Segment:
Mid-size sedan, often marketed as a practical and affordable family car.
Key Competitors 2004:
Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima.
Attractions:
Spacious interior for its class, comfortable ride, generally competitive pricing.
Coverage:
Complete service, maintenance, and troubleshooting for the 2004 Dodge Stratus.
Page Count:
Estimated 1500+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, printable, searchable)
Powertrain:
Engine (2.0L, 2.4L DOHC), Transmission (4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual - if applicable for model year and market)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering (power rack and pinion), Brakes (front disc, rear drum/disc), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Wipers/Washers, Audio System, Power Accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), Body Control Module (BCM)
Body:
Exterior (panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers), Interior (trim, seats, dashboard), HVAC System, Restraint System (Airbags, Seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication, inspection points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical circuit diagnostics, error code interpretation.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, assembly, and installation for all major systems.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical parameters, diagnostic values.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic scheduled maintenance to in-depth mechanical and electrical system repairs, including engine and transmission overhaul procedures.
Digital Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format) is standard for such manuals, allowing for easy searching, printing, and digital access across devices.
Print Readability:
High-resolution scans or digital originals ensuring clear text, diagrams, and illustrations suitable for printing.
Binding Physical:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Format)
Engine Option 1:
2.0L SOHC I4 (16-valve)
Engine Option 2:
2.4L DOHC I4 (16-valve) - Chrysler's 'World Engine' family
Horsepower 2.0L:
Approx. 134 hp @ 5900 rpm
Torque 2.0L:
Approx. 130 lb-ft @ 3100 rpm
Horsepower 2.4L:
Approx. 156 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 2.4L:
Approx. 164 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Cylinder Block:
Cast iron or Aluminum (depending on specific engine)
Cylinder Head:
Aluminum Alloy
Transmission Type Standard:
42LE 4-speed Automatic Transaxle
Transmission Type Optional:
T350 5-speed Manual Transaxle (less common, often paired with the 2.0L)
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, Overdrive.
Length:
Approximately 193.8 inches
Width:
Approximately 70.1 inches
Height:
Approximately 55.5 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 108.5 inches
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 97 cubic feet
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 15.7 cubic feet
Curb Weight Approx:
3,000 - 3,200 lbs (depending on engine and options)
NHTSA Frontal Driver 2004:
4/5 Stars (as per NHTSA data for similar models)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger 2004:
4/5 Stars (as per NHTSA data for similar models)
IIHS Ratings:
Varied by year and specific test, generally acceptable to good for frontal impact.
Braking System:
Front disc, Rear drum (standard), Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional cassette player, and premium audio systems available.
Navigation:
Navigation systems were not commonly offered or were very basic on this model year. Aftermarket solutions were more prevalent.
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional depending on trim level.
Traction Control:
Optional on some higher trim levels.
Bluetooth:
Not available from the factory for the 2004 model year.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry (optional/standard depending on trim).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Approximately every 50,000 to 100,000 miles for automatic transmissions, consult manual for exact intervals and fluid type.
Coolant Change:
Every 50,000 miles or 5 years for initial change, then every 30,000 miles or 3 years thereafter.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 API Certified (check manual for specific engine requirements and API service category).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent specification).
Coolant Spec:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically orange or pink. Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769 or MS-12106).
Common Problem 1:
Automatic transmission issues (e.g., torque converter shudder, solenoid failures) - particularly the 42LE.
Common Problem 2:
Suspension wear (ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings) leading to clunking noises or poor handling.
Common Problem 3:
Power steering pump leaks or whine.
Common Problem 4:
Electrical gremlins (e.g., interior lighting issues, intermittent power to accessories, PCM failures) can be common in older vehicles, requiring detailed diagnostic procedures.
Common Problem 5:
Exhaust manifold cracks (especially on the 2.4L engine).
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and performance-oriented vehicles, though the Stratus was positioned in a more mainstream segment.
Stratus Generations:
The 2004 model is part of the second generation (2001-2006), which received styling updates and mechanical improvements over the first generation (1995-2000).
Manufacturing Location:
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA.
Production Period:
Second generation: 2001-2006.
Typical Awards:
While not a segment leader in awards, the Stratus was generally considered a value-oriented choice. J.D. Power and Associates ratings for dependability and initial quality were often mid-pack for its class.
Consumer Reports Usability:
Often rated as average for reliability and owner satisfaction, with specific model year and engine combinations showing varying results.
Emissions Standards:
Compliant with US Federal EPA emissions standards for the 2004 model year.
