🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Stratus

Year:

2002

Model Variant:

Sedan

Platform:

Chrysler JA (Updated)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size sedan, positioned as an affordable and practical family car.

Key Competitors 2002:

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

Design Philosophy:

Aimed to offer a comfortable ride, spacious interior, and available V6 power at a competitive price point.

Trim Levels:

Likely offered in SE and ES trims, with variations in standard equipment and engine options.

User Advantage:

Empowers owners and independent repair shops to perform maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs efficiently and correctly, reducing reliance on dealerships and saving costs.

Information Source:

Provides the same level of detail and accuracy as used by authorized Dodge dealerships and professional mechanics.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Systems Overview:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Brakes, Steering, HVAC, Electrical, Body, Emissions, Lubrication, Maintenance, Audio, Restraints, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Lighting, Security, Wipers/Washers, Wiring.

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific edition, typically 1500-3000 pages for comprehensive factory service manuals.

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF (Printable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Detailed diagnostics, component testing, repair procedures for 2.0L 4-cylinder (Emergency Variable Valve Timing - EVVT) and 2.7L 24-valve V6 engines.

Transmission Transaxle:

Service and repair for the 4-speed automatic transmission (41TE/42LE) including torque converter, valve body, clutch packs, and electronic controls.

Brakes:

Front disc, rear drum (standard on some trims) and front/rear disc brake systems. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) operation, diagnostics, and component replacement.

Suspension:

Front MacPherson strut independent suspension, rear multi-link independent suspension. Wheel alignment specifications, shock absorber/strut replacement, control arm service.

Steering:

Power rack and pinion steering system. Tie rod ends, steering column, power steering pump and fluid service.

Electrical Systems:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing, starter motor, alternator, battery service, fuse and relay locations, charging system diagnostics.

Heating Air Conditioning:

HVAC system operation, refrigerant handling, compressor service, evaporator and condenser replacement, blower motor, blend door actuators.

Body Frame:

Body panel repair, bumper removal/installation, door and glass service, interior trim removal, chassis and frame component identification.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid), spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, belt replacement.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, HVAC problems, brake system malfunctions, utilizing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for engine component overhaul, transmission rebuild basics, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair and replacement.

Component Replacement:

Detailed guides for replacing major components such as alternators, starters, fuel pumps, water pumps, radiators, exhaust systems, and body panels.

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced diagnostics including sensor testing, actuator testing, module communication checks (CAN bus), and power/ground checks.

Electrical Diagrams:

Complete, high-resolution wiring schematics for all vehicle systems, including power distribution, grounds, and sensor circuits.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities and types, electrical specifications, alignment specifications, and emissions control information.

Illustrations:

Highly detailed exploded view diagrams and step-by-step illustrations to guide complex repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text within the PDF, enabling quick navigation to specific topics.

Print Quality:

Printable pages allow for physical copies for use in the workshop.

Binding Type Digital:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type Digital:

N/A (Digital Download)

Operating Systems:

Compatible with all versions of Windows and Mac OS.

Software Requirements:

Adobe Acrobat Reader, WinZip (or equivalent decompression software).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine:

2.0L SOHC 4-cylinder (Chrysler/Mitsubishi design)

Optional Engine:

2.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 (Chrysler EER engine)

Base Engine Horsepower:

Approximately 132 hp @ 5600 rpm (for 2.0L)

Base Engine Torque:

Approximately 130 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm (for 2.0L)

Optional Engine Horsepower:

Approximately 200 hp @ 5800 rpm (for 2.7L V6)

Optional Engine Torque:

Approximately 192 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (for 2.7L V6)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port fuel injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)

ECU:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) with OBD-II diagnostics

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic transmission (41TE/42LE family)

Manual Transmission Availability:

Not typically available for the 2002 model year in North America.

Overdrive:

Includes overdrive (4th gear) for improved fuel efficiency.

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Mopar Automatic Transmission Fluid)

Transmission Fluid Capacity Approx:

Approximately 6.5 to 8.0 quarts (6.2 to 7.6 liters) for a fluid change and filter.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 193.9 inches (4925 mm)

Width:

Approximately 70.4 inches (1788 mm)

Height:

Approximately 57.1 inches (1450 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 107.7 inches (2735 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

Approximately 3100 - 3300 lbs (1406 - 1497 kg), depending on engine and equipment.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Approx:

Approximately 4250 lbs (1928 kg)

Trunk Volume Approx:

Approximately 15.5 cubic feet (0.44 cubic meters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver Rating:

Likely 4 out of 5 stars (Good performance in frontal crash tests).

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger Rating:

Likely 4 out of 5 stars (Good performance in frontal crash tests).

IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:

Acceptable to Good, depending on specific year and testing methodology updates.

ABS:

Standard or optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (TCS) available on higher trims.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side-impact airbags.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts for all occupants, with pretensioners for front seats.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player and optional cassette player. Speaker configuration varies by trim level.

Display Technology:

Basic analog gauges for speed, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. No digital displays for primary functions.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional speed control (cruise control).

Phone Integration:

No factory integration for smartphones or Bluetooth connectivity in this model year.

Power Windows Locks:

Power windows and door locks were common features, especially on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, with synthetic blend oil. Check owner's manual for specific recommendations.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect annually, replace as needed. Often located behind the glove box.

Spark Plug Replacement 4Cyl:

Typically every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum or iridium tipped spark plugs.

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

Typically every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum or iridium tipped spark plugs.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20 synthetic blend recommended by Chrysler for this era. Check owner's manual for exact specification.

Coolant Type:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF+4 or specific power steering fluid as per owner's manual.

Engine Issues:

Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, intake manifold gaskets. Potential for sludge buildup in the 2.7L V6 if oil changes are neglected. Ignition coil failures can cause misfires.

Transmission Issues:

Occasional harsh shifting or solenoid issues in the automatic transmission. Torque converter shudder.

Suspension Issues:

Worn front control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends leading to steering looseness and tire wear.

Electrical Issues:

Window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failures, and intermittent dashboard warning lights are common.

Exhaust Issues:

Corrosion and failure of exhaust components, particularly mufflers and catalytic converters, in areas with road salt.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge History:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler), has a long history of producing reliable and performance-oriented vehicles.

Stratus Generation:

This is part of the second generation Dodge Stratus, introduced for the 2001 model year. It received updated styling, interior, and a revised platform derived from the Chrysler CCX platform (shared with Chrysler Sebring and Mitsubishi Eclipse).

Manufacturing Location:

Stirling Heights, Michigan, USA.

Production Span Second Gen:

2001-2006.