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Dodge Stratus Car Repair Questions and Answers

Question: 1998 Dodge Stratus mileage: 78,500. I first had this problem checked by the dealership about a year ago (68,500 miles), however I believe the problem has existed since I purchased the car new. It started out sounding like a squeak of a pad against a warped rotor, but progressed into the entire car vibrating when I hit the brakes when going downhill. Dealer replaced rotors, pads, drums, hubs, and bearings because they were not sure if it was being caused by the front or the rear, although I am quite certain that the rear brakes are the problem. All these replacements fixed the vibrating, but it still has the rotational noise when I brake (much lower pitched noise than the normal sound of squeaky pads - I also have that noise). When it is first driven, each day is when it is the loudest, it always makes a loud clunking (for lack of a better word) noise several times from the rear, and then it gradually quiets the low rotational squeak mentioned above throughout the day. The dealership is telling me that all of this is normal, but my experience is that normal noises don't make people who ride with you ask what's wrong with your car, especially a car this new with low mileage.

Answer: You definitely have a very strange problem. We really need to drive you car to experience what you described. However, in view of all the parts that have been replaced and or inspected, we suggest taking a good look at the tires.

Question: 1995 Dodge Stratus mileage: 125,000. Can't seem to get to/locate the drain for the radiator to change the antifreeze. The bumper extends beyond the radiator underneath and obstructs it. Don't want to pay to have it done. Any clues? Also, I have a whine in the power steering which I hear is common among them. Fluid is full. Any help? Last but not least, I can see the front 3 spark plugs to change, but I have the side-sitting (V-6, 2.8L) and can't seem to locate/get to the back three. What do you think?

Answer: The radiator drain is located on the bottom of the radiator. If you are unable to easily locate it, try removing the bottom radiator hose as a second way to drain the cooling system. The power steer pump noise may be caused by a failing pump – check it out. The back three spark plugs are difficult to change; we suggest doing this with the engine stone cold.

Question: 1996 Dodge Stratus mileage: 108,000. Recently my car started pulling to the right gradually it worsened to the point were its a fight to keep it strait there is a constant vibration or shutter very noticeable in the steering wheel the tire pressure on both tires is fine at specification. Could this be as simple as the tire balance or alignment?

Answer: Your problem may be due to improper wheel alignment. Also, try rotating the tires front to back to eliminate the tires themselves as being the problem. You may have a faulty tire. Check the CV joint on the drive axles too.

Question: 1998 Dodge Stratus mileage: 90,000. My kids have locked up the car alarm system (factory). I have tried everything to try and start my car but the starter will not turn over. All of the dash lights come on but when you turn the ignition nothing happens>>>frustrated

Answer: You should be able to reset your alarm by inserting the door key in the drivers door lock and locking and unlocking the door.

Question: 1996 Dodge Stratus mileage: 42,000. I got a new fuel filter but I cannot find where to install it. Do you know just where the fuel filter is located on the 1996 dodge Stratus? Mahalo for any information you could provide.

Answer: The fuel filter is located close to the fuel tank.

Question: I have a 1996 Dodge Stratus . It started leaking oil about a week ago. I put it on a lift and it looks like the head gasket is the problem. I know for sure that it is not the valve cover gasket because it is dry all the around it. The car runs well. I was told about an oil-sending unit that is made out of plastic that tends to erode on this type of vehicle. Any ideas? Please help.

Answer: Check the distributor reference sensor in the end of the cylinder head. The "O" ring seal may be leaking. Take a close look at the head gasket, it may be blown as well.

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