The 1996 Dodge Stratus ES is a moderately easy car to maintain but does have its share of difficulties. Replacing any of the headlights with reliability will require the removal of their housing first, which are held on with multiple screws and/or torx bolts. The tail lights also require a bulb housing removal for access, and it will be a tight reach for its connector. Replacing the battery can be a problem, as it can only be accessed through the wheel well lining, which is a very time-consuming and convoluted set-up.
However, there are many upsides to the 1996 Dodge Stratus ES. The spare tire and jack kit can be found and removed quickly to aid in the event of a flat. The transmission fluid dipstick is easy to remove and read its fluid levels, and the reservoir itself is easy to refill if necessary. The engine air filter doesn’t require any tools for removal, and its housing lifts up with ease.
Hans Angermeier has produced over 100,000 videos showing drivers how to fix things on their cars. He has broad expertise on basic repair procedures covering the majority of cars on the road.