Chrysler JA platform (coupe variants based on Mitsubishi FTO)
Chassis Code:
JA
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Segment:
Mid-size sedan and coupe.
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, automotive technicians.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima.
Key Features
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
Coverage Areas
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).
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
1500+
Manual Type
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Software
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Software (likely CD-ROM or downloadable digital format)
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 System
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
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission (available on 2.0L and 2.4L engines).
Optional
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.
Features
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
Exterior
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
Cargo
Trunk Volume Sedan:
Approximately 14.2 cubic feet
Trunk Volume Coupe:
Approximately 12.4 cubic feet
Weights
Curb Weight Sedan:
Approx. 3100 - 3400 lbs (depending on engine/trim)
Curb Weight Coupe:
Approx. 3000 - 3200 lbs (depending on engine/trim)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
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)
Active Features
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.
Passive Features
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
Infotainment
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.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Connectivity
Cellular:
No integrated Bluetooth or advanced connectivity features.
Telematics:
No Uconnect or similar telematics systems for 2003.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
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.
Fluid Specifications
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.
Known Issues
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
Brand Heritage
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.
Model Evolution
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.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA; also possibly Balamedina, Mexico.
Production Years:
1995-2006
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
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.
Ratings
Safety Designations:
Received 4-star ratings in front and side impacts from NHTSA for sedan models.
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