Segment:
Mid-size coupe, often marketed as a stylish and affordable option within its class.
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Ford Cougar, Honda Accord Coupe, Toyota Camry Coupe (though less common).
Design Philosophy:
European-influenced styling (shared platform with Mitsubishi Eclipse/Galant), offering a distinct look compared to some American competitors.
Value Proposition:
Positioned as a more accessible sporty coupe with a focus on design and a decent feature set for the price point.
Primary Coverage:
Vehicle operation, maintenance, features, and safety for the 2004 Dodge Stratus Coupe.
Secondary Coverage:
Routine maintenance, fluid capacities, basic troubleshooting, cleaning, and customer assistance.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 250-300 pages (typical for factory owner's manuals of this era).
Instrument Cluster:
Detailed explanation of gauges, warning lights, and indicators.
Entertainment Systems:
Operation of audio systems (radio, CD player), speaker layout, and basic settings.
Climate Controls:
Operation of HVAC system, temperature adjustments, fan speeds, air recirculation, and A/C.
Lighting System:
Operation of headlights (low/high beam), taillights, brake lights, turn signals, fog lights (if equipped), and interior lighting.
Driver Controls:
Steering wheel functions, pedal operation, shifter controls, and secondary controls (wipers, signals).
Locks And Security:
Door locking/unlocking (manual and power), keyless entry system operation, and anti-theft alarm system.
Seating And Safety Restraints:
Seat adjustment, seat belt operation and care, airbag system explanation, and child seat installation (LATCH system).
Driving Operations:
Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, braking, parking, and safe driving practices.
Cleaning And Care:
Interior and exterior cleaning recommendations, paint care, and upholstery maintenance.
Engine Compartment:
Identification of major engine components and basic checks (e.g., fluid levels).
Maintenance Schedule:
Recommended service intervals for routine maintenance tasks.
Customer Assistance:
Information on contacting customer support and reporting safety defects (U.S. only).
Basic Maintenance:
Checking and topping off engine oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid, and brake fluid.
Fluid Replacement Guidelines:
Information on when and how to check various vehicle fluids.
Tire Care:
Tire pressure recommendations, rotation advice (though detailed procedure may be limited).
Wiper Blade Replacement:
Guidance on replacing windshield wiper blades.
Bulb Replacement Guidance:
General advice on replacing common exterior and interior light bulbs.
Jump Starting:
Procedure for jump-starting the vehicle battery.
Depth:
Owner-level information focused on safe operation, basic checks, and routine maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or complex repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
Engine Option 1:
2.4L 4-Cylinder (GEMA engine family)
Engine Option 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 145-150 hp
Engine Option 1 Torque:
Approx. 155-160 lb-ft
Engine Option 2:
2.7L V6 (ECL engine family)
Engine Option 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 190-200 hp
Engine Option 2 Torque:
Approx. 200-210 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (check manual for specific engine recommendations)
Engine Oil Part Number Example:
Consult specific oil filter and oil part numbers in manual or by VIN. Typical oil filter might be Purolator PBL10245 or Wix 51515 for 4-cyl.
Engine Oil Capacity 4Cyl:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
Approx. 5.0 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter change
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Typically SAE 5W-30 (refer to manual for specific ambient temperature requirements).
Engine Oil Specification:
API Certified, ILSAC GF-3 or newer (e.g., synthetic blend or full synthetic)
Transmission Option 1:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (42LE for V6, 41TE for 4-cyl)
Transmission Option 2:
5-speed Manual Transmission (less common, primarily for 4-cylinder models)
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, adaptive shifting.
Manual Features:
Standard clutch operation.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+4 (MS-9602). Do NOT use Dexron or Mercon.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 3.0-3.5 US quarts (2.8-3.3 L) for a pan drop and refill.
Length:
Approx. 193.7 inches (4920 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.7 inches (1796 mm)
Height:
Approx. 54.8 inches (1392 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 107.4 inches (2728 mm)
Curb Weight 4Cyl:
Approx. 3100-3300 lbs (1406-1497 kg)
Curb Weight V6:
Approx. 3300-3500 lbs (1497-1588 kg)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 100 mm
Wheel Size:
Typically 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels.
Tire Size Example:
P205/55R16 or P215/50R17 (depending on trim and options).
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (refer to specific NHTSA reports for exact ratings)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (refer to specific NHTSA reports for exact ratings)
IIHS Front Overlap Moderate:
Acceptable or Good (varies by model year and testing protocol)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all models.
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some models, especially V6.
Airbags:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags. Side curtain airbags were optional or not widely available on this model year.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all occupants, front seat belt pretensioners.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM CD player with optional premium audio systems (e.g., Infinity).
Display:
Basic digital display for radio information and clock.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically available on factory systems of this era. Aftermarket solutions may be available.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors are standard on most trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic or synthetic blend oil (check manual for specific recommendation and severe driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000-20,000 miles (24,000-32,000 km) or annually, depending on driving environment.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial replacement at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) thereafter (refer to manual for exact type and interval).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Inspect fluid level and condition regularly. Replace every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on driving conditions (severe service requires more frequent changes).
Spark Plug Replacement 4Cyl:
Typically iridium spark plugs, replace around 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Copper or platinum plugs, replace around 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) (check manual for exact type).
Common Wear Items:
CV axles, catalytic converter, power window regulators, front suspension components (ball joints, tie rods), occasional transmission solenoid issues (especially on early models).
Engine Specific Concerns:
The 2.7L V6 can be prone to oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and occasional timing belt issues if not maintained (though this engine may use a timing chain or belt depending on specific build).
Air Filter Part Number Example:
Wix 49351 or Fram CA3970
Cabin Air Filter Part Number Example:
Fram CF8475A
Brand Origin:
Dodge is an American brand with a long history of producing performance-oriented vehicles and trucks.
Stratus Lineage:
The Stratus nameplate was used for both sedan and coupe models. The coupe version was heavily based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse platform, sharing many components and design cues.
Production Years:
Dodge Stratus Coupe: 2001-2005
Manufacturing Location:
USA (Sterling Heights, Michigan)