🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Stratus

Model Years Covered:

1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

Platform Code:

JA (for 1995-2000 coupe/sedan)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size sedan and coupe segment.

Competitors:

Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Taurus, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mitsubishi Galant.

Design:

Styled by Chrysler's Pacifica Advanced Design studio, often featuring unique 'cab-forward' proportions for increased interior space.

Variants:

Available in sedan and coupe (Chrysler Sebring Coupe was based on the same platform) body styles, with various trim levels like base, SE, SL, and performance-oriented GTS.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Mechanical, Electrical, Body, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics

Specific Systems:

Engine, Transmission, Brakes, Steering, Suspension, HVAC, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Electrical System, Body Control Modules, Interior/Exterior Trim

Estimated Pages:

Varies by specific edition, but typically 1000+ pages for a comprehensive workshop manual.

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed procedures for engine assembly, disassembly, component inspection, timing belt/chain replacement, piston/ring/bearing service, cylinder head work, valve train adjustments.

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection system diagnostics and repair, ignition system troubleshooting, emission control systems (EGR, EVAP), exhaust gas recirculation, oxygen sensor diagnostics.

Transmission Manual:

Service and repair procedures for the Getrag A578 5-speed manual transmission, clutch service, linkage adjustments.

Transmission Automatic:

Service and repair procedures for the Chrysler A604 (41TE) 4-speed automatic transmission, including torque converter replacement, valve body service, clutch pack inspection, transmission control module (TCM) diagnostics.

Braking System:

Front and rear brake caliper service, rotor replacement, brake pad replacement, hydraulic system bleeding, ABS system diagnostics and component replacement (wheel speed sensors, modulator).

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension component replacement (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, tie rods), wheel alignment specifications, steering gear service, power steering system diagnostics.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams for all major systems, fuse and relay identification and testing, lighting system repair, power windows, door locks, mirror adjustments, starter and alternator service.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning system servicing (refrigerant charging, component replacement), heater core replacement, blower motor diagnosis, climate control system troubleshooting.

Body And Trim:

Interior trim panel removal and installation, exterior body panel repair and alignment, door hinge service, glass replacement procedures, bumper fascia service.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance tasks: oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement, tire rotations.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability issues, electrical faults, starting problems, overheating, and transmission performance anomalies.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for virtually every mechanical and electrical component of the vehicle, including detailed torque specifications.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, procedures for using scan tools, sensor testing, actuator testing, and diagnosing electronic control module (ECM/PCM) issues.

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing major components such as engines, transmissions, alternators, starters, fuel pumps, radiators, AC compressors, and various sensors.

Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers. Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, and complex electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, allowing for quick finding of specific topics.

Quality:

High resolution, suitable for printing key sections or the entire manual.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

2.0L SOHC I4 (Mitsubishi 4G63)

Engine 1 Displacement:

1997 cc (2.0 Liters)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

114 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)

Engine 1 Torque:

124 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2:

2.4L DOHC I4 (Chrysler EDZ)

Engine 2 Displacement:

2351 cc (2.4 Liters)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

145-150 hp @ 5500-5800 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Torque:

155-160 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)

Engine 3:

2.5L SOHC V6 (Chrysler EDB/EDF)

Engine 3 Displacement:

2499 cc (2.5 Liters)

Engine 3 Horsepower:

164-170 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm (approx.)

Engine 3 Torque:

170-175 lb-ft @ 3200-3500 rpm (approx.)

Notable Performance Variants:

GTS models often featured the V6 and sportier suspension tuning.

Injection Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag A578)

Transmission 2:

4-Speed Automatic (Chrysler 41TE/A604)

Transmission 3:

4-Speed Automatic (Chrysler 42LE - often with V6)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled with overdrive, some models may feature Autostick manual shifting mode.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 193.7 inches (Sedan)

Width:

Approximately 70.5 inches

Height:

Approximately 55.5 inches (Sedan)

Passenger Volume:

Approximately 99 cubic feet

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 15.7 cubic feet (Sedan)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3100-3400 lbs (depending on engine and trim)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

Not explicitly rated for all years/configurations in easily accessible databases; early models generally had mixed ratings.

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

Not explicitly rated for all years/configurations.

IIHS Side Impact:

Not consistently rated across all configurations; some were rated 'Acceptable'.

ABS:

Available on most models, standard on higher trims.

Traction Control:

Optional on some V6 models.

Airbags Front:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Airbags Side:

Optional side-impact airbags available on some models.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seat belts; driver's seat belt pretensioner.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player. Available premium Infinity sound system on higher trims.

Climate Control:

Manual HVAC controls, optional automatic climate control on select models.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Telematics:

No integrated telematics or Bluetooth available for this model year range.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (refer to manual for specifics).

Air Filter Replacement:

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

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 30,000 to 100,000 miles depending on plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for 2.0L (Mitsubishi) and 2.4L (Chrysler EDZ) engines. Interval typically 60,000 to 90,000 miles. Failure can cause severe engine damage.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 is common, but check owner's manual. API certified.

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 quarts (4.3 L) for 4-cylinder engines, 5.0 quarts (4.7 L) for V6 engines (with filter change).

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Orange) or HOAT (Yellow) antifreeze/coolant, or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-9769 or MS-12106.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Specification MS-9602) or equivalent.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+3 or ATF+4.

Engine Mounts:

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

Transmission Problems:

Automatic transmissions (especially early 41TE) can suffer from solenoid issues, valve body wear, and premature failure if not properly maintained.

Suspension Wear:

Common wear on front control arm bushings, ball joints, and struts/shocks leading to poor handling and noise.

Oil Leaks:

Oil filter housing gasket and valve cover gasket leaks are relatively common.

Electrical Gremlins:

Issues with power window motors, door lock actuators, and interior lighting can occur over time.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Dodge, as a division of Chrysler Corporation, has historically focused on performance and value-oriented vehicles.

Generation 1:

First generation Dodge Stratus (and its sibling, the Chrysler Cirrus) launched in 1995 as part of the Chrysler JA platform. It aimed to compete in the increasingly important mid-size segment.

Facelift:

A minor facelift occurred for the 2001 model year, but this manual covers the pre-facelift models (1995-2000).

Manufacturing Location:

Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA.

Production Years:

1995-2000

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Jd Power Ratings:

JD Power and Associates ratings were generally average to below average for this model during its production run, particularly concerning dependability.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports often cited average to below-average reliability for the Dodge Stratus across various categories, particularly regarding the powertrain and electrical systems.

Emissions Standards:

Designed to meet applicable EPA emissions standards for the model years.