🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Stratus

Year:

1999

Drivetrain Configuration:

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

Vehicle Platform:

Chrysler JA platform (also known as the JA/JXI)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Dodge Stratus was positioned as a mid-size sedan (or coupe variant) in Dodge's lineup, competing in a segment with strong offerings from domestic and import manufacturers. It aimed to provide comfort, style, and value.

Competitors:

Key competitors included the Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Volkswagen Passat.

Features:

Offered in sedan and coupe body styles. Known for its distinctive styling (especially the coupe) and available V6 engines. The 1999 model year represents a refresh for the second-generation Stratus, which introduced revised styling and some powertrain updates.

📋 Manual Details

Market Coverage:

Global, with specific emphasis on RHD and LHD market configurations.

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (Specific count not provided, but described as 'most comprehensive'). Anticipated 1000+ pages based on typical electronic service manuals for this era.

Type:

Electronic Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Electronic (likely PDF or proprietary software format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel injection, exhaust systems, cooling system, lubrication system.

Transmission:

Automatic Transmission (41TE), manual transmission (if applicable to 1999 Stratus, though less common), clutch system, drivetrain components (axles, driveshafts).

Brakes:

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

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings), power steering system, steering column, wheel alignment.

Electrical And Electronics:

Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, gauges and indicators, body control modules (BCM), power windows/locks/mirrors, audio system, horn, wiper/washer system.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant system, climate control.

Body And Frame:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, glass, structural components.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belts.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, lubrication.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), circuit diagrams, flowcharts.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, component replacement, assembly/disassembly procedures.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications.

Bodywork:

Collision repair, panel replacement, rust repair, painting specifications.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Electronic (PDF or similar). Searchable text is highly probable for comprehensive service manuals.

Quality:

High quality, designed for clarity of diagrams and text. Likely includes high-resolution exploded views.

Binding:

N/A (Electronic format)

Paper:

N/A (Electronic format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1:

2.0L SOHC I4 (Engine Code: 9) - Mitsubishi 4G63 engine variant.

Engine Option 1 Displacement:

1997 cc

Engine Option 1 Power:

Approx. 132 hp @ 5500 rpm

Engine Option 1 Torque:

Approx. 130 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine Option 2:

2.4L DOHC I4 (Engine Code: G)

Engine Option 2 Displacement:

2429 cc

Engine Option 2 Power:

Approx. 150 hp @ 5800 rpm

Engine Option 2 Torque:

Approx. 155 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Engine Option 3:

2.7L SOHC V6 (Engine Code: E)

Engine Option 3 Displacement:

2736 cc

Engine Option 3 Power:

Approx. 170 hp @ 5800 rpm

Engine Option 3 Torque:

Approx. 175 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Emission Controls:

Catalytic converter, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II).

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Multi-port fuel injection (MPI).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approx. 15.0 gallons (56.8 liters)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

4-speed Automatic (41TE) was common across most powertrains.

Transmission Type Opt:

Manual transmission (5-speed) available on some base models/engines (less common for 1999).

Transmission Fluid Spec:

ATF+4 (or equivalent for the period, manual will specify exact Mopar part number/specification).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 107.5 inches (2731 mm)

Length:

Approx. 193.0 inches (4902 mm) (Sedan), 187.7 inches (4768 mm) (Coupe)

Width:

Approx. 70.1 inches (1781 mm)

Height:

Approx. 55.5 inches (1410 mm) (Sedan), 54.8 inches (1392 mm) (Coupe)

Curb Weight:

Varies by engine and trim, typically 3100 - 3400 lbs (1406 - 1542 kg).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4-star (model year dependent and specific test) - Manual will detail specific ratings.

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4-star (model year dependent and specific test) - Manual will detail specific ratings.

ABS:

Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS) available on some models.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags not typically available for 1999.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player available. Basic speaker configurations (4-speaker or 6-speaker).

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trim levels.

Phone Integration:

No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity. Aftermarket solutions would be required.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for exact schedule).

Air Filter Replacement:

15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically 60,000 to 100,000 miles (96,000 to 160,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs (specify by engine type).

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 5W-30 is common for most engines. Manual will specify exact API classification (e.g., API SL/SM).

Coolant Spec:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (ethylene glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water). Check manual for specific Mopar color/type (e.g., pink or orange).

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Common Problems Engine:

Head gasket leaks (especially on the 2.7L V6), oil consumption, occasional misfires. Timing belt replacement is crucial for the 2.0L engine (if applicable, check if it's a belt or chain).

Common Problems Transmission:

Transmission solenoid issues, torque converter shudder in the 41TE automatic.

Common Problems Suspension:

Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends. Strut mounts can also be a point of failure.

Common Problems Electrical:

Window regulator failures, power lock actuator issues, HVAC blower motor resistor failures, instrument cluster problems (dimming or intermittent operation).

Common Problems Body:

Rust issues in colder climates, especially on rocker panels and wheel wells. Interior trim fitment can sometimes be an issue.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Heritage:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (at the time), has a long history of producing a wide range of vehicles, from muscle cars to minivans, often focusing on performance and aggressive styling.

Stratus Evolution:

The Stratus replaced the Dodge Neon (as a larger option) and was part of Chrysler's forward-wheel-drive 'LH' platform family, although it was built on the smaller 'JA' platform. The second generation (1995-2000) saw styling updates and powertrain refinements. The 1999 model year included a significant facelift.

Manufacturing Location:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards Received:

While specific awards for the 1999 Dodge Stratus are not widely highlighted, it was a competent participant in the competitive mid-size segment. Its sibling, the Chrysler Cirrus (and later the Sebring sedan), often received more critical acclaim for ride and handling.