🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Stratus

Model Years Covered:

2002, 2003

Platform:

Chrysler JR41 platform

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Sedan

Target Audience:

Owner-operators, independent repair shops, DIY enthusiasts

Competitors:

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

Vehicle Strengths:

Comfortable ride, spacious interior for its class, availability of V6 engines, distinctive styling (especially the coupe variant).

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides factory-level repair information essential for maintaining and repairing the vehicle accurately, saving on dealership service costs.

📋 Manual Details

Overall Coverage:

Comprehensive

Engine Coverage:

2.0L 4-Cylinder, 2.4L 4-Cylinder (DOHC, Naturally Aspirated and Turbocharged), 2.7L V6 (DOHC)

Transmission Coverage:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (41TE/42LE/45RFE)

Chassis Coverage:

Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Exhaust System

Body Coverage:

Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Glass, Doors, Locks

Electrical Coverage:

Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instruments, HVAC Controls, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM)

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2000 (estimated based on typical comprehensive repair manuals for this era and complexity)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, engine control systems

Drivetrain:

Automatic transmission diagnosis and repair, differential, axles, driveshafts

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS system diagnosis and repair, parking brake

Electrical Systems:

Starting system, charging system, lighting, instruments, body electricals, HVAC controls, power accessories, safety systems (airbag, ABS)

HVAC:

Air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, heating system, ventilation

Body And Frame:

Body panel replacement, interior trim removal/installation, door and window mechanisms, glass replacement, underbody protection

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, tire rotation

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation, electrical system troubleshooting

Repair:

Engine component replacement (e.g., water pump, alternator, starter), transmission service and overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/master cylinder replacement, radiator replacement, exhaust system repair

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, scan tool usage, sensor testing, actuator testing

Component Replacement:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation

Depth:

Expert level, covering detailed diagnostics, component-level repair, and rebuilding procedures. Includes specifications, tolerances, and torque values.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content

Quality:

High-resolution images and diagrams

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.0L (1995cc)

Engine 1 Configuration:

SOHC Inline 4-Cylinder

Engine 1 Fuel System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

132 hp @ 5700 rpm (approx.)

Engine 1 Torque:

130 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Displacement:

2.4L (2378cc)

Engine 2 Configuration:

DOHC Inline 4-Cylinder

Engine 2 Fuel System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

156 hp @ 5700 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Torque:

168 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Turbo Displacement:

2.4L (2378cc)

Engine 2 Turbo Configuration:

DOHC Inline 4-Cylinder with Turbocharger

Engine 2 Turbo Fuel System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine 2 Turbo Horsepower:

168 hp @ 4900 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Turbo Torque:

205 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (approx.)

Engine 3 Displacement:

2.7L (2736cc)

Engine 3 Configuration:

DOHC V6

Engine 3 Fuel System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine 3 Horsepower:

200 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.)

Engine 3 Torque:

191 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (approx.)

Engine Monitoring:

OBD-II compliant

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic (41TE/42LE/45RFE family)

Optional Transmission:

N/A (Automatic standard across most trims)

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid, Type 9602)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 3.5-4.5 quarts (8.5-10.5 liters) for dry fill, significantly more for complete overhaul.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

4-Door Sedan, 2-Door Coupe

Wheelbase:

108.0 inches (2743 mm)

Length:

Sedan: 193.7 inches (4920 mm), Coupe: 191.2 inches (4856 mm)

Width:

Sedan: 70.9 inches (1801 mm), Coupe: 70.5 inches (1791 mm)

Height:

Sedan: 56.3 inches (1430 mm), Coupe: 54.2 inches (1377 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3100-3500 lbs (1406-1588 kg) depending on engine and trim

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by configuration, typically around 4300-4700 lbs.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

4-star driver, 4-star passenger (2002 Sedan)

IIHS Side Impact Rating:

Acceptable (2002 Sedan)

ABS:

Available on most models

Traction Control:

Available on some models

Airbags:

Front airbags (driver and passenger), available side airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seat belts, pretensioners and load limiters for front seats

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional Infinity premium audio system, cassette player.

Climate Control:

Manual HVAC controls, available automatic climate control.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims

Keyless Entry:

Available

Phone Integration:

N/A (No factory Bluetooth or integrated smartphone connectivity)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.

Engine Coolant Change:

Initial change at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 5 years.

Transmission Fluid Service:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years is generally recommended, though some sources suggest up to 100,000 miles.

Spark Plug Replacement:

2.0L/2.4L: 60,000 miles (96,000 km), 2.7L V6: 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (depending on plug type specified)

Serpentine Belt Inspection:

Inspect at 30,000 miles (48,000 km) and replace as needed.

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30, API Certified (check owner's manual for specific formulation requirements)

Coolant Specification:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Blue

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3

Common Issues Engine:

Head gasket leaks (especially 2.7L V6), oil leaks, timing belt issues (on older non-interference engines, though 2.0/2.4 are interference), intake manifold gasket leaks.

Common Issues Transmission:

Transmission slippage, harsh shifting, failure of solenoids or torque converter.

Common Issues Suspension:

Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links, strut/shock absorber issues.

Common Issues Electrical:

Window regulator failures, power lock actuator failures, HVAC blower motor resistor issues, instrument cluster problems.

Common Issues Body:

Rust on body panels (especially wheel wells, rocker panels), door handle failures, interior trim creaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Heritage:

Dodge, an American automotive brand with a history of performance and innovation, part of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler).

Stratus Generation:

Second generation (1995-2006), with facelifts and updates throughout its run. The 2002-2003 models represent a refreshed version of this generation.

Platform Shared With:

Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger (coupe), Plymouth Breeze

Production Years:

1995-2006 (Stratus nameplate)

Manufacturing Location:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Award 2002:

NHTSA 4-Star Frontal Crash Rating (Driver/Passenger)