🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Stratus

Year:

2002

Chassis Code:

JA (Coupe), JR (Sedan)

Platform:

Chrysler JS platform

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size sedan and coupe

Target Audience:

Families and individuals seeking practical, comfortable, and affordable transportation.

Key Competitors:

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

Stratus Advantage:

Often offered a more distinctive styling than some competitors, with available V6 engines providing good power and a comfortable ride. The coupe offered a sportier alternative.

Body Styles:

4-door Sedan, 2-door Coupe

Engine Options:

Range of 4-cylinder and V6 engines, offering a balance of fuel economy and performance.

Interior Comfort:

Spacious interior for its class, with comfortable seating and user-friendly controls.

Driving Dynamics:

Designed for a comfortable and compliant ride, suitable for daily commuting and long trips.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

2.0L I4 (MPI), 2.4L I4 (DOHC, Turbocharged available), 2.7L V6 (MPI), 3.0L V6 (MPI)

Transmission Coverage:

4-speed automatic (41TE, 42LE, 45RFE for V6), 5-speed manual (Getrag G285 available on some variants)

Major Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Climate Control, Electrical System, Body, Interior, Diagnostics

Estimated Page Count:

~1500-2000 pages (typical comprehensive factory service manual)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine removal/installation, cylinder head, valve train, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, oil pump, timing system (belts/chains), cooling system, lubrication system.

Fuel And Emissions:

Fuel delivery, injectors, fuel pump, fuel filter, evaporative emission control (EVAP), exhaust system, catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, onboard diagnostics (OBD-II).

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system, gearshift linkage, manual transmission disassembly/assembly, internal components.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission hydraulic control, torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, seals, bands, clutches, automatic transmission fluid (ATF) specifications and service.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, drive axles, constant velocity (CV) joints, differential, transaxle.

Suspension:

Front suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar), rear suspension (independent or semi-independent, depending on model), shock absorbers, springs, wheel bearings.

Steering:

Power steering system (pump, lines, rack and pinion), steering column, steering wheel, alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, anti-lock braking system (ABS) components, hydraulic system, brake fluid specifications, parking brake system, brake rotor and pad replacement.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), ignition system, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, multiplex systems (if applicable).

Body And Trim:

Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, interior trim, seat removal, headliner, dashboard removal.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system (compressor, refrigerant, condenser, evaporator, R-134a), heating system, blower motor, climate control panel, dashboard removal for HVAC components.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, power steering fluid service, transmission fluid service, belt replacement, battery maintenance.

Repair Procedures:

Engine component replacement (e.g., head gasket, water pump, alternator, starter), transmission overhaul, brake caliper/rotor/line replacement, suspension component replacement (e.g., struts, ball joints, tie rods), exhaust system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, HVAC component repair.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Using diagnostic scan tools (OBD-II), troubleshooting engine performance issues, identifying electrical faults, diagnosing ABS and other system malfunctions, using multimeter for electrical testing.

Special Tools And Equipment:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures (e.g., spring compressors, bearing pullers, fuel line disconnect tools).

Tightening Specifications:

Torque specifications for critical fasteners (engine bolts, suspension components, wheels, etc.).

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic trees and wiring diagrams.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced. Includes troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and step-by-step procedures for identifying and resolving malfunctions.

Rebuild Procedures:

Full rebuild procedures for engines, transmissions, and other major components, with exploded views and part identification.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text (OCR'd for ease of finding specific information).

Printability:

Printable pages.

Image Resolution:

High resolution for clear visibility of diagrams and images.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Completeness:

Comprehensive, covering all factory specifications, procedures, and diagrams for the 2002 Dodge Stratus.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

2.0L SOHC MPI I4 (420A)

Engine 1 Power:

~114 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

~127 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Engine 2:

2.4L DOHC MPI I4 (EDZ)

Engine 2 Power:

~150 hp @ 5900 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

~160 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm

Engine 2 Turbo Power:

~168 hp @ 5400 rpm (Turbocharged)

Engine 2 Turbo Torque:

~177 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (Turbocharged)

Engine 3:

2.7L SOHC MPI V6 (ECL)

Engine 3 Power:

~177 hp @ 5800 rpm

Engine 3 Torque:

~184 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 4:

3.0L SOHC MPI V6 (6G72 - Mitsubishi Engine)

Engine 4 Power:

~200 hp @ 5800 rpm

Engine 4 Torque:

~205 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

0 60 Mph Sedan 2.4L:

~9.5 seconds

0 60 Mph Sedan 2.7L V6:

~8.0 seconds

Fuel Injection:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for non-turbo, 91+ for turbo)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

~15.0 gallons

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Std Sedan 4Cyl:

4-speed automatic (41TE)

Transmission Std Coupe 4Cyl:

5-speed manual (G285) or 4-speed automatic (41TE)

Transmission Std V6:

4-speed automatic (42LE or 45RFE)

Transmission Opt:

5-speed manual transmission (G285) available on certain models, particularly coupes and with the 2.4L engine.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Chrysler spec, Mopar part number 05013457AA or equivalent) for 42LE/45RFE; ATF+3 (Mopar part number 05010304AA) or equivalent for 41TE. Always consult manual for specific engine/trans combo.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) - specific viscosity to be confirmed in manual, typically GL-4 or GL-5 rated.

