The 1996 Dodge Stratus was designed in such a way that giving the car a jump start or disabling its electrical system does not require access to the battery. Replacing a faulty battery requires accessing it from underneath the driver's side fender.
To replace the battery, begin by turning the ignition to the "On" position and turn the steering wheel as if to make a sharp left turn. Remove the key from the ignition, set the parking brake and open the hood. Disable the electrical system by removing the retaining nut from the battery's negative electrical post and place the rubber grommet at the end of the electrical cable onto the threaded terminal post to prevent accidental discharge.
Once the battery has been disabled, lift the front of the vehicle with a jack and support it on jack stands. Remove the driver's side front wheel. Remove the wheel well splash guard towards the front of the vehicle by unscrewing the retaining clips and pulling them out. The retaining clips will be reused so be careful not to break them. The battery can now be removed by loosening the bolts on the battery's retaining bracket as well as the tightening screws on the cables attached to the terminals. Reinstalling the battery is the reverse of removal.
Part of the logic to this design is that the battery used in the Dodge Stratus is well insulated from environmental exposure, so it should last longer than most batteries. A faulty battery (or bad installation) is the only reason why the battery should be accessed directly. While some auto parts stores may require you to bring in the battery for testing, many will test your battery for free by coming out to the car itself with a diagnostic device. This will also rule out other possible electrical problems, such as a faulty alternator or starter.
