Peugeot 208 12 V Battery and Jump Starting (2015-present)

A flat 12 V battery is one of the most common reasons a car will not start. This guide explains how to reach the battery on your Peugeot 208, how to start the engine using another battery or a booster, how to charge the battery with a charger, and how to disconnect and reconnect it safely.

Quick Reference

Lead-acid starter batteries

The handbook explains how to start the engine using another battery and how to charge a discharged battery. Before you start, keep these safety points in mind:

• Protection: protect your eyes and face before you handle the battery, and wash your hands afterwards.
• Ventilation: 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.
• Stop & Start: versions with Stop & Start have a 12 V lead-acid battery of specific technology and specification. Only a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop should replace it.
• Automatic gearbox: never try to start the engine by pushing the car.
• Disposal: batteries contain harmful substances such as sulphuric acid and lead. Never put them in household waste. Take used car batteries and remote control batteries to a special collection point, in line with regulations.

After the first engine start, Stop & Start may not work during that trip. It will only be available again after the car has been left parked continuously for a while, depending on the outside temperature and the battery's state of charge (up to about 8 hours).

Access to the battery

The battery is under the bonnet. To reach it:

1. Open the bonnet: pull the interior release lever, then release the exterior safety catch.
2. Secure the bonnet: fit the bonnet stay.
3. Uncover the terminal: remove the plastic cover to reach the (+) terminal.

You cannot reach the (-) battery terminal. Instead, use the remote earth point on the engine mounting.

Starting using another battery

If your battery is flat, you can start the engine with a backup battery (a separate one or one in another car) and 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 backup battery has a nominal voltage of 12 V and a capacity at least equal to that of your flat battery.
• Make sure the two cars are not touching each other.
• Switch off all electrical equipment on both cars (audio system, wipers, lighting, etc.).
• Keep the jump leads away from moving engine parts (fan, belts, etc.).
• 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 (+) terminal of the flat battery, at the metal elbow.
3. Red lead, backup: connect the other end of the red lead to the (+) terminal of the backup battery or booster.
4. Green or black lead, backup: connect one end to the (-) terminal of the backup battery or booster, or to an earth point on the assisting car.
5. Green or black lead, your car: connect the other end to the earth point on the broken-down car.
6. Run the assisting car: start its engine and leave it running for a few minutes.
7. Start your car: operate the starter 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. Disconnect: wait until the engine returns to idle, then remove the jump leads in the reverse order.
9. Refit the cover: put the plastic cover back on the (+) terminal, if your car has one.
10. Recharge: let the engine run for at least 30 minutes, either driving or parked, so the battery reaches an adequate state of charge.

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

Charging the battery using a battery charger

Keeping the battery well charged is essential for a long service life. You may need to charge it if you only make short journeys, or if the car will be off the road for several weeks. Contact a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop for this.

If you want to charge the battery yourself:

• Use only a charger compatible with 12 V lead-acid batteries, and follow the charger manufacturer's instructions.
• Never reverse the polarities.
• If the Stop & Start label shown in the handbook is present, you must use only a 12 V charger, or you could cause irreversible damage to the Stop & Start electrical components.
• Never try to charge a frozen battery, as it could explode. If the battery has frozen, have it checked by a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop, who will make sure the internal parts are not damaged and the case has not cracked, which would risk toxic and corrosive acid leaking.

You do not need to disconnect the battery to charge it.

1. Ignition: switch off the ignition.
2. Electrical equipment: switch off everything (audio system, lighting, wipers, etc.).
3. Charger off: switch off the charger before connecting its cables, to avoid dangerous sparks.
4. Check the cables: make sure the charger cables are in good condition.
5. Uncover the terminal: lift the plastic cover on the (+) terminal, if your car has one.
6. Red cable: connect the positive (+) red cable to the (+) terminal of the battery.
7. Black cable: connect the negative (-) black cable to the earth point on the car.
8. Finish: when charging is complete, switch off the charger before disconnecting the cables from the battery.

Disconnecting the battery

If the car will be out of use for a long period, the handbook recommends disconnecting the battery so it keeps enough charge to start the engine. Before you disconnect it:

1. Close up: close all openings (doors, boot, windows, etc.).
2. Switch off: turn off all electrical equipment (audio system, wipers, lighting, etc.).
3. Wait: switch off the ignition and wait for 4 minutes.

You only need to disconnect the (+) terminal. The handbook also states that you should wait 2 minutes after switching off the ignition, and close the windows and doors, before disconnecting the battery.

Disconnecting the (+) terminal (quick-release clamp)

1. Release: raise the lever fully to release the clamp.
2. Remove: lift the clamp off the terminal.

Reconnecting the (+) terminal

1. Open: raise the lever fully.
2. Fit: place the open clamp on the (+) terminal.
3. Seat: push the clamp fully down.
4. Lock: lower the lever to lock the clamp.

Do not force the lever. If the clamp is not positioned correctly it will not lock, so start the procedure again.

After reconnecting

Each time you reconnect the battery, switch on the ignition and wait 1 minute before starting the engine, so the electronic systems can initialise. If minor problems persist, contact a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop. You will also need to reset the remote control key, the date and time, and the radio preset stations yourself, using the relevant sections of the handbook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the battery on a Peugeot 208?

The battery is under the bonnet, with a plastic cover over the (+) terminal. The (-) terminal is not accessible, so use the remote earth point on the engine mounting.

Can I bump start a Peugeot 208 with an automatic gearbox?

No. The handbook says never try to start the engine by pushing the car if it has an automatic gearbox.

How long should I run my Peugeot 208 after a jump start?

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

Why is Stop & Start not working after a flat battery on my 208?

Stop & Start is not available if the battery is not sufficiently charged, and it may not work during the trip after the first engine start. It returns after the car has been parked continuously for a while, up to about 8 hours depending on outside temperature and battery charge.

A flat battery is frustrating, but with the right leads or charger and the correct order of connection, you can deal with it safely on your Peugeot 208. If you are unsure at any stage, or the battery has frozen, ask a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop for help.

More Peugeot 208 Guides

If a warning lamp comes on after a battery problem, check our guides to the Peugeot 208 red warning lights, Peugeot 208 orange warning lights and Peugeot 208 green and blue indicator lamps.

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