysler Cirrus, Dodge Breeze, and Plymouth Neon (though sharing the platform with the Neon is a slight oversimplification, Stratus was part of the larger JA/JC platform family which included the Cirrus, Breeze, and Stratus sedan/coupe, while the Neon was on its own platform, but many components were shared across Chrysler's compact/mid-size offerings).

Design:

Distinctive cab-forward design, aerodynamic styling for its era.

Value Proposition:

Offered a blend of comfort, practicality, and aggressive styling at a competitive price point.

📋 Manual Details

All Models:

Yes

All Engines:

Yes

All Trims:

Yes

All Transmission Types:

Yes

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (typical workshop manual for this era ranges from 1500-3000 pages)

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system, powertrain control modules (PCM).

Transmission:

Automatic transmission service, manual transmission service, clutch system, driveline components.

Chassis:

Suspension system (front and rear), steering system, braking system (front and rear, ABS), wheel and tire service.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, power accessories, body control modules (BCM), chassis electronics, wiring diagrams.

Body:

Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, exterior trim, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) / Airbags.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation.

Repair:

Component removal, installation, overhaul, adjustments, and specifications for all major systems.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-I/OBD-II), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, sensor testing.

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete component overhauls. Includes torque specifications, clearances, and detailed assembly/disassembly procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF for efficient information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages for on-the-go reference.

Quality:

Professional technical document standard, often sourced from OEM or reputable aftermarket publishers.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Type:

Inline 4-cylinder

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1995cc)

Engine 1 Code:

420A

Engine 1 Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

116 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

121 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Engine 2 Type:

V6

Engine 2 Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2499cc)

Engine 2 Code:

6G73 (Mitsubishi V6)

Engine 2 Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

164 hp @ 6400 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

163 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Octane Rating:

87 Octane (Minimum)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission (MTX) with the 2.0L engine.

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (41TE or 42LE) with both 2.0L and 2.5L engines.

Automatic Transmission Control:

Electronically controlled with lock-up torque converter.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

187.7 inches

Width:

70.5 inches

Height:

55.1 inches

Wheelbase:

107.0 inches

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 97.0 cubic feet

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 15.0 cubic feet

Curb Weight Min:

Approx. 3100 lbs (with 2.0L engine)

Curb Weight Max:

Approx. 3300 lbs (with 2.5L V6 engine)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

Not explicitly rated in the typical NHTSA 5-star system for this year, but generally considered average for the period.

IIHS Crash Test:

Not widely documented in typical IIHS tests for this model year.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option or standard on higher trims.

Traction Control:

Traction control system (TCS) available on some models, particularly those with the V6 engine.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for all occupants, pretensioners for front occupants.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) not standard, typically relied on seatbelt system for child restraints.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

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

Instrument Cluster:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, and engine temperature. Warning lights for various systems.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional cruise control system.

Keyless Entry:

Optional keyless entry system on some trims.

Connectivity Features:

Limited for the era; primarily focused on basic automotive functions.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed, based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Platinum-tipped plugs: 100,000 miles; standard plugs: 30,000 miles (check engine type).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmission; consult manual for manual transmission.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 API Certified (check owner's manual for precise specification).

Coolant Type:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Green) - Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Chrysler Power Steering Fluid or ATF+3/4.

Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:

ATF+3 (Chrysler specification).

Common Issue 1:

Head gasket failure, particularly on the 2.5L V6 engine.

Common Issue 2:

Automatic transmission problems (e.g., slipping, rough shifting), often related to the 41TE/42LE transmission.

Common Issue 3:

Oil leaks from valve covers or oil pan.

Common Issue 4:

HVAC system issues (e.g., blower motor failure, blend door actuator problems).

Common Issue 5:

Suspension component wear (e.g., ball joints, control arm bushings).

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge History:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (later Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, now Stellantis), has a long history of producing vehicles known for performance and value.

Stratus Launch:

The Dodge Stratus was introduced for the 1995 model year as part of Chrysler's "cloud car" trio (alongside the Chrysler Cirrus and Plymouth Breeze) on the JA platform.

Generation 1:

First generation (1995-2000). The 1996 model year falls within this initial generation.

Manufacturing Plant:

Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA.

Production Years:

1995-2006 (with different platforms and branding in later years as Avenger).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards History:

While the Stratus itself didn't garner significant awards, the Chrysler JA platform variants (especially the Cirrus) received some positive reviews for their styling and value in the mid-90s automotive press.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports ratings for this period generally reflected average reliability, with some noted issues common to domestic vehicles of the era.

Emissions Certification:

Meets US Federal Emissions Standards for 1996.