Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size sedan and coupe, competing in a popular and competitive market segment.
Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking practical and affordable transportation.
Competitors:
Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima.
Design Philosophy:
A blend of American design with European influences (Chrysler's acquisition of AMC/Jeep and ownership stake in Mitsubishi contributed to platform sharing and design cues).
Value Proposition:
Offered a balance of features, space, and affordability, often at a lower price point than Japanese competitors.
Benefit Statement:
Empowers owners and technicians to perform accurate diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs, saving significant costs compared to professional dealer service.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, starting system, charging system.
Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission (41TE, 42LE, 45RFE), manual transmission (NVG 3500), clutch, drive axles, CV joints, differential.
Chassis:
Suspension (front McPherson strut, rear independent suspension), steering system (power rack and pinion), braking system (front vented discs, rear drums/discs, ABS).
Electrical:
Complete electrical schematics, lighting, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), infotainment, power windows, power locks, airbags, anti-theft system.
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, upholstery, HVAC system, emissions control system.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, tire rotation, brake pad replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, electrical system troubleshooting.
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component repair, body panel repair.
Rebuilding:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and major component assemblies.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures.
Engine 1:
2.0L SOHC I4 (DSM Engine)
Engine 1 Displacement:
1996 cc
Engine 1 Horsepower:
114 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
122 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm
Engine 2:
2.4L DOHC I4 (Mitsubishi Engine)
Engine 2 Displacement:
2351 cc
Engine 2 Horsepower:
140-147 hp @ 5500-5900 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
149-154 lb-ft @ 2500-4500 rpm
Engine 3:
2.5L SOHC V6 (Chrysler/Mitsubishi Partnership)
Engine 3 Displacement:
2497 cc
Engine 3 Horsepower:
164 hp @ 5800 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
174 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm
Engine Performance Notes:
The 2.0L engine was basic, the 2.4L offered a good balance, and the V6 provided stronger acceleration but reduced fuel economy.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Emissions Control:
Catalytic converter, EGR valve, Oxygen sensors.
Transmission Standard:
4-speed automatic (41TE, 42LE, 45RFE)
Transmission Optional:
5-speed manual (NVG 3500) - Available on 2.0L models.
Transmission Features:
Selectable overdrive, torque converter lock-up for improved fuel efficiency, electronic control (for automatics).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent. Capacity: Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) for 41TE/42LE.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil. Capacity: Approx. 2.0 quarts (1.9 liters).
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 stars (for models equipped with side airbags).
IIHS Ratings:
Varies by year and specific test; generally rated 'Acceptable' in frontal offset impacts.
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on base trims (anti-lock braking system).
Traction Control:
Optional on some higher trims.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Optional side airbags available on select trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette/CD player options, basic speaker systems.
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC controls or optional automatic climate control.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; typically included power accessories, keyless entry (optional).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, with synthetic oil. 3,000 miles (5,000 km) with conventional oil.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
I4 engines: 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum plugs. V6 engines: 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
Coolant Flush:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years, whichever comes first, with HOAT coolant.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20 (depending on engine and climate) meeting API SN or ILSAC GF-5 standards. Capacity: Approx. 4.0-5.0 quarts (3.8-4.7 liters).
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent (e.g., Mopar OAT/HOAT compatible). Mixture: 50/50 ethylene glycol and distilled water.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check cap/reservoir). Typically 1 quart (0.94 liters) needed for flush.
Common Issue 1:
Transmission problems (especially in the 41TE/42LE automatics, often due to solenoid issues, torque converter shudder, or fluid degradation).
Common Issue 2:
Head gasket leaks (particularly on the 2.4L Mitsubishi engine, though less common than on some other Mitsubishi applications).
Common Issue 3:
Power steering leaks or pump failure.
Common Issue 4:
HVAC system issues (blend door actuator failure, blower motor resistor failure).
Common Issue 5:
Electrical gremlins (window motors, power locks, sensor failures) often due to aging wiring or corrosion.
Dodge History:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and performance-oriented vehicles, often positioned as a more aggressive or value-focused alternative within Chrysler's brand portfolio.
Stratus Introduction:
Introduced in 1995 as part of Chrysler's 'Cloud Cars' lineup, which included the Chrysler Cirrus and Plymouth Breeze. It replaced the Dodge Spirit.
Platform Sharing:
Based on Chrysler's JA (sedan) and JR (coupe) platforms, which had significant Mitsubishi engineering and component input due to Chrysler's stake in the Japanese automaker.
Facelift:
Received a mild refresh for the 2001 model year, but this manual covers the original generation.
Production Period:
1995-2000
Assembly Locations:
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA; Toluca, Mexico.
Awards And Accolades:
The Stratus, as part of the 'Cloud Car' family, received some positive reviews for its comfortable ride and styling for its time, but it did not garner significant major automotive awards.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Consumer Reports typically rated the Stratus below average in reliability, particularly concerning its transmissions and electrical systems.
