🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth

Model:

Cirrus, Stratus, Breeze

Year:

1997

Chassis Code:

JA

Market Designation:

North America, Mexico (Stratus)

Vin Digit 4 Engine:

E (2.0L SOHC), P (2.4L SOHC), V (2.5L SOHC), T (2.4L DOHC Turbo - Mexico)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact to Mid-size Sedan segment, often marketed as a family car.

Competitors 1997:

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

Design Philosophy:

The Cirrus/Stratus platform aimed for a modern, aerodynamic design with a focus on interior space and comfort within its class.

Platform Sharing:

Shared the Chrysler JA platform with other DaimlerChrysler products of the era.

Engine Variety:

Offered a range of four-cylinder and V6 engines to cater to different performance and economy demands.

Completeness:

The most complete service repair manual, essential for accurate diagnosis and repair.

Utility:

Provides everything needed for service, repair, assembly, and disassembly.

📋 Manual Details

Steering Type:

Right-Hand Drive (RHD) & Left-Hand Drive (LHD)

Covered Models:

Dodge Cirrus, Dodge Stratus, Plymouth Breeze, Chrysler Cirrus, Chrysler Stratus (Mexico)

Manual Scope:

Comprehensive Service and Repair

Estimated Page Count:

Detailed coverage suggests a substantial page count, likely over 1000 pages for complete factory-level documentation.

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

Download Type:

Instant Download

Shipping:

No Shipping Cost

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, intake manifold, clutch, transaxle.

Chassis:

Suspension, differential and driveline, brakes, steering, tires and wheels, bumpers and frame.

Electrical:

Battery, starter, charging system, ignition system, instrument panel and systems, audio systems, horns, vehicle speed control system, turn signal and flashers, windshield wipers and washers, lamps, restraint system, electrically heated systems, power door locks, vehicle theft security system, power seats, power windows, power mirrors, chime warning/reminder system, wiring diagrams.

Body And Comfort:

Body, heating and air conditioning, emission control systems.

Maintenance:

Lubrication and maintenance schedules, fluid specifications, filter replacements.

Repair:

Detailed repair procedures for all major systems.

Assembly Disassembly:

Comprehensive instructions for assembling and disassembling components.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides and diagnostic procedures implied by the inclusion of wiring diagrams and system coverage.

Depth:

Factory-level detail covering routine maintenance to complex component overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Printability:

All pages are printable.

Searchability:

Implied PDF format allows for text searching of content.

Quality:

High Quality PDF Manual

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Operating Systems:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

Software:

Adobe PDF Reader

⚙️ Engine Specifications

2.0L Sohc:

Engine Code: Chrysler E, 16-valve, 4-cylinder Gasoline SOHC. Displacement: Approximately 1996 cc. Power output typically around 114-122 hp.

2.4L Sohc:

Engine Code: Chrysler P, 16-valve, 4-cylinder Gasoline SOHC. Displacement: Approximately 2378 cc. Power output typically around 140-150 hp.

2.5L Sohc:

Engine Code: Chrysler V, 12-valve, 6-cylinder Gasoline SOHC (Mitsubishi 6G73 V6). Displacement: Approximately 2497 cc. Power output typically around 163-170 hp.

2.4L DOHc Turbo (Mexico):

Engine Code: Chrysler T, 16-valve, 4-cylinder Gasoline DOHC Turbocharged. Displacement: Approximately 2378 cc. Likely offered increased horsepower and torque compared to the SOHC variant.

Engine Management:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system for all engines.

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port fuel injection (MPI).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline.

Oil Type 2.0L:

API SG, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).

Oil Type 2.4L Sohc:

API SG, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).

Oil Type 2.5L V6:

API SG, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (typically Mopar HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

Likely offered a 5-speed manual transaxle and a 4-speed automatic transaxle (e.g., A604 Ultradrive).

Automatic Transmission:

4-speed automatic transaxle for most engine variants. The 2.0L engine might have been primarily paired with the manual or a specific automatic variant.

Automatic Features:

Ultradrive technology (electronic control).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+3 (Mopar).

📐 Dimensions

Body Style:

4-door Sedan.

Wheelbase:

Approximately 108.0 inches (2743 mm).

Seating Capacity:

5 passengers.

Curb Weight:

Varies by engine and trim, typically ranging from 3000 to 3300 lbs (1360 to 1500 kg).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

Likely achieved 3 or 4 stars in frontal impact tests for this generation, but specific 1997 ratings should be verified.

IIHS Side Impact Test:

Information for this specific year/model might vary; 'Acceptable' or 'Marginal' ratings were common for vehicles of this era.

Brakes:

Front disc, rear drum brakes standard. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) often optional or standard on higher trims.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for all seating positions.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette and/or CD player options. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.

Cruise Control:

Vehicle Speed Control System (Cruise Control) was typically available.

Remote Keyless Entry:

Optional feature on some trims.

Power Features:

Power windows, power door locks, and power mirrors were available options depending on the trim level.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, but consult the manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions.

Tire Rotation:

Recommended every 7,500 miles or with every oil change.

Coolant Flush:

Recommended every 30,000 to 50,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (consult manual).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (consult manual for exact specification).

Head Gaskets:

The 2.4L DOHC engine (Neon engine) was known for potential head gasket failures if not maintained properly, especially at higher mileage.

Automatic Transmission:

Early Ultradrive transmissions could be sensitive to fluid type and service intervals, leading to potential issues if neglected.

Suspension Components:

Wear on suspension components like ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings is common with age and mileage.

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant reservoir tanks can become brittle and crack over time.

Electrical Connectors:

Corrosion or loose connections in various electrical connectors can lead to intermittent issues, particularly in the engine bay and under the dash.

📚 Vehicle History

Chrysler Legacy:

Chrysler had a history of producing front-wheel-drive sedans, with the Cirrus/Stratus representing an evolution of their mid-size offerings.

Cirrus Stratus Generation:

This represents the first generation of the Cirrus/Stratus model line, introduced for the 1995 model year.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily produced at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Michigan, USA.

Production Period:

First Generation: 1995-2000.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journal Reviews:

While specific awards for the 1997 model are not widely publicized, the Cirrus/Stratus platform received mixed reviews, with praise for its styling and ride comfort, but criticisms often directed at powertrain refinement and build quality compared to Japanese competitors.