Model:
Stratus Convertible
Model Years Covered:
1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
Chassis Code:
JA (platform shared with Chrysler Sebring Convertible and Plymouth Breeze)
Positioning:
A stylish, mid-size convertible offering from Chrysler Corporation (under the Dodge brand) aiming for affordability and a sporty image in the convertible market of the late 1990s.
Competitors:
Ford Mustang Convertible, Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, Pontiac Firebird Convertible, Toyota Camry Solara Convertible (later models), various European convertibles.
Key Features:
Convertible bodystyle, front-wheel drive platform, choice of four-cylinder or V6 engines, relatively affordable entry price for a convertible.
Unique Selling Proposition
Usp:
The only American-market convertible offered by Dodge in this era, providing a distinct styling and open-air experience.
Primary Coverage:
Service, Maintenance, and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Specifications
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Engine:
2.0L DOHC I4 (Engine Code: EDZ), 2.4L DOHC I4 (Engine Code: EDZ/EDG), 2.5L V6 SOHC (Engine Code: 6G73)
Transmission:
42LE Automatic Transmission
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated Disc, Rear: Disc (with ABS availability)
Suspension:
Front: MacPherson Strut, Rear: Multi-link Independent
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instruments, Power Accessories, Body Control Modules
Body And Chassis:
Convertible Top Operation and Repair, Frame and Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Interior Trim
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation
Fuel System:
Fuel Tank, Fuel Pump, Fuel Injectors, Fuel Lines
Steering:
Power Steering System
Exhaust:
Exhaust Manifold, Catalytic Converter, Muffler
Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Tune-ups, Belt and Hose Inspection
Repair:
Engine Component Replacement, Transmission Overhaul, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Convertible Top Mechanism Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures for Common Issues, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Diagnostic Codes, Scan Tool Data Interpretation, System-Specific Diagnostics
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic to advanced repairs, including complete engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system troubleshooting, and bodywork.
Engine 1:
2.0L SOHC Inline-4 (Mitsubishi 4G93)
Engine 1 Power:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
125 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 2:
2.4L DOHC Inline-4 (Chrysler EDZ)
Engine 2 Power:
150 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
160 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 3:
2.5L SOHC V6 (Mitsubishi 6G73)
Engine 3 Power:
164 hp @ 5750 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
160 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
0-60 Mph Estimate:
9-11 seconds (depending on engine and transmission)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular (87 Octane)
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
4-star (driver), 4-star (passenger) for earlier models tested.
Active Safety:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Passive Safety:
Driver and Passenger Airbags, Front Seatbelt Pretensioners, Reinforced Door Beams
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Limited digital integration by modern standards.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited; ABS was an option. No advanced electronic driver aids like traction control or stability control were common.
Connectivity Options:
No integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Aftermarket solutions are typically required for modern phone integration.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions, consult manual for specifics).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (recommended service interval).
Coolant Change:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles (depending on coolant type, usually 5 years or 100k for HOAT/OAT).
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to owner's manual for exact viscosity based on temperature).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) for 2.0L/2.4L I4, 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) for 2.5L V6 (with filter change).
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent.
Common Issues Engine:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses, water pump), potential head gasket issues on some models, intake manifold gasket leaks on V6.
Common Issues Transmission:
Slipping gears, harsh shifting, potential failure of solenoids or torque converter clutch in the 42LE transmission.
Common Issues Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, worn ball joints, worn sway bar links, premature strut wear.
Common Issues Electrical:
Faulty power window regulators, door lock actuators, issues with the convertible top motor and switches, alternator failures, instrument cluster problems.
Common Issues Body:
Convertible top fabric wear and leaks, hydraulic cylinder leaks for the top, interior trim piece detachment, body rust in certain climates.
Brand Heritage:
Dodge, as a division of Chrysler, has a long history of producing performance-oriented vehicles and American muscle cars. In the 1990s, the brand diversified into more mainstream segments.
Platform:
Based on the Chrysler JA platform, shared with the Chrysler Sebring Convertible and Plymouth Breeze. This platform was designed to offer front-wheel drive.
Design Era:
Part of Chrysler's 'cab-forward' design era, characterized by a forward-mounted windshield and short deck.
Production Period:
1995-2000
Manufacturing Location:
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA
Award Type:
General market reception rather than specific major awards. Often considered a value-oriented convertible.
Consumer Reports Rating:
Varied over the years, with common complaints often revolving around reliability in certain areas, particularly electronics and convertible top mechanisms.
Certification:
N/A (Not applicable for a specific manual product)
