🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Stratus

Year:

2003

Platform:

Chrysler JA platform (coupe variants based on Mitsubishi FTO)

Chassis Code:

JA

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size sedan and coupe.

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, automotive technicians.

Competitors:

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

Distinguishing Features:

Available V6 engines (2.7L and 3.0L), stylish coupe variant, European-influenced styling (especially in later generations).

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides factory-level repair information, enabling cost savings on maintenance and repairs, and ensuring correct procedures are followed.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive service and repair information for the 2003 Dodge Stratus.

Body Styles:

Sedan, Coupe (Coupe variants were often marketed under the Chrysler Sebring Coupe nameplate but shared components and engineering with the Dodge Stratus within the same platform family for certain model years and powertrains).

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (likely CD-ROM or downloadable digital format)

Software Features:

Searchable text, diagrams, illustrations, interactive troubleshooting.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

2.0L DOHC (420A), 2.4L DOHC (EDZ/EDT), 2.7L DOHC V6 (EER/EGS), 3.0L SOHC V6 (6G72).

Transmission:

4-speed automatic (41TE/42LE), 5-speed manual.

Brakes:

Front disc, rear drum or disc, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).

Suspension:

Front McPherson strut, rear multi-link independent or torsion beam (depending on model/year).

Steering:

Power assisted rack and pinion.

Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting, starting and charging systems, body control modules, instrument cluster, power accessories.

HVAC:

Air conditioning, heater, ventilation systems, component testing and replacement.

Fuel:

Fuel delivery, fuel tank, fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure testing.

Cooling:

Radiator, coolant, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan operation.

Exhaust:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, oxygen sensors.

Body:

Body panel repair, doors, windows, locks, exterior trim, interior trim, glass replacement.

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seat belts, ABS diagnostics.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, fluid checks and changes.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) code interpretation.

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake system overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body component replacement.

Disassembly Assembly:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values.

Calibration:

Wheel alignment, throttle body cleaning and calibration, ABS sensor calibration.

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds).

Diagnostic Level:

Advanced diagnostic procedures, including electrical troubleshooting using schematics and multimeter readings.

Rebuild Information:

Detailed instructions for engine and transmission component rebuilding, including piston ring gaps, bearing clearances, and valve specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Proprietary software format, searchable PDF archive, or interactive HTML.

Searchability:

High (typical for official service software).

Print Quality:

N/A (digital format, but implies clear text and high-resolution diagrams).

Binding:

N/A (digital format).

Paper Type:

N/A (digital format).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Code:

420A

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1996 cc)

Engine 1 Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC

Engine 1 Horsepower:

132 hp @ 6000 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

129 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Engine 1 Fuel System:

Multi-port fuel injection.

Engine 2 Code:

EDZ / EDT

Engine 2 Displacement:

2.4 Liters (2429 cc)

Engine 2 Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve (often with balance shafts)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

147 hp @ 5800 rpm (EDZ), 150 hp @ 5800 rpm (EDT)

Engine 2 Torque:

165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (EDZ), 168 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (EDT)

Engine 2 Fuel System:

Multi-port fuel injection.

Engine 3 Code:

EER / EGS

Engine 3 Displacement:

2.7 Liters (2736 cc)

Engine 3 Configuration:

V6, SOHC, 24-valve

Engine 3 Horsepower:

200 hp @ 6000 rpm

Engine 3 Torque:

192 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Engine 3 Fuel System:

Multi-port fuel injection.

Engine 4 Code:

6G72

Engine 4 Displacement:

3.0 Liters (2972 cc)

Engine 4 Configuration:

V6, SOHC, 24-valve (Mitsubishi engine)

Engine 4 Horsepower:

160 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine 4 Torque:

180 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 4 Fuel System:

Multi-port fuel injection.

Performance Notes:

Performance varied significantly by engine. The 2.7L V6 was generally the strongest performer in the Stratus sedan lineup, while the 3.0L V6 and 2.4L offered balanced power for their respective classes.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Octane Recommendation:

87 octane (minimum) for 2.0L, 2.4L, and 3.0L V6. 89 octane recommended for 2.7L V6.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission (available on 2.0L and 2.4L engines).

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission (41TE/42LE).

Automatic Features:

Electronically controlled, with overdrive. Some models may have featured a performance or 'Autostick' manual shift mode.

Fluid Type Automatic:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) is a common recommendation for Chrysler transmissions of this era. Manual specifies specific Mopar fluids.

