🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Stratus

Generation:

1st Generation (JA)

Platform:

Chrysler JA platform

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size sedan, positioned as a value-oriented and practical option in the Dodge lineup.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina, Nissan Altima, and Mitsubishi Galant.

Design Philosophy:

Offered a blend of comfortable ride, spacious interior, and accessible pricing, with styling reflecting contemporary American automotive design trends of the late 1990s.

Completeness Claim:

Asserts 'Best Manual Available,' 'Complete Manual - No Missing Pages,' and 'Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed,' implying thoroughness and accuracy.

Quality Assurance:

Emphasizes avoiding 'cheap, incomplete, inferior manuals,' suggesting a focus on providing a high-quality, detailed resource.

📋 Manual Details

Vehicle Years Covered:

1995-2000

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific engine/transmission/trim; typically 1500-2500+ pages for comprehensive coverage.

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF or similar, searchable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, inspection, repair, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel delivery, ignition system, emissions controls.

Engine Performance:

Engine diagnostics, troubleshooting, performance tuning, emissions testing procedures.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission (41TE/42LE) disassembly, assembly, inspection, repair, hydraulic system, torque converter, electronic controls.

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission (NVG T-350) disassembly, assembly, inspection, repair, clutch system.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive axle shafts, CV joints, differential, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings, steering knuckles, springs.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, intermediate shaft, tie rods, steering linkage.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, drum brakes (if applicable), ABS system (if equipped), hydraulic lines, master cylinder, calipers, pads, rotors, bleeding procedures.

Electrical System General:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, grounds.

Electrical Lighting:

Headlights, taillights, interior lights, turn signals, hazard lights, lighting controls.

Electrical Instrumentation:

Instrument cluster, gauges, warning lights, sensors, vehicle speed sensor, tachometer.

Electrical Comfort Convenience:

Power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, mirrors, seats, sunroof (if equipped), climate control system (HVAC).

Body Exterior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, fenders, grille, glass, seals, hinges, latches.

Body Interior:

Interior trim, dashboard, seats, carpets, headliner, seat belts, airbags (SRS system).

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heating system, ventilation, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant.

Safety Systems:

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation.

Repair Procedures:

Complete engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, steering system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Diagnostic flowcharts for various symptoms, common problems and their solutions, fault code interpretations.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Use of diagnostic tools (e.g., OBD-II scanner), sensor testing, actuator testing, circuit testing.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive - covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls and advanced electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital File Type:

Typically PDF; may be scanned image PDFs or OCR-enabled text PDFs.

Image Clarity:

High resolution (for digital format) ensuring legibility of diagrams, text, and images. Assumed to be derived from original factory source.

Binding Type:

Not applicable for digital format. If printed, would typically be comb-bound or coil-bound for lay-flat use.

Paper Quality:

Not applicable for digital format. Original factory manuals typically printed on durable paper suitable for workshop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

EDZ (2.4L DOHC I4)

Displacement:

2.4 Liters (148 cu. in.)

Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), 16 valves

Horsepower:

Approx. 150 hp @ 5900 rpm (varies slightly by model year)

Torque:

Approx. 165 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm (varies slightly by model year)

Fuel System:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Compression Ratio:

9.4:1

Fuel Requirement:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Emissions Controls:

Catalytic Converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control System)

Engine Code:

EGA (2.7L SOHC V6)

Displacement:

2.7 Liters (167 cu. in.)

Configuration:

V-configuration, Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC), 24 valves (3 valves per cylinder)

Horsepower:

Approx. 168 hp @ 5700 rpm (varies slightly by model year)

Torque:

Approx. 175 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (varies slightly by model year)

Fuel System:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Compression Ratio:

9.3:1

Fuel Requirement:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Emissions Controls:

Catalytic Converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control System)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-Speed Automatic (41TE/42LE)

Transmission Fluid Spec Standard:

ATF+4 (Chrysler's designation, though earlier models might specify ATF+3 or equivalent Dexron-III/Mercon).

