Battery replacement is an inevitable frustration as the miles climb on all vehicles, but this common procedure is a bit more complicated on the 1998 Dodge Stratus. The Stratus uses no-maintenance batteries that prevent short-term upkeep with insulated terminals, but when the battery ultimately fails it is necessary to replace it entirely. Fortunately, replacing the battery does not require any serious mechanical work, and you can do the job in an hour or less with basic tools.
Turn off all vehicle accessories such as the radio, lights and climate control. Put the ignition in the "off" position. Raise the hood and disconnect the negative battery terminal located near the driver's side strut tower. Raise the front of the car and support it on jack stands. Remove the left front wheel.
Locate the plastic battery shield, which is located in the wheel well toward the front of the vehicle adjacent to the fender. Turn the plastic retainer screws of the battery shield a quarter turn counterclockwise and gently remove them. Remove the battery shield, making sure not to damage the plastic retainers.
Disconnect the positive battery post on the battery, followed by the negative post. Remove the bolts holding the vertical mounting strap with a socket wrench, then pull the strap from the vehicle. Pull the battery out of the fender well, being careful to keep it upright to avoid spilling acid that may have leaked.
Clean the battery cables with steel wool to remove oxidation. Put dielectric grease on the posts of the new battery and carefully insert it into the fender well. Attach the negative battery cable followed by the positive cable. Reinstall the mounting strap, making sure that the battery does not have excess space to move around while driving.
Reinstall the battery shield with the plastic retaining screws. Put the wheel back on the car and properly torque the lugs, then lower the vehicle. Reconnect the negative battery terminal under the hood and start the ignition to check for proper installation.
