Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size Sedan
Platform:
Chrysler JA platform
Key Competitors:
Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima
Design Philosophy:
Cab-forward design, distinctive styling for its era
Target Audience:
Families, commuters seeking a balance of space, comfort, and affordability
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing, lubrication, cooling
Engine Performance:
Fuel system, ignition system, emission control systems (OBD-II diagnostics)
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox, internal components, torque converter
Transmission Automatic:
Hydraulic controls, valve body, planetary gear sets, seals, fluid circuits
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive axle shafts, constant velocity (CV) joints, differential
Suspension:
Front struts, rear shocks, control arms, bushings, springs, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, rack and pinion assembly
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair, hydraulic components, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, gauges, instrument cluster, body control modules
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (A/C) system, refrigerant handling, climate control
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, glass, seats, trim, headliner, bumpers
Chassis And Frame:
Frame structure, corrosion protection
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based diagnosis, common faults and solutions
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment
Diagnostics:
OBD-II system diagnostics, specific component testing, wiring diagrams
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of Chrysler-specific or recommended special tools
Depth Of Information:
Factory-level repair and diagnostic procedures, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIYers
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor data interpretation, actuator testing
Rebuild Procedures:
Comprehensive information for engine, transmission, and major component rebuilds
Engine 1 Name:
2.0L SOHC I4 (Chrysler 420A)
Engine 1 Displacement:
1996 cc
Engine 1 Horsepower:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
125 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine 1 Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 2 Name:
2.4L DOHC I4 (Chrysler EDT)
Engine 2 Displacement:
2429 cc
Engine 2 Horsepower:
150 hp @ 5800 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
165 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Engine 2 Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 3 Name:
2.5L V6 (Mitsubishi 6G73)
Engine 3 Displacement:
2497 cc
Engine 3 Horsepower:
164 hp @ 5700 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
176 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm
Engine 3 Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Cooling Type:
Liquid-cooled
Engine Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) / Coil-on-Plug (COP) depending on engine
Transmission Std:
4-speed Automatic (41TE/42LE)
Transmission Opt:
5-speed Manual (NVT-550)
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Part No. 05013457AA or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:
Approximately 7.5 quarts (7.1 Liters) for refill
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
MS-9224 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant (Chrysler Part No. 05010320AA or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (4-star equivalent in older rating system)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (4-star equivalent in older rating system)
ABS:
Available (standard on some trims)
Traction Control:
Not commonly available for this model year
Airbags Passenger:
Standard
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, using synthetic oil; 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months with conventional oil.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.0L/2.4L:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.5L V6:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs.
Timing Belt Replacement 2.0L I4:
Every 90,000 miles (145,000 km) or 7 years. (NOTE: 420A is an interference engine, belt failure causes severe damage).
Timing Belt Replacement 2.4L I4:
Every 90,000 miles (145,000 km) or 7 years. (NOTE: EDT is an interference engine, belt failure causes severe damage).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or as recommended by the service manual for severe usage.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to owner's manual for specific conditions)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Green, ethylene glycol-based) or equivalent HOAT coolant.
Common Issue 1:
Transmission solenoids (especially on 41TE/42LE automatic transmissions) failing, leading to harsh shifting or no engagement.
Common Issue 2:
Water pump leaks, especially on the 2.0L (420A) engine.
Common Issue 3:
Cracked dashboard material due to sun exposure.
Common Issue 4:
CV joint wear and failure, particularly on the front axle.
Common Issue 5:
Ignition coil or spark plug wire failure leading to misfires.
Dodge Heritage Focus:
Performance, muscular styling, value proposition
Stratus Introduction:
Introduced in 1995 as a successor to the Dodge Spirit/Acclaim.
Stratus Platform Sharing:
Shared the JA platform with the Chrysler Cirrus and Plymouth Breeze.
Stratus Styling Updates:
Minor styling revisions for the 1999 model year, including updated grille and taillamps.
Production Location:
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA
Production Years Stratus:
1995-2006