These instructions apply to the Hyundai Tucson Mk3 (TL) 2015-2020.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
A flat 12 volt battery is the most common reason a Hyundai Tucson Mk3 (TL, 2015–2020) won’t start. With a set of jump leads and a donor car you can get going in a few minutes. Follow the connection order carefully — the sequence matters for safety.
Before You Start
- Use only a 12 volt source (another car’s battery or a proper jump pack). Never push- or tow-start a Tucson — it can damage the catalytic converter and transmission.
- Park the donor car close enough for the leads to reach, but the two cars must not touch.
- Turn off all electrical loads (lights, audio, climate), apply the parking brake, and set the gearbox to neutral (manual) or P (automatic/DCT). Switch both engines off.
- Don’t try to jump a battery that is frozen or visibly damaged.
How to Jump-Start the Tucson
- Connect one end of the red (+) lead to the positive terminal of the flat battery.
- Connect the other end of the red lead to the positive terminal of the donor battery.
- Connect one end of the black (−) lead to the negative terminal of the donor battery.
- Connect the other end of the black lead to a bare metal ground point on the engine or body of the flat car — not to the flat battery’s negative terminal. This keeps any spark away from the battery.
- Start the donor car and let it run at about 2,000 rpm for a few minutes.
- Start your Tucson. Once it runs, remove the leads in the exact reverse order: ground point, donor negative, donor positive, then the flat battery positive.
After a Jump-Start
Drive for at least 20 minutes to put charge back into the battery, or fit a mains charger. If the car won’t start again next time, the battery is likely at the end of its life or there is a charging fault. A battery that keeps going flat should be tested rather than repeatedly jump-started.
If you disconnected or replaced the battery, remember the Tucson may need the windows, sunroof and start-stop re-initialised afterwards — see our battery disconnect and reconnect guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I connect the negative lead on a Hyundai Tucson?
Not to the flat battery’s negative terminal — connect it to a bare metal ground point on the engine or body. This moves the small connection spark away from the battery gases.
Can I push-start a Tucson instead?
No. Hyundai warns against push- or tow-starting; it can damage the catalytic converter, and it won’t work at all on an automatic or DCT car.
Why is my battery flat again the next morning?
Either the battery is worn out or something is draining it. Have the battery and charging system tested rather than jump-starting it every day. A stored fault code can be read on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Hyundai. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.