Peugeot 108 12 V Battery and Jump Starting (2015-present)

A flat battery is one of the most common reasons a car won't start. This guide explains how to reach the 12 V battery on your Peugeot 108, how to start the engine using another battery, and how to charge a discharged battery with a battery charger. It also covers the safety points to follow whenever you work on the battery.

Quick Reference

General points

This part of the handbook covers starting the engine using another battery and charging a discharged battery. Your 108 uses a lead-acid starter battery, so read these safety points first.

• Protect yourself: protect your eyes and face before handling the battery, and wash your hands afterwards.
• Avoid fire risks: always work on the battery in a well ventilated area, away from naked flames and sources of sparks, to avoid the risk of explosion or fire.
• Dispose of it properly: batteries contain harmful substances such as sulphuric acid and lead. Never throw them away with household waste. Take used vehicle batteries and remote control batteries to a special collection point.
• Stop & Start batteries: if your car has the label for a 12 V lead-acid battery with special technology and specification, in particular with the Stop & Start system, a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop must be involved when the battery is replaced or disconnected.
• After refitting the battery: Stop & Start only becomes active after the car has been left parked for a continuous period. This depends on the weather and the battery's state of charge, and can be up to about 8 hours.

Before you do any work on the battery:

1. Parking brake: apply the parking brake.
2. Gearbox: put the gearbox in neutral.
3. Ignition: switch off the ignition.
4. Electrical equipment: check that all electrical equipment is switched off.

Access to the battery

The battery is under the bonnet. To reach the (+) terminal:

1. Unlock the bonnet: pull the internal release lever, then release the external safety catch.
2. Raise the bonnet: lift the bonnet and secure it with its stay.
3. Uncover the terminal: lift the plastic cover to reach the (+) terminal.

If your 108 has an ETG gearbox, never push the car to start the engine.

Starting using another battery

If your battery is flat, you can start the engine using a slave battery (a separate battery or one on another vehicle) with jump leads, or with a battery booster. Before you begin:

• Never try to start the engine by connecting a battery charger.
• Never use a battery booster of 24 V or higher.
• Check that the slave battery has a nominal voltage of 12 V and a capacity at least equal to that of your flat battery.
• Make sure the two vehicles are not touching each other.
• Switch off all electrical consumers on both vehicles, such as the audio system, wipers and lighting.
• Keep the jump leads away from moving parts of the engine, such as the fan and belts.
• Do not disconnect the (+) terminal while the engine is running.

1. Uncover the terminal: lift the plastic cover on the (+) terminal, if your car has one.
2. Red lead, flat battery: connect the red lead to the positive terminal (+) of the flat battery (A), at the metal elbow.
3. Red lead, good battery: connect the other end of the red lead to the positive terminal (+) of the slave battery (B) or the booster.
4. Green or black lead, good battery: connect one end of the green or black lead to the negative terminal (-) of the slave battery (B) or the booster, or to an earth point on the other vehicle.
5. Green or black lead, your car: connect the other end of the green or black lead to the earth point (C) on your car.
6. Start the other car: start the engine of the vehicle with the good battery and leave it running for a few minutes.
7. Start your car: operate the starter on your car and let the engine run. If it does not start straight away, switch off the ignition and wait a few moments before trying again.
8. Let it settle: wait for the engine to return to idle.
9. Remove the leads: disconnect the jump leads in reverse order.
10. Refit the cover: put the plastic cover back on the (+) terminal, if your car has one.
11. Recharge: let the engine run for at least 30 minutes, either driving or with the car stationary, so the battery reaches an adequate state of charge.

Before disconnecting the battery: wait 2 minutes after switching off the ignition. Close the windows, the electric fabric roof and the doors first.

After reconnecting the battery: each time, switch on the ignition and wait 1 minute before starting the engine, so the electronic systems can initialise. If minor problems persist after this, contact a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop.

Some functions, including Stop & Start, are not available if the battery is not sufficiently charged.

Charging the battery using a battery charger

To charge a discharged battery with a battery charger:

1. Disconnect: disconnect the battery from the car.
2. Charge: follow the instructions supplied by the charger's manufacturer.
3. Reconnect: reconnect the battery, starting with the positive terminal (+).
4. Check the terminals: make sure the terminals and connectors are clean. If they are covered with sulphate (a whitish or greenish deposit), remove and clean them.

Never try to charge a frozen battery, as there is a risk of explosion. If your battery has frozen, have it checked by a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop. They will check that the internal parts are not damaged and that the casing has not cracked, which would mean a risk of toxic and corrosive acid leaking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I jump start my Peugeot 108 with a battery charger?

No. The handbook says never to try starting the engine by connecting a battery charger. Use a 12 V slave battery with jump leads, or a battery booster below 24 V.

How long should I run my Peugeot 108 after a jump start?

Let the engine run for at least 30 minutes, either driving or with the car stationary, so the battery reaches an adequate state of charge.

Can I push start a Peugeot 108 with an ETG gearbox?

No. The handbook says you must not push the car to start the engine if it has an ETG gearbox.

Why is Stop & Start not working after changing the battery on my 108?

After the battery is refitted, Stop & Start only becomes active once the car has been parked for a continuous period, which can be up to about 8 hours. It is also unavailable if the battery is not sufficiently charged.

A flat battery is a nuisance, but following these steps in the right order keeps you and your Peugeot 108 safe. If you are ever unsure, or your car has the special Stop & Start battery, ask a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop for help.

More Peugeot 108 Guides

If a warning lamp comes on after a battery problem, check our guides to Peugeot 108 red warning lights and Peugeot 108 green and blue indicator lamps.

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