Oil Pan Removal for a 1995 Stratus 2.4
Dodge introduced the Stratus in 1995 as a mid-size sedan with four doors. The Stratus models had three variations of engine size: 2.0 liters, 2.4 liters or 2.5 liters. Like many sedans, the 2.4 liter engine Stratus sits relatively low to the road, running the risk of a large rock or pot hole damaging the oil pan. Spots of oil under the Stratus could indicate a leak in the oil pan. Six bolts have to be removed and a wedge driven between the oil pan and the mount. The good news is that the job is straightforward--once you get the car lifted, the oil pan is in plain sight. With the right tools, expect to spend an afternoon removing the oil pan from your Stratus.
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Things You'll Need
- Socket wrench set
- Car jack
- Two car stands
- Plastic gloves
- Long flat-head screwdriver
- Mallet
- Plastic bin
Instructions
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1
Check the temperature gauge on the dashboard inside the Stratus. Note when the gauge reads lukewarm. Removing the oil pan (which requires draining the dirty oil) when the engine is hot may lead to the dirty oil burning your fingers.
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2
Raise the sedan using a car jack and jack stands. Place the car jack behind the front driver's side tire on the chassis itself. Slide a jack stand under the car once the Stratus is lifted on the driver's side. Place the jack stand under a spot on the chassis, and lower the vehicle. Repeat this process for the passenger's side.
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3
Put on the plastic gloves and slide under the vehicle from the front keeping the crescent wrench and plastic bin within arm's reach.
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4
Look for the oil pan, which is large and metallic gray. There's a bolt plug sticking out of the oil pan. Place the plastic bin underneath this bolt.
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5
Loosen the bolt with the crescent wrench to start and then when it's loose enough, finish with your hand. Some oil will splash on your hand as it first drains into the bin. Simply remove the dirty glove and get another one. Wait to proceed until all the oil has drained from the oil pan.
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6
Use a 9mm socket wrench to take off the bolts holding the oil pan to the engine mount. These are located around the perimeter of the oil pan. Place them to the side.
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7
Insert the head of the flat-head screwdriver between the lip of the oil pan and the mount and strike the butt of it with a mallet. This will wedge the flat head between the pan and mount, helping you pry it off. Continue around the perimeter until the oil pan comes off.
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Tips & Warnings
Dispose of the dirty oil in the plastic bin at a mechanic's shop, where they can use it to run tools.
