🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Stratus

Year:

1998

Product Type:

Service and Repair Manual

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact to mid-size sedan, family car.

Competitors:

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

Platform:

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

Design:

Distinctive cab-forward styling pioneered by Chrysler.

Manual Value:

Provides essential, dealership-level technical data for maintaining and repairing the 1998 Dodge Stratus, empowering owners and independent mechanics.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All models and all repairs A-Z

Authenticity:

Vehicle specific, identical to dealership technician manual

Approximate Pages:

Highly detailed, likely exceeding 1000 pages across all sections

Type:

Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely printed or a high-quality digital reproduction (e.g., PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel and emissions control, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust systems, manual and automatic transmissions, drive axles, clutches.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, power assist, ABS), wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), HVAC controls, audio system, body electrical modules, diagnostic connectors.

Body:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, body hardware, structural components, collision repair procedures.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures, wiring harness diagnostics.

Repair:

Component removal and installation, system overhauls, replacement procedures for all major and minor components.

Special Procedures:

Wheel alignment specifications, torque specifications for all fasteners, jacking and towing procedures, refrigerant handling, diagnostic tool usage.

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including in-depth electrical system diagnostics and body repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

If digital: Searchable PDF with high-resolution diagrams. If print: High-quality paper, durable binding.

Quality:

Professional printing with clear diagrams, schematics, and text. High-quality paper to withstand shop use.

Binding:

If printed: Lay-flat binding (spiral or stitched) for ease of use in a workshop environment.

Paper:

Durable, slightly glossy paper to protect against grease and dirt, with matte finish for text clarity.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Type:

2.0L DOHC I4 (Naturally Aspirated)

Engine 1 Displacement:

1996 cc

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

87.0 mm x 83.0 mm

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

9.3:1

Engine 1 Horsepower:

132 hp @ 5800 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

128 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Engine 2 Type:

2.4L DOHC I4 (Naturally Aspirated)

Engine 2 Displacement:

2378 cc

Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:

87.5 mm x 98.0 mm

Engine 2 Compression Ratio:

9.4:1

Engine 2 Horsepower:

150 hp @ 5400 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

160 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 3 Type:

2.5L V6 DOHC (Naturally Aspirated)

Engine 3 Displacement:

2499 cc

Engine 3 Bore X Stroke:

84.5 mm x 76.0 mm

Engine 3 Compression Ratio:

9.0:1

Engine 3 Horsepower:

168 hp @ 6000 rpm

Engine 3 Torque:

170 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded (for 2.0L and 2.4L), 89 Octane recommended for 2.5L V6 for optimal performance.

ECU:

Chrysler/Bosch engine control unit with OBD-II diagnostics.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1 Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transaxle (e.g., A604/41TE)

Transmission 2 Type:

5-Speed Manual Transaxle (Less common, primarily on 2.0L models)

Transmission Features:

Automatic with overdrive, electronic pressure control, torque converter lock-up. Manual with standard clutch operation.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent compatible fluid, check manual for exact spec for 1998 model year, likely ATF+3).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-3 or GL-4 manual transmission fluid, SAE 75W-90 viscosity.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

104.5 inches (2654 mm)

Length:

189.1 inches (4803 mm)

Width:

70.4 inches (1788 mm)

Height:

54.6 inches (1387 mm)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 3000 - 3300 lbs (1360 - 1497 kg), depending on engine and equipment.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Varies by model, typically around 4200 lbs (1905 kg).

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 15.0 cu ft (425 L).

Wheelbase Bolt Pattern:

5x100 mm

Standard Tire Size:

P205/60R15 (common for SE/ES trims)

Optional Tire Size:

P215/55R16 (common for ES/ES Lusso trims with V6)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

4 Stars (for models equipped with airbags)

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

4 Stars (for models equipped with airbags)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable (with side airbags, if equipped; standard models varied)

ABS:

Available as an option, standard on some higher trims.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts, driver's side pretensioner.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level (e.g., 4-speaker or 6-speaker).

Cruise Control:

Available as an option on most trims.

On Board Diagnostics:

OBD-II compliant, allowing for advanced diagnostics with appropriate scan tools.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (using synthetic blend or synthetic oil). Every 3,750 miles or 3 months if primarily used in severe driving conditions (e.g., short trips, extreme temperatures, dusty conditions).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years, or more frequently if driving in dusty environments.

Spark Plug Replacement:

100,000 miles for platinum-tipped spark plugs (if equipped), 30,000 miles for standard copper plugs.

Timing Belt Replacement:

For the 2.0L engine (which uses a timing belt), typically every 90,000 miles or 7 years. The 2.4L and 2.5L V6 engines use timing chains and do not typically require scheduled replacement.

Engine Oil Type:

API Service SG, SH, or SJ category, SAE 5W-30 viscosity recommended for most conditions (check manual for specific climate recommendations).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant, Mopar/Chrysler 5/30 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF+4 or Dexron III compatible).

Common Problems:

Head gasket failures (particularly on early 2.7L V6, though less common on the 2.5L V6), EGR valve issues, ABS sensor failures, power window regulator problems, O2 sensor failures, occasional transmission solenoid issues.

Diagnosis Of Issues:

The manual will provide detailed diagnostic trees and component testing procedures to accurately identify and resolve these common issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Origin:

Dodge, an American automotive brand, historically known for performance and muscle cars, later diversifying into mainstream vehicles.

First Generation:

The Dodge Stratus was introduced for the 1995 model year as part of Chrysler's LH car family modernization.

Second Generation Introduction:

The 1998 model year represents a continuation of the first generation, with minor refinements and potential feature adjustments over earlier years.

Assembly Location:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA.

Production Span:

1995-2000 (for the first generation).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards:

While not a recipient of major design or performance awards during its initial run, the Stratus was a significant player in the competitive mid-size sedan market, known for its distinctive styling and comfortable ride.