Replacing oil pan on 2003 dodge stratus - 2003 Dodge Stratus

Make sure you work in a very clean area when exposing the engine internals such as you will be doing. 

First drain the oil and remove the oil filter. This should be an obvious starting point, but it is still worth mentioning. 

Under the car, you should have a small black metal structural collar that connects the oil pan to the transmission bell housing. Remove the four bolts that mount this, and remove it. Then remove the 10+ small bolts around the edge of the pan. The pan may be stuck very tightly to the engine block. Be careful of the mating surface where the pan contacts the bottom of the engine block. Do not use a metal crow bar or screw driver in an attempt to separate the oil pan from the block. Wiggling the pan back and forth or prying with a hard plastic or composite prying device should separate the pan with minimal effort. 

If you are installing a new oil pan, buy a new oil pan gasket. Also purchase a small tube of gasket sealant. It is very inexpensive and is without a doubt one of the most valuable oil pan purchases you will make.

Remove all traces of old gasket material and sealant from both mating surfaces. Acetone will dissolve old gasket material, and so will gasoline, to a lesser degree. Check to see that there is no obvious warping on either mating surface by pressing a straightedge to each surface and checking for any gaps. Minuscule warping is not uncommon and will not cause any problems.

Apply a thin bead of the sealant on the flat mating edge and position the gasket on the pan. Press the gasket straight onto the bead of sealant and wipe off any excess. 

Then apply another thin bead of sealant to engine block mating surface, being careful not to leave an excessive amount inside the engine. A small amount will not do any damage, but always best to introduce as few foreign substances to your oil as possible. Position the pan on the block and reinstall the oil pan bolts. Tighten the bolts in three steps, working up to full torque. When tightening the bolts, always begin in the center of the pan and work toward the ends. This is a common tightening sequence and will ensure a firm, even fit.

Once all the bolts are reinstalled, reattach the structural collar and torque those bolts as well.

Give the gasket sealant an hour to cure before refilling with oil. After that you should be all set. Best of luck to you.