Replace the 12V Battery

The 12V battery on the Suzuki Jimny (JB) sits in the engine bay on the left-hand side, next to the engine-compartment fuse box. It is a compact JIS-size battery, so replacing it is a straightforward driveway job that takes about 15 minutes with a single 10 mm spanner.

The Jimny has very little that depends on stored power, but because it has an airbag you should still follow the safe disconnect order below.

How to replace the 12V battery on a Suzuki Jimny

1. Park on level ground, switch off the ignition and remove the key. Wait at least 90 seconds before touching any wiring so the airbag system fully powers down.
2. Open the hood and locate the battery on the left of the engine bay. Lift off the terminal covers if fitted.
3. Loosen the negative (−) terminal clamp first and lift the cable clear of the post. Tuck it aside so it cannot spring back onto the terminal.
4. Loosen and remove the positive (+) terminal clamp next.
5. Undo the battery hold-down clamp at the base of the battery and lift it out, keeping it upright.
6. Clean the tray and clamp, then set the new battery in place the same way round. The Jimny uses a JIS battery with the positive post on the right (type 55B24R, 36 Ah, or the smaller 38B20R, 28 Ah).
7. Fit and tighten the hold-down clamp.
8. Connect the positive (+) cable first, then the negative (−) cable last. Tighten both clamps firmly and refit the covers.
9. Start the engine and check that the charge warning light goes out.

Always connect positive first and negative last, and keep metal tools away from the positive post and any bare bodywork — a slip there can short the battery and cause sparks.

Does the Jimny need coding after a battery change?

No. The JB-generation Jimny has no battery management system to register and no stored radio code from the factory, so a new battery works as soon as it is connected. If an aftermarket head unit has been fitted, have its security code ready, as it may ask for it on first power-up.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the battery on a Suzuki Jimny?
In the engine bay, on the left-hand side next to the engine-compartment fuse box.

What size battery does a Suzuki Jimny (JB) take?
A JIS-size 12V battery — type 55B24R (36 Ah) or the smaller 38B20R (28 Ah). Both have the positive terminal on the right.

Which terminal do I disconnect first?
Always the negative (−) terminal first when removing, and reconnect it last.

If a warning light stayed on after the battery change, you can read the fault yourself with a cheap code reader — see the free OBD-II trouble-code lookup at autodtcs.com.