Transmission Type Optional:

5-Speed Manual (NVG T-350) - Less common, primarily available with the 2.4L engine in early years.

Transmission Control:

Electronic automatic transaxle control (with torque converter lock-up)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 191.1 inches (4854 mm)

Width:

Approx. 70.5 inches (1791 mm)

Height:

Approx. 55.9 inches (1420 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 108.0 inches (2743 mm)

Front Headroom:

Approx. 39.1 inches (993 mm)

Rear Headroom:

Approx. 37.8 inches (960 mm)

Front Legroom:

Approx. 41.9 inches (1064 mm)

Rear Legroom:

Approx. 35.2 inches (894 mm)

Trunk Capacity:

Approx. 15.0 cu. ft. (425 L)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,100 - 3,400 lbs (1406 - 1542 kg), depending on engine and equipment.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

4-star (tested on specific model years, consult NHTSA records for exact ratings).

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:

4-star (tested on specific model years, consult NHTSA records for exact ratings).

ABS:

Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on front wheels; 4-wheel ABS optional on higher trims or later models.

Traction Control:

Traction control system (TCS) available on some models, particularly with the V6 engine.

Airbags Front:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts for all occupants, front seat belt pretensioners.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced roof structure and side-impact protection beams.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette tape player and optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.

Cruise Control:

Electronic cruise control standard on most models.

Remote Keyless Entry:

Available remote keyless entry system for door unlocking and trunk release.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.

Oil Filter Replacement:

Replace with every oil change. Recommended part numbers vary by filter manufacturer (e.g., Mopar: MO-090, Fram: PH3794).

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), or as specified in the owner's manual for the specific transmission fluid used.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years for conventional coolant, or longer intervals for HOAT coolant if used.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

2.4L DOHC: Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with Platinum plugs. 2.7L V6: Approx. 60,000 - 100,000 miles with Platinum plugs.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 API Service SG or SH (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature). Synthetic oils are recommended for extended intervals.

Coolant Type:

Chrysler Long Life (HOAT) Coolant or equivalent (often orange).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Automotive Brake Fluid.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF+3 or equivalent Dexron-III/Mercon.

Engine Oil Sludge:

The 2.7L V6 engine (EGA) is particularly susceptible to oil sludge buildup if maintenance intervals are neglected, leading to premature wear and potential engine failure. Regular oil changes with quality oil are critical.

Automatic Transmission Failures:

The 41TE/42LE transmissions can experience issues with the solenoid pack, torque converter, or internal seals, especially at higher mileage. Clutch pack wear is also common.

Suspension Wear:

Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends are common wear items, leading to steering looseness and poor handling.

Power Window Motors:

Power window regulators and motors can fail over time.

Cv Axle Boots:

Torn CV axle boots can lead to grease loss and eventual joint failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge, as a division of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler), has a history of producing a range of vehicles from muscle cars to family sedans and trucks.

Stratus Introduction:

The Dodge Stratus was introduced for the 1995 model year as part of Chrysler's 'cloud car' family, alongside the Chrysler Cirrus and Plymouth Breeze, replacing the Dodge Spirit/Dynasty.

Stratus Platform:

It was based on Chrysler's JA platform (a variant of the LH platform used for larger sedans), sharing many components with its siblings.

Stratus Body Styles:

Offered exclusively as a four-door sedan during its initial production run. A coupe variant (Stratus Coupe) was introduced later, based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse platform, but this manual likely covers only the sedan.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA.

Production End Year:

The first generation Stratus sedan was produced until the 2000 model year, followed by a redesigned second generation (2001-2006).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Initial Reception:

The Stratus, as part of Chrysler's 'cloud car' initiative, received moderate reviews for its styling and value proposition upon introduction, but faced stiff competition in the mid-size segment.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Consumer Reports ratings for this generation of Stratus were generally average to below average, citing concerns with reliability, particularly for the 2.7L V6 engine and transmission.

Safety Certifications:

Met all applicable US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for its model years. Specific crash test data available from NHTSA.