It is imperative that you ensure your spark plugs are in good condition. There’s a good chance you will need to replace your old and worn out spark plugs several times during your ownership of a 1999 Dodge Stratus. Spark plugs are one of the most important parts inside your engine as they begin the entire combustion process that starts and keeps your engine running for many thousands of miles. Like most engine components, spark plugs experience wear over time and eventually need to be replaced, but fortunately this is a repair you can do on your own. Chances are, if you’ve found yourself here, you have no idea how to do that, or perhaps you’d just like to know what kind of spark plugs you need to buy. The complete process of changing your spark plugs should take approximately 20-45 minutes. This article will go over everything you will need to know about your Dodge Stratus’s spark plugs, whether you need some baseline information or a full, step-by-step guide to performing a spark plug change.
Correct spark plugs on a 1999 Dodge Stratus
Recommended 2.0L L4 1999 Dodge Stratus Spark Plugs
Recommended 2.4L L4 1999 Dodge Stratus Spark Plugs
Recommended 2.5L V6 1999 Dodge Stratus Spark Plugs
These spark plugs are an exact fit for their respective engines and will match the required specifications. Ensure you purchase the correct amount of spark plugs for your engine corresponding to the number of cylinders. Occasionally manufacturers will bundle spark plugs in quantities that make it nearly impossible to buy the exact amount you need for your engine. In this case, it can’t hurt to purchase enough for your next two spark plug changes just so you will always have a new set ready. We always try to recommend the best possible spark plugs for the money, and these spark plugs are either a factory recomendation or an equivalent replacement available in today’s market at a reasonable price.
How often should I change my spark plugs?
Generally, it is advised that you replace spark plugs once every 20,000 to 40,000 miles. Of course, please make sure to check your owner’s manual to determine the specific interval determined by Dodge for the 1999 Stratus. Of course, if you drive your vehicle more aggressively or own a Stratus with some modifications, you may want to consider changing your spark plugs closer to the 20,000 miles end of that spectrum.
However, there are also telltale signs of a car that may potentially need a spark plug replacement earlier than the recommended schedule, such as:
- Engine misfiring
- Rough idle
- Problems starting your engine
As a quick note, keep in mind that this list is of course not comprehensive, and these problems on their own do not definitively point to the spark plugs being the standalone culprit. However, the best way to prevent any issues with your vehicle is to take care of it with organized maintenance, and you are definitely doing so with the responsible decision to replace your Dodge Stratus’s spark plugs on a regular basis.
Changing spark plugs on a 1999 Dodge Stratus
This is a process you can do on your own with some standard garage tools. Of course, consult your owner’s manual, as well as a factory service manual (FSM for short) or an equivalent Haynes or Chiltons manual. The video shown below does a good job of outlining the process.
Helpful Tools
- A set of spark plug sockets – These come in extremely handy because many standard sockets are not deep enough for spark plugs. Also, some spark plug holes are a bit smaller, so it requires a thinner wall like the one featured in the product here to fit. The linked product also features a magnet to keep a good hold of the spark plug so you do not drop it into your engine bay!
- A spark plug tester – this is definitely a niche tool, but it can save you lots of time. Although we’ve discussed spark plug replacement being a good thing to replace regularly and not just when issues occur, you may also be replacing your spark plugs because of an issue. This tool can help you diagnose the exact problem.
- A spark plug gap tool. This allows you to check the gap of your spark plugs and change it if necessary. Most plugs will come pregapped, but if not, you should for sure have one of these.
- I also highly recommend you have a feeler gauge as it makes it a bit easier to check the exact gap, and it is useful for a decent number of other jobs.
- A torque wrench is a vital tool to have in your toolbox. You will want to check your FSM (factory service manual) or owner’s manual to determine the correct torque rating to use when putting in the new spark plugs for your 1999 Dodge Stratus to be sure they are installed properly.
Tips for changing spark plugs on your 1999 Dodge Stratus
- Your engine should be completely COLD before you replace your spark plugs. Wait at least 30 minutes after your engine has been running before attempting to replace the spark plugs on your 1999 Dodge Stratus
- Before beginning, disconnect the negative terminal of your battery. You should always disconnect the battery anytime you work on the electrical system of your Dodge Stratus or any other vehicle.
- You might consider using dielectric grease when installing new spark plugs. You can apply a a little bit to the inside of the boot and the ceramic part of your spark plugs. It prevents voltage leak and helps avoid the misfortune of the boot fusing to the spark plug over time.
- During this process, one of the most vital things to ensure you do is to avoid overtightening the plugs or worse, cracking them due to overtightenting. Use a torque wrench capable of lower, more precise torque ratings to be sure that you don’t make this mistake.
- Note that this is not official advice as many spark plug manufacturers advise against the use of anti-seize. However, I have heard from numerous old-school mechanics that they always apply a light coating of anti-seize to the threads of their spark plugs, especially on older vehicles.