Fluid Capacity Automatic:

Approximately 7-8 quarts for a drain and fill, 10-11 quarts for a complete overhaul/rebuild.

Gear Ratios:

Varies by engine and transmission type, detailed in the manual.

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

Approximately 193.7 inches

Width Sedan:

Approximately 70.5 inches

Height Sedan:

Approximately 55.7 inches

Wheelbase Sedan:

Approximately 106.9 inches

Length Coupe:

Approximately 187.4 inches

Width Coupe:

Approximately 71.2 inches

Height Coupe:

Approximately 53.6 inches

Wheelbase Coupe:

Approximately 103.7 inches

Trunk Volume Sedan:

Approximately 14.2 cubic feet

Trunk Volume Coupe:

Approximately 12.4 cubic feet

Curb Weight Sedan:

Approx. 3100 - 3400 lbs (depending on engine/trim)

Curb Weight Coupe:

Approx. 3000 - 3200 lbs (depending on engine/trim)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4 Stars (2003 model year, Sedan)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4 Stars (2003 model year, Sedan)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:

4 Stars (2003 model year, Sedan)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:

4 Stars (2003 model year, Sedan)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:

3 Stars (2003 model year, Sedan)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:

3 Stars (2003 model year, Sedan)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Acceptable (Good-to-Good/Acceptable ratings depending on specific test variations and year)

ABS:

Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Optional side-impact airbags available.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for all occupants, pretensioners for front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette player. Optional Infinity premium sound system available on higher trims.

Display:

Basic LCD displays for radio and climate controls. No advanced touchscreen infotainment systems were standard.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Cellular:

No integrated Bluetooth or advanced connectivity features.

Telematics:

No Uconnect or similar telematics systems for 2003.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil), or 3,000 miles (conventional oil) for older recommendations.

Air Filter Replacement:

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

Spark Plug Replacement 2.0L:

Approx. 100,000 miles (platinum or iridium).

Spark Plug Replacement 2.4L:

Approx. 100,000 miles (platinum or iridium).

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

Approx. 100,000 miles (platinum or iridium).

Timing Belt Replacement:

The 2.0L (420A) uses a timing belt, typically recommended for replacement every 60,000-90,000 miles. The 2.4L (EDZ) and V6 engines use timing chains, which are generally maintenance-free.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (preferred for most engines). SAE 10W-30 may be acceptable in some climates. Check manual for exact specifications.

Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (with filter).

Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (with filter).

Engine Oil Capacity 2.7L V6:

Approx. 4.7 quarts (with filter).

Engine Oil Capacity 3.0L V6:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (with filter).

Coolant Type:

Chrysler's HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically pink or orange (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula).

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 7-9 quarts (depending on engine).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF+4 or specific power steering fluid as per manual.

Common Complaints Engine:

Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and oil pan, coolant leaks from heater hoses and water pump, occasional head gasket issues on higher mileage V6 engines, lifter noise.

Common Complaints Transmission:

Erratic shifting, slipping, or delayed engagement, particularly in the automatic transmissions. Internal solenoid issues and fluid contamination are common causes.

Common Complaints Suspension:

Worn front suspension components (struts, ball joints, control arm bushings), rear suspension creaks or rattles.

Common Complaints Electrical:

Faulty window regulators, issues with power door locks, intermittent check engine lights due to sensor failures (e.g., camshaft/crankshaft position sensors, O2 sensors), instrument cluster failures.

Common Complaints HVAC:

Leaking evaporator core, blower motor failures, blend door actuator malfunctions.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler, has a long history of producing performance-oriented and value-driven vehicles. The Stratus aimed to capture market share in the popular mid-size segment.

First Generation:

Introduced for the 1995 model year as part of Chrysler's 'cloud car' series (alongside the Chrysler Cirrus and Plymouth Breeze), built on the JA platform.

Second Generation:

Redesigned for the 2001 model year, sharing platform architecture with the Chrysler Sebring and Mitsubishi Eclipse. The coupe variant was introduced as part of this generation, often marketed under the Sebring name but sharing significant components.

Manufacturing Location:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA; also possibly Balamedina, Mexico.

Production Years:

1995-2006

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Jd Power Initial Quality:

Typically ranked below average in initial quality surveys for its segment during this period.

Consuer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings were generally average to below average, particularly for the transmissions and some engine components. The manual provides the detailed knowledge to address these potential issues.

Safety Designations:

Received 4-star ratings in front and side impacts from NHTSA for sedan models.