Transmission Cooling:

Internal cooling via transmission fluid, often with an external transmission fluid cooler integrated into the radiator. Specific coolant requirements for radiator may apply.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Sedan:

~106.4 inches

Wheelbase Coupe:

~106.4 inches

Length Sedan:

~193.7 inches

Length Coupe:

~190.5 inches

Width:

~70.0 inches

Height Sedan:

~56.1 inches

Height Coupe:

~55.6 inches

Passenger Volume:

~95-100 cubic feet (approximate, varies slightly by body style)

Trunk Volume Sedan:

~15.5 cubic feet

Trunk Volume Coupe:

~13.4 cubic feet

Curb Weight Sedan 4Cyl:

~3100-3300 lbs

Curb Weight Sedan V6:

~3400-3600 lbs

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x100 mm

Wheel Size:

15-inch and 16-inch standard, optional 17-inch

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Good (for 2001-2002 models)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Good (for 2001-2002 models)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:

Acceptable (for 2001-2002 models)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:

Acceptable (for 2001-2002 models)

ABS:

Standard on most trims, optional on base models. Typically a 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System.

Traction Control:

Available on some higher trims or as an option, particularly with V6 engines.

Airbags Front:

Standard driver and front passenger airbags.

Airbags Side:

Optional front-seat mounted side airbags available on some trims.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts in all seating positions, with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player with optional premium sound system. Cassette player also available on some models.

Display:

Basic dashboard cluster with analog gauges. No central infotainment screen in base models.

Cruise Control:

Available on most models, often standard on higher trim levels.

Power Features:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors standard on most trims.

Auxiliary Input:

Not typically available from the factory for this model year. Aftermarket solutions are common.

OBD Ii Port:

Standard OBD-II diagnostic port located under the dashboard for engine and emission system diagnostics.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium tipped plugs; 30,000 miles for standard copper plugs (consult specific engine).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years, or as recommended by Mopar coolant specifications.

Transmission Fluid Service:

Every 60,000 miles or 4 years for automatic transmissions (filter replacement recommended at the same time). Manual transmission fluid check and change intervals may vary.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on ambient temperature). API certified. Consult manual for exact viscosity requirements per engine.

Coolant:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) - typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mopar Part Number 05010304GA (50/50 pre-mix) or equivalent.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 (or DOT 4 if specified for ABS equipped vehicles). Mopar Part Number 05010077AA or equivalent.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+3 or ATF+4 for most models. Consult manual to verify. Mopar Part Number 05010304AA (ATF+3) or 05013457AA (ATF+4).

Engine Misfires 2.7L V6:

Spark plug issues, ignition coil problems, or PCV valve issues can cause misfires.

Automatic Transmission Slippage:

Common on higher mileage vehicles, often related to worn clutches, solenoids, or low/degraded transmission fluid.

Suspension Noise:

Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, or strut mounts can lead to clunking or rattling noises.

HVAC Blower Motor Failure:

Blower motor resistors or the motors themselves can fail, leading to no or intermittent fan operation.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets can degrade and leak over time.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge, established in 1914, has a long history of producing robust and performance-oriented vehicles, from early trucks and cars to muscle cars and modern SUVs.

Stratus Introduction:

The Dodge Stratus was introduced for the 1995 model year as a replacement for the Dodge Spirit and Colt Vista. It was part of Chrysler's 'cloud car' lineup, which also included the Chrysler Cirrus and Plymouth Breeze.

Second Generation:

The 2001-2006 Stratus represents the second generation, featuring a significant redesign with new styling, updated interiors, and expanded powertrain options. The 2002 model year falls within this generation's early production.

Stratus Coupe Development:

The coupe variant was developed by Mitsubishi (Chrysler had a partnership with Mitsubishi at the time) based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse platform, offering a distinct sporty appearance and different styling cues.

Manufacturing Location:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA; Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

Production Years:

1995-2006 (Sedan), 2001-2005 (Coupe)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Jd Power Initial Quality Study:

While the Stratus received mixed reviews in its early years, specific model years and trims may have performed differently. Consult historical J.D. Power reports for detailed rankings.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports often highlighted the Stratus's comfortable ride and spacious interior but noted reliability concerns in some areas, particularly with early models or specific powertrains. This manual is crucial for addressing potential issues.

Emission Certification:

Compliant with EPA emission standards for the 2002 model year. The manual provides diagnostic information related to emissions control systems.