🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Stratus

Year:

1996

Product Name:

Dodge Stratus 1996 All Service Manual Repair

Product Description:

Dodge Stratus 1996 All Service Repair Manual Download. So many people prefer to do car repairs with their own hands in order to be sure of the highest quality of the work. Also, a lot of people find it wise enough to save money.

Chassis Code:

JA

Platform:

Chrysler JA platform

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Sedan (depending on classification).

Target Audience:

Consumers seeking affordable transportation with a focus on comfort and practicality.

Key Competitors:

Ford Contour, Chevrolet Cavalier, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Plymouth Neon.

Design Philosophy:

Penned by Neil Park, featuring a distinctive cab-forward design influenced by Chrysler's LH platform cars.

Value Proposition:

Offered a comfortable ride, spacious interior for its class, and competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Summary:

Comprehensive coverage for all aspects of the 1996 Dodge Stratus, including maintenance, repair, diagnostics, and specifications.

Specific Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission (Automatic), Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Electrical System, HVAC, Body and Chassis, Emissions Control.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 1500-2000 pages (typical for full factory service manuals of this era).

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed information on 2.0L I4 and 2.5L V6 engines, including disassembly, inspection, assembly, torque specifications, and component replacement.

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control systems.

Transmission Automatic:

Specific procedures for overhaul, repair, and adjustment of the automatic transmission. Includes hydraulic system details and component identification.

Brakes:

Front disc and rear drum brake systems, hydraulic components, parking brake, ABS (if equipped), bleeding procedures, and component replacement.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, power steering system, steering column, and wheel bearing service.

Electrical System:

Complete wiring diagrams, component locations, diagnostic procedures for charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, and power accessories.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control panel, refrigerant handling, and system diagnostics.

Body Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, door and window mechanisms, hood and trunk latches, frame and structural components.

Maintenance Procedures:

Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks, belt adjustments, and spark plug replacement.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for engine component repair, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, and electrical system troubleshooting.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, common symptom analysis, and guided procedures to identify and resolve mechanical and electrical issues.

Diagnostic Procedures:

OBD-II diagnostic information, trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, and actuator testing procedures.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners throughout the vehicle.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds and in-depth electrical diagnostics.

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on using specialized tools and diagnostic equipment specific to the Stratus.

Special Tools:

Lists and descriptions of factory-specific tools required for certain repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchable Text:

Yes (typically OCR'd for searchability)

Clarity:

High resolution, clear diagrams and text.

Scalability:

Printable and zoomable for detailed viewing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.0 L

Engine 1 Cylinders:

Inline-4

Engine 1 Valvetrain:

SOHC (Single Overhead Cam)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

114 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)

Engine 1 Torque:

127 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Displacement:

2.5 L

Engine 2 Cylinders:

V6

Engine 2 Valvetrain:

SOHC (Single Overhead Cam)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

164 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Torque:

160 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

4-Speed Automatic (e.g., A604)

Transmission Type Opt:

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

Transmission Features:

Selectable overdrive, torque converter lock-up for improved fuel economy.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

187.4 inches

Width:

70.7 inches

Height:

54.7 inches

Wheelbase:

107.0 inches

Passenger Volume:

98.5 cu ft

Trunk Volume:

14.1 cu ft

Curb Weight Min:

3100 lbs (approx. for 2.0L models)

Curb Weight Max:

3300 lbs (approx. for 2.5L V6 models)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

Not rated or 4-star (Varies by test year and specific configuration).

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:

Not rated or 4-star (Varies by test year and specific configuration).

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable or Marginal (Varies by test year and specific configuration).

ABS:

Available (Standard on some trims/engines, optional on others)

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensionsers in the front.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.

Cruise Control:

Available on most trims.

Aux Input:

Not standard; aftermarket solutions required for audio input.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil) or 3,000 miles (conventional oil), whichever comes first. Refer to manual for precise intervals based on driving conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

2.0L: 100,000 miles (platinum/iridium); 2.5L V6: 100,000 miles (platinum/iridium).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (recommend checking and changing if discolored or contaminated).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)

Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:

4.0 quarts (with filter)

Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L:

4.0 quarts (with filter)

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Automatic Transmission Fluid, Type 7176)

Coolant Type:

Chrysler-specific OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Common Problem 1:

Internal transmission issues, particularly with the A604 automatic transmission (slipping, harsh shifting).

Common Problem 2:

Front suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links).

Common Problem 3:

Heater core leaks, leading to coolant loss and fogging of the windshield.

Common Problem 4:

Power window regulator failures.

Common Problem 5:

Oil leaks from engine seals and gaskets.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Heritage:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler, then FCA, now Stellantis), has a long history of producing reliable and often performance-oriented vehicles.

Stratus Generation 1:

Introduced for the 1995 model year as a replacement for the Dodge Spirit and Aries. Based on the Chrysler JA platform, shared with the Plymouth Breeze and Chrysler Cirrus.

Manufacturing Location:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA

Production Years:

1995-2006 (First generation: 1995-2000; Second generation: 2001-2006)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journal Ratings:

Often noted for its comfortable ride and quiet interior for its price class, though sometimes criticized for powertrain refinement and handling compared to Japanese competitors.

Safety Awards:

Generally received average to good safety ratings for its era, but some specific tests indicated areas for improvement.