Target Audience:
Dodge Stratus owners, independent repair shops, DIY mechanics.
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Taurus, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord.
Value Proposition:
Comprehensive repair and maintenance information, enabling cost-effective vehicle ownership and repair.
Coverage Scope:
Covers all engine and transmission options available for the 2004 model year.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, component testing, timing, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting and charging system, fuel injection system, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics, sensor testing.
Transmission Automatic:
Service, repair, overhaul, torque converter, transmission control module (TCM), fluid and filter changes.
Transmission Manual:
Service, repair, overhaul, clutch system, fluid changes.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, brake caliper and rotor service, brake line replacement, parking brake.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion assembly, alignment specifications.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings, wheel bearing replacement.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, lighting, wipers, horn, power accessories, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control module, refrigerant handling.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, frame straightening (if applicable).
Restraint Systems:
Airbag system, seat belts, SRS module diagnostics.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspections/replacements, fluid checks and top-offs.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for various systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including engine, transmission, brakes, etc.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, specific component testing procedures.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds).
Engine 1:
2.4L DOHC 16V 4-Cylinder (Code: EDZ)
Engine 1 Displacement:
2378 cc (145 cu in)
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
87.5 mm x 96.0 mm
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
9.3:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
150 hp @ 5800 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 2:
2.7L DOHC 24V V6 (Code: EER)
Engine 2 Displacement:
2736 cc (167 cu in)
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 80.0 mm
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
9.7:1
Engine 2 Horsepower:
175 hp @ 5800 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
180 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine 3:
3.0L SOHC 12V V6 (Mitsubishi 6G72) (Code: 6G72)
Engine 3 Displacement:
2972 cc (181 cu in)
Engine 3 Bore X Stroke:
91.1 mm x 76.0 mm
Engine 3 Compression Ratio:
8.9:1
Engine 3 Horsepower:
160 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, 89 octane for 2.7L V6 recommended for optimal performance)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug for 2.4L and 2.7L, Distributor with coil for 3.0L.
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic (A604/40TE for 2.4L, 42LE for 2.7L and 3.0L).
Optional Transmission Type:
5-speed manual (Getrag Getrag 235/5 for 2.4L DOHC models only).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Mopar material number 05013457GA)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (API GL-5)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Good (2004 model year testing)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
Good (2004 model year testing)
NHTSA Side Driver:
Good (2004 model year testing)
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:
Good (2004 model year testing)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal:
Acceptable (2004 model year testing)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (2004 model year testing)
ABS:
Standard on all models
Traction Control:
Optional on some models
Airbags Front:
Standard dual front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
Front pretensioners and load limiters, rear 3-point seatbelts.
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) or 3 months with conventional oil. Refer to manual for specific severe duty conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
2.4L DOHC: Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with original equipment spark plugs. 2.7L V6/3.0L V6: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years for automatic transmission. Refer to manual for manual transmission. Always check fluid condition.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic (API SN or newer).
Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:
4.0 US quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change
Engine Oil Capacity 2.7L:
4.0 US quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change
Engine Oil Capacity 3.0L:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, ethylene glycol-based (pink color).
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.0-8.0 US quarts (6.6-7.6 liters) depending on engine.
Transmission Problems:
Common complaints include harsh shifting, slipping, and premature failure of the automatic transmission, particularly the 41TE/42LE units. Issues with the torque converter are also reported.
Suspension Wear:
Premature wear of ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings can lead to clunking noises and alignment issues.
Engine Cooling:
Leaks from coolant hoses, radiator, and water pump are not uncommon. Overheating can occur if not addressed promptly.
Power Steering:
Leaking power steering pumps and hoses can lead to noise and loss of power steering assist.
Electrical Gremlins:
Intermittent electrical issues, such as faulty window regulators, door lock actuators, and dashboard warning lights, can occur.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (now Stellantis), has a long history in producing a wide range of vehicles, from performance cars to family sedans.
Stratus Generation:
The 2004 Dodge Stratus is part of the second generation (2001-2006), which was a significant update to the original Stratus platform.
Platform Sharing:
Based on the Chrysler JA platform, also shared with the Chrysler Sebring sedan and Dodge Avenger (in some markets).
Production Plant:
Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA.
Production Years:
1995-2006 (Stratus nameplate, with significant updates in 2001).