Positioning:
The Dodge Stratus was a mid-size sedan/coupe designed to offer a balance of style, comfort, and value within the Dodge lineup, competing against models like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Ford Taurus.
Competitors:
Key competitors included the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima, and Hyundai Sonata of the same era.
Features:
Available in sedan and coupe body styles, offered a choice of efficient four-cylinder and powerful V6 engines, and a generally comfortable interior. The 2002 model year saw minor updates and refinements.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Body, Interior, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Maintenance
Estimated Pages:
1500-2000
Type:
Full Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, potentially eBook)
Engine:
Detailed coverage for 2.0L DOHC I4, 2.4L DOHC I4 (including High Output), and 2.7L DOHC V6 engines. Includes engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission control systems, and engine management.
Transmission:
Comprehensive coverage for the 4-speed automatic transmission (41TE/42LE variants) and potentially manual transmission options. Includes removal, installation, internal repairs, troubleshooting, and fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) components including half-shafts, CV joints, differential, and associated seals and bearings.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems: MacPherson struts, coil springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings, sway bars, and shock absorbers. Includes alignment procedures and specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system: pump, lines, rack and pinion, steering column, and linkage. Includes troubleshooting and fluid specifications.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes (depending on trim), anti-lock braking system (ABS), hydraulic system components (master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, brake lines), parking brake, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Complete coverage of the automotive electrical system: battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, instrumentation, fuses, relays, body control modules (BCM), and wiring diagrams for all circuits.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system: A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, controls, refrigerant charging, and troubleshooting.
Body Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, latches, locks, mirrors, seats, upholstery, trim, and dashboard components. Includes removal and installation procedures.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance: oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, belt inspections and replacement, tire rotations, and battery checks.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues across all vehicle systems, including symptom-based troubleshooting and fault code interpretation.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for component replacement, overhaul, and adjustments for virtually every system on the vehicle, including engine rebuilds and transmission overhauls.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system coverage, including reading diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), clearing codes, and using scan tools for live data monitoring and component testing.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine component clearances, timing marks, alignment angles, tire pressures, fluid capacities, and electrical specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid changes and filter replacements to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repairs.
Engine 1:
2.0L DOHC I4 (Mitsubishi 4G63)
Engine 1 Hp:
132 hp @ 5800 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
130 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine 2:
2.4L DOHC I4 (Chrysler EDZ/ECC)
Engine 2 Hp:
147 hp @ 5400 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 3:
2.4L DOHC I4 (High Output, Turbocharged - Stratus R/T Coupe)
Engine 3 Hp:
168 hp @ 5400 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (est.)
Engine 4:
2.7L DOHC V6 (Chrysler EER)
Engine 4 Hp:
200 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 4 Torque:
190 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
0 60 Mph:
Varies by engine; approx. 9-10s for 4-cyl, 7-8s for V6
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded (91 Octane for 2.7L V6 recommended for optimal performance)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or as specified in the manual, especially under severe driving.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., platinum or iridium).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (2.0L/2.4L I4), 5.0 quarts (2.7L V6) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler Formula OAT (Orange) or HOAT (Gold) antifreeze, or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid.
Common Problems:
Transmission solenoid issues (especially on 41TE/42LE), oil cooler line leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks (2.7L V6), power window regulator failures, suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rod ends), occasional HVAC blower motor resistor issues.
