Hi, I have a 2002 4cyl. Stratus. This is what started happening, and any help would be great. The other week my car overheated. The thermometer was bad so I changed it. Just recently when I go to accelerate the car doesnt have the get up and go, I step on the gas and it almost seems as if it was to die. The car is also backfiring when I accelerate. The engine also is rough at idle. Now this isnt an always problem. It can be fine one moment and acting up the next. Im going to change the plugs this weekend to see if its a bad plug.

 

You need to specify if its a 2-door or 4-door. Big difference.

 

....its a 4 door

 

Ok, the coupe has coil packs, the sedan has a distributor, so Id go ahead and either check the gap on the plugs, or go ahead and replace the plugs/wires/ and distributor cap. Is your check engine light on?

you said you replaced the thermostat...Double check everything under the hood. It seems as if you didnt replace something, like a vacuum line or the MAF sensor isnt plugged in.