🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Stratus

Year:

2003

Product Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Platform:

Chrysler JA platform

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size sedan and coupe (depending on body style offered that year).

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, DIY enthusiasts.

Competitors:

Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima (during its production run).

Value Proposition:

Provides the exact information technicians use, enabling accurate and efficient servicing and repairs, saving money on dealership labor costs.

Content Advantage:

Vehicle-specific, not generic; covers all models and repairs, ensuring completeness for the 2003 Stratus.

📋 Manual Details

Model Variants Covered:

All models and trim levels of the 2003 Dodge Stratus

Repair Scope:

A-Z (from basic maintenance to complex repairs)

Information Source:

Vehicle specific; identical to dealer technician manual

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific publication, but comprehensive service manuals for this era typically range from 1500-2500+ pages.

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Likely printed book or digital (PDF); often available in both formats.

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (including disassembly/assembly), fuel system, lubrication system, cooling system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine performance diagnostics, emission control systems.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission service and repair (identification, operation, diagnostics, overhaul), manual transmission service (if applicable to specific trims/engines).

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive axles, drive shafts, CV joints, differential service.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) diagnostics and repair, brake fluid specifications, caliper and rotor service, parking brake system.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, steering linkage, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications.

Steering:

Steering column, steering gear/rack, power steering pump, steering linkage, alignment procedures.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, instrument cluster, wiring diagrams, power distribution, fuse and relay identification.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system operation, diagnostics, refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), climate control module.

Body:

Body exterior (doors, hoods, fenders, bumpers), interior trim, glass, locks, latches, body sealing, rust prevention, collision repair basics.

Restraints:

Airbag system (SRS) operation, diagnostics, component replacement, safety precautions.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), inspection points, service intervals.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their interpretations, use of diagnostic scan tools.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems, including component removal, installation, and adjustment.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic approaches to identifying and resolving common and uncommon problems.

Rebuilding:

Detailed procedures for overhauling major components like engines and transmissions.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, engine timing settings, wheel alignment angles.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid level checks and tire rotations to complex engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and advanced electrical diagnostics.

Diagnostic Tools:

Guidance on using specialized tools, scan tools, and measurement equipment.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF, potentially with searchable text and high-resolution diagrams.

Printed Quality:

High-quality printing with clear diagrams and legible text, typical of professional service manuals.

Printed Binding:

Professional binding (e.g., spiral-bound, perfect-bound) designed for durability and ease of use in a workshop environment.

Printed Paper:

Durable, often thicker paper stock to withstand workshop conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 2003:

2.0L SOHC I4 (16-valve), 2.7L DOHC V6 (24-valve).

Engine Code 2.0L I4:

420A (less common in later years, but potentially present).

Engine Code 2.7L V6:

EER (Chrysler EER engine).

Horsepower 2.0L I4:

Approx. 132 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque 2.0L I4:

Approx. 130 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Horsepower 2.7L V6:

Approx. 177 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque 2.7L V6:

Approx. 184 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) for both engines.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

ECU Type:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) / Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with OBD-II diagnostic capabilities.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 2.0L I4:

5-speed manual transmission (likely as standard).

Transmission 2.7L V6:

4-speed automatic transmission (likely standard on V6, optional on I4).

Automatic Transmission Type:

Chrysler's Ultradrive/AutoStick (allowing manual gear selection in some variants).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+4 (Mopar designation 05013457AA or equivalent) is highly probable for the automatic transmission.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Likely a GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, specific viscosity to be detailed in the manual.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

4-door Sedan, 2-door Coupe.

Wheelbase:

Approximately 107.7 inches (2736 mm).

Length:

Sedan: Approx. 193.7 inches (4920 mm); Coupe: Approx. 187.4 inches (4760 mm).

Width:

Approx. 70.9 inches (1801 mm).

Height:

Sedan: Approx. 56.7 inches (1440 mm); Coupe: Approx. 54.7 inches (1390 mm).

Curb Weight:

Varies by engine and trim, typically ranging from 3100 lbs to 3500 lbs.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Information available in manual, typically around 4200-4500 lbs.

Towing Capacity:

Generally not designed for towing.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 100 mm.

Wheel Size:

Typically 15 or 16 inches, with optional 17-inch wheels on higher trims.

Tire Size:

Common sizes include 205/60R15, 215/55R16, 215/50R17. Specific sizes listed in manual.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

Good (as per NHTSA ratings for similar models of this era).

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

Good (as per NHTSA ratings for similar models of this era).

IIHS Front Small Overlap:

Not specifically tested by IIHS in this category for this model year, as the test wasn't prevalent then.

ABS:

Standard on most, if not all, 2003 Dodge Stratus models.

Traction Control:

Available as an option on some trims/models.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags may be optional on certain trims.

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium audio systems and cassette players may have been available.

Display:

Basic digital display for clock and radio information, possibly a simple multi-function display in the instrument cluster.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Keyless Entry:

Available as an option or part of higher trim packages.

OBD Ii Port:

Standard OBD-II compliant diagnostic port, usually located under the dashboard.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendation.

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 12,000-15,000 miles (19,000-24,000 km) or annually. Check manual.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by plug type. Platinum/Iridium plugs often have intervals of 60,000-100,000 miles. Manual will specify correct type and interval.

Coolant Flush:

Typically every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km) or 2-3 years. Manual will specify type and interval.

Engine Oil Specification:

For 2.0L I4: SAE 5W-30. For 2.7L V6: SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40. Always verify with manual for specific viscosity and API service classification.

Engine Oil Capacity:

2.0L I4: Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L). 2.7L V6: Approx. 5.0 quarts (4.7 L). Verify with manual.

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically pink or orange. Do NOT mix with other types.

Transmission Hard Shifting:

Some automatic transmissions may develop issues with hard shifting or delayed engagement. Often related to solenoids, valve body, or fluid/filter condition.

Engine Misfires:

Common causes can include worn spark plugs, ignition coils, or vacuum leaks.

Suspension Noise:

Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, or sway bar links can lead to clunking or rattling noises.

Power Window Motors:

Failure of power window regulators or motors is a documented issue in some models.

Evaporator Core Leaks:

HVAC system evaporator core leaks can cause refrigerant loss and fogging of windows.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing reliable and performance-oriented vehicles, often with distinctive styling.

Stratus Genesis:

The Stratus was introduced in 1995 as a successor to the Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim. The 2003 model year is part of the second generation (1996-2006), which saw the introduction of the coupe body style and significant platform updates.

Platform Sharing:

The Stratus shared its platform (JA) with the Chrysler Cirrus, Sebring Sedan, and Sebring Coupe, and Plymouth Breeze. This allowed for economies of scale in development and manufacturing.

Manufacturing Location:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA.

Production Years:

1995-2006 (model years).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

J.D. Power Ratings:

Specific awards for the 2003 Stratus are not widely documented as significant positive recognitions. Often ranked in the lower half of its segment in initial quality and dependability surveys during this period.