🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Stratus

Year:

1998

Platform Code:

JA (Chrysler JS platform)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size sedan, known for its value and affordability in its segment.

Competitors:

Ford Contour, Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima.

Styling:

Distinctive 'cab-forward' design pioneered by Chrysler products of the era, offering a spacious interior for its exterior dimensions.

Powertrain Options:

Offered a range of engines to suit different needs and budgets, from economical 4-cylinders to more powerful V6 options.

Platform Sharing:

Utilized the Chrysler JS platform, shared with other Chrysler Corporation vehicles of the time like the Chrysler Cirrus and Plymouth Breeze.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissions Types

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

2.0L I4 (SOHC), 2.4L I4 DOHC (DOHC Turbo and naturally aspirated), 2.5L V6 SOHC

Transmission:

42LE (4-Speed Automatic), Manual Transmission (likely A578 or similar)

Brakes:

Front Disc, Rear Drum (standard), Front and Rear Disc (optional)

Suspension:

Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Multi-link Independent Suspension

Steering:

Power Rack and Pinion

Electrical System:

Wiring Diagrams, Fuse Locations, Component Testing, Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instruments

Body And Frame:

Body Panel Repair, Doors, Windows, Interior Trim, Convertible Top (if applicable to specific trims not explicitly mentioned, but common for the platform)

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System Repair and Diagnosis

Fuel System:

Fuel Pump, Injectors, Fuel Lines, Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)

Exhaust System:

Exhaust Manifold, Catalytic Converter, Muffler, Pipes

Cooling System:

Radiator, Water Pump, Thermostat, Cooling Fan

Maintenance:

Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Fluid Checks and Changes, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Charts, Symptom-Based Diagnosis, Component Testing Procedures

Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair

Diagnostics:

OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Sensor Testing, Actuator Testing

Assembly Disassembly:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Quality:

High Resolution scans, clear text, and legible diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

2.0L I4:

Engine Code: A668 (likely based on Mitsubishi 4G63 architecture); Displacement: 1997 cc; Bore x Stroke: 85.0 mm x 88.0 mm; Compression Ratio: 9.5:1; Horsepower: 116 hp @ 5500 RPM; Torque: 121 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM; Valvetrain: SOHC, 16 valves.

2.4L I4 DOHc:

Engine Code: EDZ (Naturally Aspirated), EDZ (Turbocharged); Displacement: 2378 cc; Bore x Stroke: 87.5 mm x 98.0 mm; Compression Ratio: 9.4:1 (NA), 8.1:1 (Turbo); Horsepower: 150 hp @ 5500 RPM (NA), 186 hp @ 5200 RPM (Turbo); Torque: 165 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM (NA), 233 lb-ft @ 2100 RPM (Turbo); Valvetrain: DOHC, 16 valves.

2.5L V6 Sohc:

Engine Code: EDB; Displacement: 2492 cc; Bore x Stroke: 84.5 mm x 73.3 mm; Compression Ratio: 9.4:1; Horsepower: 164 hp @ 5500 RPM; Torque: 187 lb-ft @ 4300 RPM; Valvetrain: SOHC, 24 valves (60-degree V-angle).

0-60 Mph:

Approx. 9.5-11 seconds (Varies by engine and transmission)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for most engines, higher for turbo)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 8.0 quarts (7.6 liters) for 2.0L/2.4L, 9.0 quarts (8.5 liters) for 2.5L V6

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

Likely a 5-speed manual for base models (specific code not provided in product info, potentially Getrag or Chrysler design).

Optional Transmission:

42LE 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (common across most engine options)

Automatic Features:

Lock-up torque converter for improved fuel economy at highway speeds.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mopar ATF+4 (or equivalent, check manual for exact spec for 42LE)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

108.0 inches (2743 mm)

Length:

193.2 inches (4907 mm)

Width:

70.5 inches (1791 mm)

Height:

55.2 inches (1402 mm)

Front Headroom:

39.1 inches (993 mm)

Front Legroom:

42.3 inches (1074 mm)

Rear Headroom:

37.1 inches (942 mm)

Rear Legroom:

34.6 inches (879 mm)

Trunk Volume:

16.0 cubic feet (453 liters)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3100-3400 lbs (1406-1542 kg) depending on engine and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4200-4400 lbs (1905-2000 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

Not rated (typical for the era, but models from this period generally performed moderately in frontal impacts)

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:

Not rated

ABS:

Optional on some trims, standard on higher trims and models with disc brakes all around.

Traction Control:

Rarely available or optional on higher-performance variants.

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger front airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts in all seating positions.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system not standard in 1998; ISOFIX equivalent may not be present.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Standard 4-speaker system, optional 6-speaker system.

Climate Control:

Manual climate control with A/C standard on most trims. Optional automatic climate control available on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Anti Theft:

Factory immobilizer system (likely optional or standard on higher trims).

Bluetooth:

Not available from factory.

Usb Ports:

Not available from factory.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic blend recommended). Refer to manual for specific engine recommendations.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmission, depending on driving conditions. Manual transmission fluid change interval typically 60,000-100,000 miles.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years.

Spark Plug Replacement:

2.0L SOHC/2.4L DOHC: Approx. 60,000-100,000 miles (Platinum/Iridium plugs). 2.5L V6: Approx. 30,000-60,000 miles (standard copper plugs).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 API Certified (check manual for specific viscosity and API service classification, e.g., SG, SH, SJ).

Engine Oil Capacity:

2.0L I4: 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters); 2.4L I4: 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters); 2.5L V6: 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters).

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid (or Pentosin CHF 11S, or Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid - confirm with manual)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid.

Head Gasket Failure:

Common on 2.0L and 2.4L engines, especially with higher mileage or if maintenance was neglected. Look for coolant loss, milky oil, or white smoke.

Transmission Problems:

The 42LE automatic transmission can experience solenoid issues, torque converter shudder, and occasional hard shifting. Fluid changes are critical.

Suspension Wear:

Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and struts are common due to age and mileage, leading to noise and alignment issues.

Evaporative Emission Control System:

Faulty vent or purge solenoids can trigger Check Engine Lights (CEL) related to EVAP system leaks.

Power Window Motors:

Can fail over time, requiring replacement of the motor assembly.

Heater Core Leaks:

Can fail, leading to coolant leaks inside the cabin and a sweet smell. Replacement is labor-intensive.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation, has a long history of producing robust and performance-oriented vehicles, although the Stratus falls more into the mainstream sedan category.

Stratus Introduction:

The Dodge Stratus was introduced for the 1995 model year as a replacement for the Dodge Spirit and was part of Chrysler's 'LH' platform redesign for sedans. The 1998 model is a mid-cycle refresh/evolution of this first generation.

Manufacturing Plant:

Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Sterling Heights, Michigan.

Production Years:

First Generation: 1995-2000 (Stratus sedan). The coupe variant (Stratus Coupe) was introduced later and based on a different platform.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Era Acknowledgments:

While the Stratus itself didn't receive major individual awards in 1998, the Chrysler platform it was built on was praised for its advanced styling and interior packaging for the era. It competed well in a crowded mid-size segment.