🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Stratus Year: 1995-2000 Codes Chassis Code: JA (First Generation) 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Segment: Mid-size sedan, competitor to Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord Competitive Analysis Platform Sharing: Shared platform (Chrysler JA platform) with Chrysler Cirrus, Sebring Sedan, and Plymouth Breeze Key Features Design Philosophy: Aerodynamic styling, focus on passenger comfort and interior space for its class Trim Levels: Typically offered in base (SE), mid-range (LE), and premium (LXi) trims 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Covered Models: Dodge Stratus (1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000) Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1500-2500 (typical for full WSMs) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual (WSM) / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (likely PDF), professional quality 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: 2.0L I4 (SOHC), 2.4L I4 (DOHC), 2.5L V6 (Mitsubishi) Transmission: 4-speed Automatic (41TE, 42LE); Manual transmission (Getrag/Chrysler) Brakes: Front Disc, Rear Drum; ABS System Suspension: Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Independent Multilink Steering: Power Rack and Pinion Electrical: Complete wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, comfort controls HVAC: Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation System Diagnostics and Repair Body: Exterior body panels, interior trim, glass, doors, latches, locks Chassis: Frame, body structure, exhaust system, fuel system, cooling system Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacements, spark plug replacement Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for all major systems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides Repair: Step-by-step repair instructions for engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical components, body, HVAC Diagnostics: OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing, sensor readings Specifications: Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds; includes detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Quality: High resolution, searchable text, printable pages Print Quality Print Quality: Professional quality, factory standard Binding Type Binding: N/A (for digital format, but if printed, typically bound for durability) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (for digital format, but if printed, typically heavy-duty paper) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine 1 Displacement: 2.0L (122 cu in) SOHC I4 Engine 1 Power: 114 hp @ 5200 rpm Engine 1 Torque: 130 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm Optional Engine Engine 2 Displacement: 2.4L (148 cu in) DOHC I4 Engine 2 Power: 150 hp @ 6000 rpm Engine 2 Torque: 160 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm Engine 3 Displacement: 2.5L (152 cu in) SOHC V6 (Mitsubishi 6G73) Engine 3 Power: 170 hp @ 6000 rpm Engine 3 Torque: 180 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm Performance 0-60 Mph: Varies by engine, approximately 8.5-10.5 seconds Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) Recommended Fuel: 87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (check specific model requirements) 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 5-speed Manual (Getrag/Chrysler) for 2.0L I4; 4-speed Automatic for other engines Optional Optional Transmission: 4-speed Automatic (41TE/42LE) for 2.0L I4; 4-speed Automatic for 2.4L I4 and 2.5L V6 Features Automatic Features: Lock-up torque converter, electronic control Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid: ATF+4 (or equivalent, check manual for exact specification and change interval) Manual Transmission Fluid: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil (or equivalent) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approximately 193.7 inches Width: Approximately 70.2 inches Height: Approximately 55.2 inches Wheelbase: Approximately 106.4 inches Cargo Trunk Volume: Approximately 14.2 cubic feet Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 3100-3400 lbs (varies by engine and trim) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 4/5 Stars (driver/passenger, varies by year) IIHS Side Impact: Acceptable (varies by year) Active Features ABS: Standard on most models, optional on some base trims Traction Control: Optional on higher trims or with V6 engine Passive Features Airbags: Dual front airbags standard; optional side airbags on some models Seatbelts: Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners in front 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM radio with cassette or CD player; optional premium sound system Speakers: Typically 4-6 speakers Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard or optional depending on trim level Connectivity Power Accessories: Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for exact interval and oil type) Transmission Service Interval: Automatic transmission fluid flush/change every 30,000-60,000 miles (check manual) Spark Plug Replacement Interval: Approximately 100,000 miles for platinum/iridium plugs, refer to manual for specific engine type Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40, API SN or SP (refer to manual for specific viscosity and classification) Coolant: Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water), HOAT type (refer to manual) Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual) Known Issues Engine Mounts: Premature wear and failure of engine mounts is common, leading to vibration and clunking noises. Transmission Issues: Early automatic transmissions can experience slipping, harsh shifting, or failure to engage gears. Suspension Components: Worn ball joints, tie rod ends,...
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds; includes detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Quality:
High resolution, searchable text, printable pages
Print Quality
Print Quality:
Professional quality, factory standard
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (for digital format, but if printed, typically bound for durability)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (for digital format, but if printed, typically heavy-duty paper)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.0L (122 cu in) SOHC I4
Engine 1 Power:
114 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
130 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Optional Engine
Engine 2 Displacement:
2.4L (148 cu in) DOHC I4
Engine 2 Power:
150 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
160 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine 3 Displacement:
2.5L (152 cu in) SOHC V6 (Mitsubishi 6G73)
Engine 3 Power:
170 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
180 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm
Performance
0-60 Mph:
Varies by engine, approximately 8.5-10.5 seconds
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (check specific model requirements)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual (Getrag/Chrysler) for 2.0L I4; 4-speed Automatic for other engines
Optional
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (41TE/42LE) for 2.0L I4; 4-speed Automatic for 2.4L I4 and 2.5L V6
Features
Automatic Features:
Lock-up torque converter, electronic control
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (or equivalent, check manual for exact specification and change interval)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil (or equivalent)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approximately 193.7 inches
Width:
Approximately 70.2 inches
Height:
Approximately 55.2 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 106.4 inches
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 14.2 cubic feet
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3100-3400 lbs (varies by engine and trim)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (driver/passenger, varies by year)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (varies by year)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on some base trims
Traction Control:
Optional on higher trims or with V6 engine
Passive Features
Airbags:
Dual front airbags standard; optional side airbags on some models
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners in front
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM radio with cassette or CD player; optional premium sound system
Speakers:
Typically 4-6 speakers
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional depending on trim level
Connectivity
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for exact interval and oil type)
Transmission Service Interval:
Automatic transmission fluid flush/change every 30,000-60,000 miles (check manual)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Approximately 100,000 miles for platinum/iridium plugs, refer to manual for specific engine type
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40, API SN or SP (refer to manual for specific viscosity and classification)
Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water), HOAT type (refer to manual)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual)
Known Issues
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear and failure of engine mounts is common, leading to vibration and clunking noises.
Transmission Issues:
Early automatic transmissions can experience slipping, harsh shifting, or failure to engage gears.
Suspension Components:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and strut mounts can cause steering looseness and noise.
Power Window Motors:
Failure of power window motors and regulators.
Heater Core:
Leaking heater core, often requiring dashboard removal for replacement.
Radiator Fans:
Failure of radiator fan motors, leading to overheating.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler)
Model Evolution
First Generation Introduction:
1995 model year
Facelift:
Minor styling updates, especially in 1998
Production
Assembly Location:
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Journal Awards:
While specific major awards are not prominent for the Stratus, it was a significant volume seller for Dodge in the mid-size segment during its production run.