🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Stratus

Years Covered:

2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

Platform:

Chrysler JA/JC platform

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Dodge Stratus was positioned as a mid-size sedan, offering a balance of comfort, practicality, and affordability in the American market. It competed with vehicles like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Ford Fusion.

Strengths:

Spacious interior for its class, comfortable ride, available V6 engine options for better performance.

Weaknesses:

Interior material quality sometimes criticized, older platform design compared to some rivals, less sporty handling than some competitors.

Diy Focus:

Empowers owners to perform their own maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and fostering a deeper understanding of their vehicle.

Instant Download:

Provides immediate access to critical repair information after purchase, ideal for urgent repair needs.

Authorized Information:

Contains the same verified, detailed information used by certified technicians and dealerships.

📋 Manual Details

General Information:

True

Engine:

True

Cooling System:

True

Transmission:

True

Fuel And Emissions:

True

Steering:

True

Suspension:

True

Brakes:

True

Chassis:

True

Body:

True

Electrical System:

True

Trouble Analysis:

True

Maintenance:

True

Diagnostics:

True

Special Tools:

True

Specifications:

True

Wheels And Tires:

True

Axle:

True

Exhaust System:

True

Power Unit:

True

Estimated Pages:

Varies based on specific model year and engine, typically 1500+ pages for a complete factory service manual

Type:

Factory Repair Service Manual (Shop Manual)

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing components, oil pump, oil pan.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control module (ECM) diagnosis, sensor testing, wiring diagrams.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications, diagnosis of overheating issues.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel filter replacement, fuel pressure testing, throttle body service, fuel system diagnosis.

Emissions Control:

Evaporative emissions (EVAP) system, catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EGR system, emissions troubleshooting.

Transmission Automatic:

Transmission fluid type and capacity, torque converter, transmission removal and installation, internal component diagnosis, shift solenoid testing, hydraulic circuits.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch operation, transmission removal and installation, internal gear inspection and replacement, shift linkage adjustment.

Drivetrain And Axles:

Front wheel drive axle shaft replacement, CV joint service, differential inspection, driveshaft and universal joint service (if applicable).

Suspension Front:

MacPherson strut assembly, control arms, ball joints, sway bar links, wheel bearing replacement, alignment specifications.

Suspension Rear:

Torsion beam axle or independent suspension (depending on specific model), shock absorbers, trailing arms, alignment specifications.

Steering System:

Power steering pump, steering rack, tie rod ends, power steering fluid, steering column components, steering diagnosis.

Brake System Front:

Disc brake components: calipers, pads, rotors, brake lines, hydraulic fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.

Brake System Rear:

Disc or drum brake components: calipers/wheel cylinders, pads/shoes, rotors/drums, parking brake adjustment, hydraulic fluid specifications.

Anti-Lock Brakes:

ABS control module, wheel speed sensors, hydraulic modulator diagnosis and service, ABS warning light troubleshooting.

Body And Trim:

Door panel removal, interior trim components, exterior body panel repair and replacement, glass replacement, weatherstripping.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning system components, refrigerant types, compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater core, blower motor, climate control module, diagnosis.

Lighting System:

Headlights, taillights, interior lights, bulb replacement, wiring, fuse locations.

Body Control Module:

Diagnosis and troubleshooting of body electrical functions controlled by the BCM.

Restraint Systems:

Airbag system diagnosis, seat belt operation, SRS warning light troubleshooting.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Oil change intervals, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Systematic approaches to identify the root cause of malfunctions, including OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Repair And Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for repairing or replacing virtually all components of the vehicle.

Tune-Up Procedures:

Spark plug replacement, ignition timing checks, fuel system cleaning, air filter replacement for optimal engine performance.

Major Overhaul:

Detailed instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complex engine and transmission diagnostics and rebuilds.

Diagrams And Illustrations:

Includes detailed exploded views, wiring diagrams, schematics, and step-by-step procedural illustrations.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Compatible with all PCs and MACs

Reader Requirement:

Requires FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader

Searchability:

Searchable PDF for quick information retrieval

Printability:

Printable, allowing users to print specific pages for use during repairs.

Quality:

High-resolution digital reproduction of original factory manuals.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF format)

Paper:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine 2001-2006:

2.4L DOHC Inline-4 (GEMA)

Optional Engine 2001-2006:

2.7L DOHC V6 (EER)

Optional Engine 2003-2006:

3.0L DOHC V6 (Mitsubishi 6G72, branded as 3.0L SOHC V6 for some markets)

2.4L I4 Horsepower:

Approx. 147-150 hp

2.4L I4 Torque:

Approx. 165-170 lb-ft

2.7L V6 Horsepower:

Approx. 200 hp

2.7L V6 Torque:

Approx. 192 lb-ft

3.0L V6 Horsepower:

Approx. 200-204 hp

3.0L V6 Torque:

Approx. 205-207 lb-ft

Injection:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-speed Automatic Transaxle

Transmission Type Optional:

5-speed Manual Transaxle (Less common)

Automatic Transmission Models:

Commonly the 41TE/AE (for 2.4L) and 42LE (for V6 engines)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 193.7 inches

Width:

Approx. 70.7 inches

Height:

Approx. 57.2 inches

Wheelbase:

Approx. 112.1 inches

Curb Weight Approx:

3,100 - 3,400 lbs (depending on engine and trim)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Good (2001-2004 models)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Good (2001-2004 models)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:

Good (2001-2004 models)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:

Good (2001-2004 models)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Acceptable (varying by year)

ABS:

Standard or Optional depending on trim level and year

Traction Control:

Optional on some models

Airbags Front:

Standard Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags

Airbags Side:

Optional Side Curtain Airbags (on later models)

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional premium Infinity sound systems on higher trims. Some models offered cassette players as well.

Display Screens:

Basic digital clock and radio display. No integrated navigation or complex touchscreen systems on base models.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Auxiliary Input:

Rarely standard; often an aftermarket addition required for modern music players.

OBD Ii Port:

Standard under the dashboard for diagnostic scanning.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions. Refer to manual for exact specifications.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles, or as per manual recommendations. Crucial for longevity of the automatic transmission.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically between 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 is common, but always verify with manual for specific engine. API certified oil is required.

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) is typically specified for Chrysler/Dodge automatic transmissions of this era.

Coolant Type:

HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mopar or equivalent recommended.

Power Steering Fluid:

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

Transmission Problems:

Some models, particularly those with the 42LE transmission, can experience issues with solenoid packs, torque converters, and internal wear, especially if maintenance is neglected.

Suspension Components:

Premature wear of ball joints, tie rod ends, and strut mounts can occur due to road conditions and vehicle weight.

Engine Gaskets:

Potential for oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil pan gaskets over time.

Power Window Motors:

Can be prone to failure, requiring replacement of the motor assembly.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Heritage:

Dodge has a long history of producing reliable and performance-oriented vehicles, often targeting value-conscious consumers with a focus on practicality and American muscle car heritage.

Stratus Generation 2:

The 2001-2006 Stratus represents the second generation, often referred to as the 'Phase II' Stratus. It received significant styling updates and platform enhancements over its predecessor.

Manufacturing Location:

Belvidere, Illinois, USA