🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Stratus

Year:

2002

Platform:

Chrysler JA/JX platform

Chassis Codes:

JA (sedan), JX (coupe)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size sedan and coupe

Target Audience:

Individuals seeking reliable information for maintaining and repairing their Dodge Stratus.

Key Competitors:

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

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides complete factory-level repair and maintenance information, empowering owners to perform repairs and diagnostics accurately.

📋 Manual Details

Body Style Coverage:

Sedan and Coupe

Trim Level Coverage:

ES, SE, R/T (where applicable)

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (specific count not provided, but indicative of a comprehensive factory manual)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual (Workshop Manual)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (printable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system

Drivetrain:

Automatic Transmission (40TE/41TE), Clutch (if applicable to manual variants, though less common for this model year in NA), Drivelines, Axles, Differentials

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), Steering system, Braking system (ABS, hydraulic, parking brake)

Electrical:

Engine control module (ECM), Powertrain control module (PCM), Body control module (BCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio system, Power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), HVAC controls, Antitheft system, Airbag system (SRS)

Body And Frame:

Body panels, Doors, Glass, Trim, Bumpers, Frame structure, Restraint systems

Maintenance Procedures:

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

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement (struts, ball joints, tie rods), power steering pump replacement, alternator replacement, starter replacement, radiator replacement, exhaust system repair

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, symptom identification, wiring diagrams for electrical faults, common fault diagnosis codes (DTCs)

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque specifications for fasteners, engine clearances, suspension alignment specifications, component tolerances

Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers. Covers diagnostics, repairs, and rebuilds for most systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF, optimized for printing and digital viewing.

Printability:

Designed for high-quality printing of individual pages or the entire document.

Physical Binding If Printed:

Not specified for digital, but implies suitability for professional binding if printed.

Physical Paper Type If Printed:

Not specified for digital, but typically standard printing paper for workshop manuals.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 2 0L:

420A (2.0L SOHC I4)

Engine Code 2 4L:

EDZ (2.4L DOHC I4)

Engine Code 2 7L:

EER (2.7L DOHC V6)

Horsepower:

132 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

128 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Horsepower:

150 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

160 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Horsepower:

200 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

195 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

Injection Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic (40TE/41TE)

Manual Availability:

Manual transmission options were limited or not widely available for the 2002 model year in North America. Primarily automatic.

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 9602 or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

Approximately 193.7 inches

Width Sedan:

Approximately 70.5 inches

Height Sedan:

Approximately 54.8 inches

Wheelbase Sedan:

Approximately 108.0 inches

Seating Capacity:

5 passengers

Trunk Capacity Sedan:

Approximately 15.0 cubic feet

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 3100 - 3500 lbs (depending on engine and options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:

Could vary by test; generally rated as adequate to good for its era.

ABS:

Standard on most models, optional on some base trims.

Traction Control:

Optional on some models.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags (market dependent).

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD or cassette players. Optional premium audio systems available.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Keyless Entry:

Optional keyless entry system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil), or 3,000 miles under severe driving conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

2.0L (420A): Every 100,000 miles (platinum plugs). 2.4L (EDZ): Every 100,000 miles (platinum plugs). 2.7L V6 (EER): Every 100,000 miles (platinum plugs).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or more frequently under severe use. Check manual for specific recommendation.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 5W-30 (most engines, check owner's manual for specific viscosity and API classification)

Coolant Type:

Chrysler OAT (Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Pink color, or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Engine Oil Sludge 2 7L V6:

The 2.7L V6 engine is known to be susceptible to oil sludge formation if oil changes are neglected, potentially leading to premature engine failure. Regular maintenance is critical.

Transmission Hard Shifting:

Some owners report occasional hard shifting or delayed engagement in the automatic transmissions.

Suspension Wear:

Front struts, ball joints, and control arm bushings can wear over time, leading to noise and alignment issues.

Power Window Motors:

Failure of power window regulators and motors is a reported issue.

Cv Axle Boots:

Tears in CV axle boots can lead to joint failure if not addressed promptly.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler, has a long history of producing performance and mainstream vehicles.

First Generation:

Introduced as a 1993 model, replacing the Dodge Shadow/Plymouth Sundance.

Second Generation:

The 2002 model represents the second generation of the Dodge Stratus, introduced for the 2001 model year.

Manufacturing Location:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA

Production Years For Generation:

2001-2006

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Reputation:

The Stratus was generally considered a competent, mainstream sedan and coupe for its era, offering good value. Specific awards for the 2002 model year are not prominent.

Consumer Reports Historical Ratings:

Ratings varied by year and specific attributes, with some criticisms regarding reliability for certain powertrain combinations (particularly the 2.7L V6).

Manual Certification:

This is an official factory service manual, representing the manufacturer's authorized repair and maintenance documentation.