Peugeot Traveller III 12V Battery and Jump Starting

Hello and welcome. In this post we look at the 12 V battery on the Peugeot Traveller III (2016-2024). We cover where to find it, jump starting from another battery, charging with a charger, and disconnecting and reconnecting it.

Quick Reference

Lead-acid starter batteries

This section explains how to start the engine using another battery and how to charge a flat battery. Lead-acid batteries contain harmful substances: sulphuric acid and lead.

• Disposal: dispose of a used battery in line with regulations, at a designated collection point. Never throw it away with household waste.
• Protection: protect your eyes and face before you handle the battery.
• Location: always work on the battery in a well ventilated area, away from naked flames and sources of sparks, to avoid any risk of explosion or fire.
• Afterwards: wash your hands.

On versions with an electric motor, a flat accessory battery means you can no longer start the motor or recharge the traction battery. Before you work on the accessory battery:

1. Gear: select mode P.
2. Ignition: switch off the ignition.
3. Instrument panel: check that the instrument panel is off.
4. Charging: check that the vehicle is not being charged.

Never use the accessory battery to jump-start another vehicle or to charge another vehicle's battery.

The symbols on the battery remind you of these points:

• No sparks or naked flames, and no smoking.
• Always protect your eyes. Explosive gases can cause blindness and injury.
• Keep the battery out of the reach of children.
• The battery contains sulphuric acid, which can make you go blind or cause severe burns.
• Explosive gases can be present close to the battery.
• Refer to the handbook for more information.

Always replace the battery with one of equivalent specification.

Access to the battery

The battery is under the bonnet.

1. Open the bonnet: pull the interior release lever, then release the exterior safety catch.
2. Bonnet stay: secure the bonnet stay.
3. Plastic cover: remove the plastic cover to reach the (+) terminal, if your vehicle has one.

You cannot reach the battery (-) terminal, but there is a remote earth point near the battery. For more on the bonnet and the engine, see the relevant sections of the handbook.

Starting using another battery

If your battery is flat, you can start the engine with a backup battery (either external or from another vehicle) and jump leads, or with a battery booster. Before you start, follow these safety rules:

• Never 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 the flat battery.
• Make sure the two vehicles are not touching each other.
• Switch off all electrical equipment on both vehicles (audio system, wipers, lighting, etc.).
• Keep the jump leads well away from the engine's moving parts (fan, belt, etc.).
• Do not disconnect the (+) terminal while the engine is running.

1. Plastic cover: lift the plastic cover on the (+) terminal, if your vehicle has one.
2. Red cable: connect the red cable to the (+) terminal of the flat battery (at the metal elbow), then to the (+) terminal of the backup battery or the booster.
3. Green or black cable, first end: connect one end to the (-) terminal of the backup battery or the booster, or to an earth point on the assisting vehicle.
4. Green or black cable, other end: connect the other end to the earth point on your Traveller.
5. Assisting vehicle: start its engine and leave it running for a few minutes.
6. Your vehicle: operate the starter and let the engine run. If the engine does not start straight away, switch off the ignition and wait a few moments before trying again.
7. Idle: wait for the engine to return to idle.
8. Jump leads: disconnect the jump leads in reverse order.
9. Refit the cover: refit the plastic cover to the (+) terminal, if your vehicle has one.
10. Recharge: let the engine run for at least 30 minutes with the vehicle stationary, so the battery reaches an adequate state of charge.

If you drive off before the battery has enough charge, some functions, such as Stop & Start, may be affected. With an automatic gearbox, never try to start the engine by pushing the vehicle.

Charging the battery using a battery charger

Keeping the battery at an adequate state of charge is essential for a long service life. You may need to charge it:

• If you mainly use the vehicle for short journeys.
• If the vehicle is to be off the road for several weeks.

Consult a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop. If you charge the battery yourself, use only a charger compatible with lead-acid batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 V, follow the charger manufacturer's instructions and never reverse the polarities. You do not need to disconnect the battery.

1. Ignition: switch off the ignition.
2. Electrical consumers: switch off everything electrical (audio system, lighting, wipers, etc.).
3. Charger off: switch off the charger before you connect its cables to the battery, to avoid dangerous sparks.
4. Cables: check that the charger cables are in good condition.
5. Plastic cover: lift the plastic cover on the (+) terminal, if your vehicle 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 vehicle.
8. Finishing: when charging is complete, switch off the charger before you disconnect the cables from the battery.

If your vehicle has the 12 V charger label, use only a 12 V charger to avoid irreversible damage to the electrical components. Never try to charge a frozen battery, as there is a risk of explosion. If the battery has frozen, have it checked by a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop, who will make sure the internal components are not damaged and the case has not cracked, which could let toxic and corrosive acid leak.

Disconnecting/reconnecting the battery

If the vehicle will not be used for an extended period, disconnect the battery so it keeps enough charge to start the engine. Before you disconnect it:

1. Openings: close all doors, the tailgate and the windows.
2. Electrical devices: switch off everything electrical (audio system, wipers, lamps, etc.).
3. Ignition: switch off the ignition and wait for 4 minutes.

Once you can reach the battery, you only need to disconnect the (+) terminal, which has a quick-release clamp.

Disconnecting the (+) terminal:

1. Plastic cover: depending on equipment, lift the plastic cover on the (+) terminal.
2. Lever: raise the lever fully to release the clamp.
3. Clamp: lift the clamp off the terminal.

Reconnecting the (+) terminal:

1. Lever: raise the lever fully.
2. Clamp: fit the open clamp back on the (+) terminal.
3. Push down: push the clamp fully down.
4. Lock: lower the lever to lock the clamp.
5. Plastic cover: depending on equipment, lower the plastic cover on the (+) terminal.

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

After reconnecting, 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. Using the relevant section of the handbook, reinitialise:

• The remote control key or electronic key (depending on version).
• The electric windows.
• The date and time.
• The preset radio stations.

Stop & Start may not work during the trip after the first engine start. It will only be available again after the vehicle has been left stationary for a continuous period, which depends on the outside temperature and the battery's state of charge (up to about 8 hours).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I jump start my Peugeot Traveller?

Connect the red cable to the (+) terminal of your flat battery and then to the (+) of the backup battery, then connect the green or black cable from the backup battery's (-) terminal to the earth point near your battery. Start the assisting vehicle, wait a few minutes, then start your engine.

Why can't I find the negative terminal on my Peugeot Traveller battery?

The battery (-) terminal is not accessible on the Traveller. Use the remote earth point near the battery instead.

Can I use a 24 V booster on my Peugeot Traveller?

No. The handbook says never to use a battery booster of 24 V or higher, and the backup battery must have a nominal voltage of 12 V.

Why is Stop & Start not working after I reconnected the battery?

Stop & Start may not work during the trip after the first engine start. It comes back after the vehicle has been left stationary for a period that depends on the outside temperature and battery charge, up to about 8 hours.

A flat battery is easy to deal with once you know the correct order of connections and the safety rules. Keep this guide handy, take your time, and if anything seems wrong, contact a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop.

More Peugeot Traveller Guides

If a warning lamp comes on after a battery problem, check our guides to the Peugeot Traveller red warning lights and Peugeot Traveller orange warning lights.

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This is an independent guide, not an official Peugeot publication. Check your vehicle’s own manual before carrying out any work.

Related guides: Peugeot Traveller model guides.

Cover adapted from a photograph by Vauxford — Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (AI edited).