🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Stratus

Year:

2002

Product Type:

Service and Repair Manual

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size sedan (four-door)

Target Market:

Family car, daily driver, affordable transportation.

Key Competitors:

Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Taurus, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima.

Value Proposition:

Affordability, practicality, comfortable ride, available with multiple engine options.

Dealer Equivalence:

Provides same information as dealership technicians use.

📋 Manual Details

All Models:

Yes (all trim levels and configurations)

Repair Scope:

A-Z (comprehensive from basic maintenance to major repairs)

Target Audience:

Professional Technicians / Dealerships

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Likely Digital (PDF) or Printed Book (specification dependent on source, often digital for resale)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, automatic transmission, manual transmission.

Chassis:

Brake system (ABS, rear drum/disc), steering system, suspension system (front MacPherson strut, rear independent), wheel and tire specifications.

Electrical:

Charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, climate control, power accessories, body control module (BCM), powertrain control module (PCM), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Body:

Body panels, doors, windows, mirrors, interior trim, bumpers, paint and coatings, corrosion protection.

Emission Controls:

Components and diagnostics for the evaporative emission control system (EVAP), positive crankcase ventilation (PCV), and catalytic converter system.

Maintenance:

Oil change intervals, fluid checks and replacements (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-to-cause analysis, wiring diagrams for electrical faults, fuel system diagnostics, ignition system diagnostics, emissions control diagnostics.

Repair:

Engine component replacement (pistons, rings, valves, bearings), cylinder head removal and installation, transmission overhaul, brake component replacement, steering and suspension component replacement, electrical component repair and replacement.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostics, scan tool usage, pinpoint tests, circuit testing, sensor testing, actuator testing.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all fasteners, critical for engine and chassis component assembly.

Depth:

Complete rebuilds, detailed component testing, precise torque specifications, factory-recommended procedures.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed, system-specific wiring diagrams for all electrical components and circuits.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Quality:

High-resolution, searchable text (typical for factory manuals), clear diagrams and schematics.

Print Format:

Professionally bound, durable paper (for physical copies), clear printing.

Binding:

Professional binding (e.g., spiral-bound, perfect-bound) for ease of use in a workshop environment (for printed versions).

Paper Quality:

Durable, high-quality paper suitable for workshop conditions (for printed versions).

Coverage Statement:

This manual provides exhaustive coverage for all repair and maintenance procedures, essential for accurate diagnostics and component-level servicing.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

EDZ (2.4L DOHC 16-valve I4)

Displacement 1:

2378 cc (2.4 Liters)

Horsepower 1:

150 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque 1:

165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code 2:

AWR (2.7L SOHC 24-valve V6)

Displacement 2:

2672 cc (2.7 Liters)

Horsepower 2:

175 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque 2:

185 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port fuel injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

ECM Type:

Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

🔧 Transmission

Type 1:

41TE Automatic Transaxle (4-speed)

Type 2:

NV1500 Manual Transaxle (5-speed) - Less Common on Stratus

Transaxle Fluid Type Auto:

ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Transaxle Fluid Capacity Auto:

Approximately 7.2 liters (7.6 US quarts)

Manual Transaxle Fluid:

API GL-3 or GL-4 SAE 75W-90

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4874 mm (191.9 inches)

Width:

1783 mm (70.2 inches)

Height:

1430 mm (56.3 inches)

Wheelbase:

2817 mm (110.9 inches)

Curb Weight Est Min:

1450 kg (3200 lbs) - Varies by engine/trim

Curb Weight Est Max:

1550 kg (3417 lbs) - Varies by engine/trim

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 15.0 cubic feet (0.42 cubic meters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

Good (2002 Model Year Testing)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

Good (2002 Model Year Testing)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Acceptable (for comparable models/years, check specific test results)

ABS:

Standard (on most models)

Traction Control:

Optional

Airbags Front:

Standard (driver and front passenger)

Airbags Side:

Optional (front side airbags)

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners and load limiters for front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with CD player and optional cassette, up to 6 speakers.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control.

Cruise Control:

Standard or Optional depending on trim level.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors.

OBD Ii Support:

Full OBD-II diagnostic capabilities.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (check owner's manual for specific recommendation based on driving conditions).

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically 20,000-30,000 miles).

Spark Plug Replacement I4:

2003 Model Year introduced platinum plugs with 100,000 mile interval. For 2002, check if platinum plugs are fitted, otherwise around 30,000-60,000 miles for standard plugs.

Transmission Fluid Service:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (or as per owner's manual, depending on severity of use).

Engine Oil Type I4:

SAE 5W-30 (API certified)

Engine Oil Type V6:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (API certified)

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant, P/N 05103530AA (or equivalent meeting MS-9769 specification).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Problem 1:

Transmission issues, particularly the 41TE automatic (e.g., solenoid failures, torque converter issues).

Common Problem 2:

Front suspension wear (ball joints, control arm bushings, sway bar links).

Common Problem 3:

Power window regulator failures.

Common Problem 4:

Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) system leaks, leading to check engine lights.

Common Problem 5:

Headlight condensation/fogging.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing performance-oriented and practical vehicles for the American market.

Generation:

Second Generation (DJ) Stratus

Platform:

Chrysler's JA/JC platform (shared with Chrysler Cirrus, Sebring sedan, Plymouth Breeze)

Design Era:

Late 1990s/early 2000s Chrysler design language.

Manufacturing Location:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA; Toluca, Mexico

Production Years Model:

1995-2006 (Stratus nameplate, with significant redesigns)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Recognition:

While specific awards for the 2002 Stratus are not prominent, it represented an evolution of DaimlerChrysler's mid-size offerings aimed at the mainstream market.

Consumer Reports Historical:

Historical ratings often placed the Stratus as an average-to-below-average performer in reliability and owner satisfaction compared to key competitors.