Dodge Stratus Crankshaft Position Sensor Guide (1995-2006)

Symptoms of a Failing Crankshaft Sensor in a Dodge Stratus

When the crankshaft position sensor in your Stratus starts to fail, it can cause a number of noticeable problems. Often, the issues are intermittent at first, meaning they come and go. One of the most common signs is the Check Engine Light turning on. A code scanner will often show codes like P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Malfunction), P0339 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit Intermittent), or P0300 (Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire).

Other common symptoms include:

• Engine Will Not Start: This is a classic symptom. The engine will crank over but won't fire up because the computer doesn't know when to send spark and fuel.
• Intermittent Stalling: The engine may shut off unexpectedly while you are driving or when idling at a stoplight. This can be a serious safety issue.
• Rough Idle and Misfiring: Your car may run erratically, shake, or feel like it's sputtering, especially at idle.
• Poor Acceleration: The car might feel sluggish and lack power when you press the gas pedal.
• Reduced Fuel Economy: Incorrect timing from a bad sensor can cause the engine to use more fuel than normal.

Choosing the Right Aftermarket Crankshaft Sensor

When it comes to electronic sensors for your Stratus, not all aftermarket brands are created equal. For Chrysler vehicles of this era, owner experiences strongly suggest that some brands are much more reliable than others.

Tier 1: Recommended Brands

• NGK (NTK): This brand is widely recommended by mechanics and vehicle owners. NTK is often the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for Chrysler sensors, meaning you are getting a part of the same quality as the one from the dealer, just without the Mopar box.
• Mopar (OEM): While more expensive, the original Mopar part is the benchmark for quality and is guaranteed to work correctly. If you want to fix the problem once and not worry about it, this is a safe bet.

Tier 2: Use with Caution

• Standard Motor Products (SMP): Generally considered a decent quality brand, but some users have reported occasional issues.
• Delphi: A well-known brand that often produces quality parts, but for critical sensors on a Stratus, owner feedback is less common than for NGK/NTK.
• Beck Arnley: This brand sources parts from various manufacturers, so quality can be inconsistent.

Tier 3: Economy Brands (Not Recommended for this Part)

• Dorman: While Dorman makes many useful parts, their electronic sensors have a mixed reputation. Many owners report Dorman crankshaft sensors failing quickly or not working out of the box for Chrysler vehicles.
• Store Brands (e.g., Duralast): These are typically budget-focused parts. Given the critical function of this sensor and the labor involved in replacing it on some Stratus engines, using a store brand part can be a gamble that leads to doing the job twice.

Dodge Stratus Crankshaft Sensor Cost

Note: Labor costs can vary significantly based on which engine your Stratus has. The 2.4L engine is more labor-intensive than the V6 models.

Known Issues & Installation Info

There are no specific recalls from the NHTSA for the crankshaft position sensor on the 1995-2006 Dodge Stratus. However, a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) existed for later model year Dodge vehicles (2009-2010) with similar engines that experienced a P0339 code, which sometimes required shimming the sensor to correct its spacing. This indicates that sensor reading accuracy is a known sensitivity on these engines.

Installation by Engine

• 2.4L 4-Cylinder: This is the most difficult replacement. The sensor is located on the back of the engine block, underneath the starter and between the front motor mount. Access is very tight. The job often requires jacking up the engine and removing the front motor mount bracket or removing the starter to gain access.
• 2.7L V6: The sensor is located on the back of the engine, on the passenger side, bolted to the transmission bellhousing where it reads the flywheel. It is typically accessed from underneath the vehicle. After removing the air filter box for a better view from the top, you can reach the 10mm bolt and connector from below.
• 2.5L & 3.0L V6: The sensor is generally located on the front of the engine, near the crankshaft pulley, or on the transmission bellhousing. For the 3.0L, it is often found on the back of the engine near the firewall.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)