Questioni have an 01 stratus that came with a tape player. i want to replace it with a factory cd player but am seeing discrepancies as far as what years will all fit, any ideas?
AnswerHi Sara,
You're not really limited to the Stratus to find a replacement CD player for your car; Chrysler started using that type of deck in 1998 in other models, and a similar deck from another car should fit yours just fine. The trouble is that Chrysler started changing the plug design for the wiring and antenna connections in the 2002 model year. Some 2002 vehicles used the newer style plugs, and some the older; but if you're looking for a radio that will fit your stock radio plugs and antenna, then you're safest sticking with the 2001 and earlier vehicles. If you get a CD player with the new style plugs, you could still use it, but you'd need to purchase adapters.
If you're looking on eBay or a similar source for a replacement radio, then see if there's a picture of the rear connectors. Your factory radio uses two 7-pin plugs; one gray and one black. If you're looking at a radio that's the same size and shape as yours, and it has the two 7-pin plugs, then it should work for you. (Sometimes there's also an additional 2-pin plug; this will still work).
Here's a list of Chrysler vehicles that used the 1.5-DIN, oval head unit like yours:
98+ Concorde
99+ 300M
98+ Dodge Intrepid
98+ LHS
01+ PT Cruiser
01+ Sebring/Stratus
01+ Town & Country / Dodge Caravan
00+ Neon
99+ Grand Cherokee
01+ Dakota and Durango
A radio from any of these vehicles should work in your Stratus.
Hope this helps!
Brian
