🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Stratus Year: 1998 Codes Chassis Code: JA Platform: Chrysler JA Platform 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Mid-size Sedan (Family Sedan) Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima Key Features Design Philosophy: Designed to offer a comfortable and spacious interior with a focus on value for money and practicality. Powertrain Options: Offered with economical four-cylinder engines, targeting mainstream buyers. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Covered Models: Dodge Stratus 1998 (All Trim Levels) Page Count Estimated Pages: Approx. 1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (2.0L, 2.4L DOHC), Transmission (Automatic) Chassis: Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS) Electrical: Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Ignition, Charging System, Starting System, Body Control Modules Body: Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass, Doors, Body Sealing HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication Diagnostics: Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Diagnosis Repair: Component Removal and Installation, Engine Overhaul, Transmission Overhaul, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement Calibration: Wheel Alignment Specifications, Steering Alignment Procedures Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive (from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures) 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable (if professionally scanned/created) Print Quality Quality: High-resolution scans/digital creation ensuring clarity of diagrams and text Binding Type Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine 1: 2.0L SOHC Inline-4 (Mitsubishi 4G63 variant) Engine 1 Displacement: 1997 cc (122 cu in) Engine 1 Horsepower: 114 hp @ 5,500 rpm Engine 1 Torque: 130 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm Optional Engine Engine 2: 2.4L DOHC Inline-4 (Chrysler World Engine) Engine 2 Displacement: 2429 cc (148 cu in) Engine 2 Horsepower: 145 hp @ 5,800 rpm Engine 2 Torque: 154 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended) Cooling System Coolant Type: Chrysler/Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent (e.g., Zerex G-05) Coolant Capacity: Approx. 8.0 - 9.0 Quarts (7.6 - 8.5 Liters) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-Speed Automatic Transaxle (Chrysler 41TE/42LE variants) Optional Type: None (Manual transmission was not typically offered on North American Stratus models of this generation) Features Transmission Fluid: ATF+4 (Mopar equivalent recommended for optimal performance and longevity) Transmission Fluid Capacity: Approx. 7.5 - 8.5 Quarts (7.1 - 8.0 Liters) (Dry fill) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 193.4 inches (4913 mm) Width: Approx. 70.2 inches (1783 mm) Height: Approx. 55.1 inches (1400 mm) Wheelbase: Approx. 108.0 inches (2743 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3,100 - 3,300 lbs (1406 - 1497 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 4,150 lbs (1882 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Driver Front Impact: 4 Stars (for 1998 models) NHTSA Passenger Front Impact: 4 Stars (for 1998 models) IIHS Side Impact: Acceptable (for models equipped with side airbags, which were less common in 1998) Active Features ABS: Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all four wheels Traction Control: Not widely available on base models, but potentially on higher trims or optional. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (Standard) Seat Belts: Three-point inertia-reel seat belts in all seating positions, Pretensioners for front seats 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM stereo with cassette player and optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level. Climate Control: Manual climate control system with A/C standard on most trims. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most models. Connectivity Connectivity Options: Limited by 1998 standards; primarily focused on basic audio and comfort features. No advanced connectivity like Bluetooth or USB. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection. Spark Plug Replacement: Approx. 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs (refer to manual for exact type). Transmission Fluid Change: Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km) or as recommended by the manual. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG or SH) Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4 Power Steering Fluid: Chrysler Power Steering Fluid or Dexron II/III equivalent Known Issues Common Problems: Issues can include intake manifold gasket leaks, power steering pump failure, transmission control module (TCM) issues, and interior trim wear. Suspension components (ball joints, tie rods) can also wear over time. Electrical Issues: Window regulators, power lock actuators, and dashboard warning lights can be intermittent failures. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Dodge Legacy: Dodge, as part of Chrysler, has a long history in producing American sedans and family vehicles, known for a...
Acceptable (for models equipped with side airbags, which were less common in 1998)
Active Features
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all four wheels
Traction Control:
Not widely available on base models, but potentially on higher trims or optional.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (Standard)
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts in all seating positions, Pretensioners for front seats
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player and optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.
Climate Control:
Manual climate control system with A/C standard on most trims.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
Limited by 1998 standards; primarily focused on basic audio and comfort features. No advanced connectivity like Bluetooth or USB.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs (refer to manual for exact type).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km) or as recommended by the manual.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG or SH)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler Power Steering Fluid or Dexron II/III equivalent
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Issues can include intake manifold gasket leaks, power steering pump failure, transmission control module (TCM) issues, and interior trim wear. Suspension components (ball joints, tie rods) can also wear over time.
Electrical Issues:
Window regulators, power lock actuators, and dashboard warning lights can be intermittent failures.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge, as part of Chrysler, has a long history in producing American sedans and family vehicles, known for a range of performance and value-oriented models.
Model Evolution
Generation Introduction:
The Dodge Stratus was introduced in 1995 for the 1996 model year as a replacement for the Dodge Spirit and Chrysler LeBaron sedan. It was part of Chrysler's 'cloud car' lineup.
1998 Updates:
The 1998 model year saw minor revisions, often focusing on feature packaging and option availability. The core platform and powertrain remained largely consistent with earlier models.
Production
Manufacturing Plant:
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA
Production Years:
1995-2006 (for the first generation, with facelifts and platform sharing)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Jdpowers Ratings:
JD Power and Associates rankings for the Stratus in the mid-size segment varied in its early years, often placing below segment leaders for initial quality and long-term dependability.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reputation:
Consumer Reports often flagged certain reliability concerns with Chrysler products of this era, particularly regarding the transmission and certain engine components. However, specific ratings can vary by model year and engine.