🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Stratus

Year:

1997

Platform Code:

JA (Chrysler JA platform)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Sedan / Coupe

Key Competitors:

Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima

Vehicle Attributes:

Offered in sedan and coupe body styles, known for comfortable ride and relatively spacious interior for its class, front-wheel drive platform.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

1997 Dodge Stratus

Estimated Pages:

Approx. 1500-2000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era, actual software may vary)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary viewer)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Emissions Control, Exhaust System, Automatic Transmission (40TE/41TE), Manual Transmission (various Getrag units)

Chassis:

Brakes (ABS, drum, disc), Steering System, Suspension System (front McPherson strut, rear multi-link), Wheels & Tires

Electrical:

Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instruments & Gauges, Wiper/Washer System, Power Accessories, Horn, Audio System, Body Control Modules, HVAC Controls, Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Diagnostics

Body:

Body & Frame, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Bumpers, Paint & Corrosion Protection

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks/changes, belt inspections/replacements, spark plug replacement, lubrication

Repair Overhaul:

Engine disassembly/reassembly, transmission overhaul, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, electrical circuit testing, mechanical component testing

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearance measurements, fluid capacities, electrical component resistance values, diagnostic parameters

Depth:

Comprehensive (covers routine maintenance to major component overhaul and advanced diagnostics)

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF or executable program with search functionality

Digital Resolution:

High-resolution, suitable for on-screen viewing and printing of individual pages

N A:

N/A (Digital Format)

N A:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Description:

2.0L SOHC Inline-4 (4-cylinder)

Engine 1 Code:

ECC

Engine 1 Displacement:

1996 cc (121.8 cubic inches)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

114 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

122 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Engine 2 Description:

2.4L DOHC Inline-4 (4-cylinder) - "World Engine" derivative, though more commonly associated with later Chrysler products, may have been present in certain markets or as an option.

Engine 2 Code:

ABA (European VW engine, potentially used by Chrysler for specific models)

Engine 2 Displacement:

2389 cc (145.7 cubic inches)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

145 hp @ 5500 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

157 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 3 Description:

2.5L SOHC V6

Engine 3 Code:

AJA (Chrysler ECH V6)

Engine 3 Displacement:

2507 cc (152.9 cubic inches)

Engine 3 Horsepower:

150 hp @ 5400 rpm

Engine 3 Torque:

160 lb-ft @ 3100 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Pump Type:

In-tank electric fuel pump

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil packs on later models, or traditional distributor on earlier variants.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1 Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission 1 Code:

40TE / 41TE

Transmission 2 Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission 2 Code:

Various Getrag models (e.g., Getrag G360, though less common for Stratus)

Transmission Fluid Spec:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 4, or equivalent Mopar spec for the era)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 - 8.5 quarts (dry fill)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

108.0 inches (2743 mm)

Length:

192.7 inches (4895 mm)

Width:

70.0 inches (1778 mm)

Height:

55.5 inches (1410 mm)

Curb Weight Min:

Approx. 3100 lbs (1406 kg)

Curb Weight Max:

Approx. 3400 lbs (1542 kg)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 15.0 - 16.0 cubic feet (depending on body style)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

Acceptable (NHTSA rating for 1997 models varied by trim and options; generally moderate protection)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

Acceptable (NHTSA rating for 1997 models varied by trim and options; generally moderate protection)

ABS:

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

Traction Control:

Not commonly available for 1997 models

Airbags Driver:

Standard (Driver side airbag)

Airbags Passenger:

Optional / Standard on higher trims (Passenger side airbag)

Seatbelts:

Front: 3-point shoulder belts; Rear: 3-point shoulder belts with center lap belt

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/Cassette player, optional CD player on higher trims.

Speakers:

Typically 4 or 6 speaker configurations.

Cruise Control:

Available on most models.

OBD Ii:

OBD-II compliant, allowing for diagnostic code reading with compatible scanners.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (recommended, check manual for specific mileage and conditions).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type - platinum/iridium recommended for longer life).

Timing Belt Replacement:

For 2.0L and 2.5L V6 engines: Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (critical to replace to prevent engine damage).

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG or SH, check manual for specific API classification)

Coolant Spec:

Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and distilled water)

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3

Engine Mounts:

Premature wear and failure of engine mounts, leading to vibration and clunking noises.

Transmission Slipping:

Common issues with the 40TE/41TE automatic transmission, including slipping, harsh shifts, and solenoid failures.

Evaporative Emissions System:

Problems with the EVAP system, such as leaky charcoal canisters or purge valves, leading to check engine lights.

Window Regulators:

Frequent failure of power window regulators and motors.

Heater Core Leaks:

Leaking heater core, causing coolant loss and a sweet smell inside the cabin.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Origin:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (now Stellantis).

First Generation Start:

1995 (as Dodge Stratus, replacing the Spirit/Acclaim lineage)

Platform:

Based on the Chrysler JA platform, shared with the Chrysler Cirrus and Plymouth Breeze. This platform was an evolution of the LH platform but scaled down.

Manufacturing Location:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA

Production Years:

1995 - 2000

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Editor Reviews:

Received mixed reviews at launch, often praised for ride comfort and interior space but criticized for powertrain refinement and build quality compared to Japanese competitors.

Initial Quality:

Generally ranked in the middle to lower end of its class in initial quality surveys for its model year.