2002 Dodge Wiring Diagrams

A DVD rear-seat video entertainment system is newly available for the standard-length Dodge Caravan and the longer-wheelbase Grand Caravan, which continue to be the most popular minivans in the United States. More than 242,000 Caravans and Grand Caravans were sold during 2001, which signifies a 15 percent drop from 2000, according to Automotive News. Only a handful of minivans saw sales increases in 2001.

The base, Sport and SLT price classes replace last year’s decor groups for Dodge’s midsize pickup. The Dakota is likely to be redesigned next year, along with the Durango sport utility vehicle. A new “value-priced” SXT model includes graphite bumpers, fascia, grille and fender flares, along with sporty, 16-inch aluminum wheels.

Dodge’s sole offering in this segment straddles two sections of the SUV market. The Durango isn’t too big or too small; it’s larger in size than most midsize sport utility vehicles, such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, with its V-8 engines and optional eight-passenger seating. It challenges full-size models like the Chevrolet Tahoe. Billed as the “right size” by Dodge, the Durango promises “full-size SUV roominess” combined with compact-level maneuverability.

Like its shorter Caravan companion, the longer-wheelbase Dodge Grand Caravan receives an optional DVD-based rear-seat video entertainment system for 2002. The combined sales of the Caravan and Grand Caravan continue to be the most popular minivans in the United States. However, sales dipped by 15 percent during 2001 to just over 242,000 units, according to Automotive News. Dodge minivans captured a 20 percent share of the market in 2001, while more than 36 percent of minivan buyers purchased either a Chrysler or Dodge product that year.

Powertrain alterations are the big news for 2002 in Dodge’s full-size front-drive sedan. The new lineup includes an SE sedan with a 200-horsepower, 2.7-liter V-6 engine; an ES with either that engine or a 234-hp, 3.5-liter V-6; and an R/T with a high-output 244-hp, 3.5-liter V-6. The Intrepid’s antilock braking system now includes electronic brake-force distribution.

Now marketed only as a Dodge model, the compact four-door front-drive sedan from DaimlerChrysler was redesigned for 2000. A new base model has been added for 2002, and all Neon models display a fresh crosshair grille. A four-speed-automatic transmission is newly optional, replacing the previous three-speed unit and putting the Neon on a par with its competitors. Other new options include chrome-finished wheels, a compass and an outside-temperature display.

Even the boldest designs turn tame after a while. Back in 1994, Dodge jolted the full-size pickup market with the launch of its bold new Ram, which conveyed something close to the imposing appearance of a long-haul semi. The lightest-duty member of the full-size Dodge pickup family gets a fresh “big rig” look for 2002 — though it’s evolutionary rather than charting another new course. Dodge unveiled the new Ram 1500 at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2001.

After Dodge announced in 2000 that no more Ram Vans or Wagons would be manufactured, the venerable full-size van earned a reprieve, at least into the middle of the 2003 calendar year. When it does expire, a replacement is unlikely.

Side, curtain-type airbags are a new option for the midsize Stratus sedan. Early in 2002, a limited-production R/T sedan is scheduled to join the existing R/T coupe, incorporating a rear spoiler, a specially tuned suspension and 17-inch tires. Both the sedan and compact Stratus coupe were redesigned for 2001. The sedan was created by DaimlerChrysler and is manufactured in Michigan. The Chrysler division also offers a Sebring sedan and convertible, but Dodge has no soft-top model.

Side, curtain-type airbags are a new option for the midsize Stratus sedan. Early in 2002, a limited-production R/T sedan is scheduled to join the existing R/T coupe, incorporating a rear spoiler, a specially tuned suspension and 17-inch tires. Both the sedan and compact Stratus coupe were redesigned for 2001. The sedan was created by DaimlerChrysler and is manufactured in Michigan. The Chrysler division also offers a Sebring sedan and convertible, but Dodge has no soft-top model.

Fans of old-time muscle had better hurry if they want to drive home a high-performance Dodge Viper RT/10 roadster or GTS coupe. Current versions of both retro-look body styles are scheduled for extinction by the end of the 2002 model year. The Viper will be replaced by an even hotter model.