Disconnect and Reconnect the Battery

Last updated: June 12, 2026

Disconnecting the 12 V battery on a Renault Captur Mk1 (X87, 2013–2020) is a routine job, but the Captur loses several settings when the power goes and needs a few quick re-initialisations afterwards — the windows, the tyre-pressure system and the steering angle. This guide covers the safe order of work and what to reset once the leads are back on.

Where the Battery Is

The battery is in the engine compartment under a cover. Lift the cover to reach the two clamps. Cars with stop/start use an uprated battery — replace like-for-like.

Before You Disconnect

• Check your audio system security code and note your R-Link / Media Nav presets.
• If the car has just been running, wait for the engine cooling fan to stop, then wait a further minute before disconnecting.
• To keep settings alive, plug in a memory-saver. The steps below assume you are not.
• If working near airbags or seat-belt pretensioners, disconnect the battery first.

Disconnecting — Correct Order

1. Turn the ignition off and take the keycard away from the car.
2. Open the bonnet and lift off the battery cover.
3. Slacken the negative (−, earth) terminal first and lift the lead clear, tucking it aside.
4. Only undo the positive (+) terminal if you are removing the battery completely.
5. If removing the battery, undo the base clamp and lift it out upright.

Reconnecting — Correct Order

1. Refit the battery and secure the hold-down clamp.
2. Connect the positive (+) lead first, then the negative (−) earth lead last. Tighten both firmly.
3. Switch the ignition on for a few seconds before starting the engine.

What to Reset Afterwards

• Enter the radio code if asked, and reset the date, time, presets and preferences.
• Re-initialise the electric windows — see our Captur window guide.
• Re-initialise the tyre-pressure system — once your pressures are correct, run the learn routine (see our Captur TPMS reset guide).
• Re-initialise the steering angle sensor — drive gently straight, then a slow full-left and full-right turn; the ESC light should go out.

If a Warning Light Stays On

One or two lights right after reconnecting is normal and should clear on a short drive. If an ESC, airbag or engine light remains, a fault code was logged. Reading it needs an OBD scanner — you can look up what a Captur code means on our sister site autodtcs.com.

Tools You Need

• 10 mm spanner/socket for the terminal clamps and hold-down.
• Optional memory-saver to preserve presets and settings.
• Your radio keycode, if the head unit is code-protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why wait for the cooling fan to stop before disconnecting?

So the electrical system is settled and not drawing current when you lift the lead, which lets the modules power down cleanly.

How long should I leave it disconnected to reset the electronics?

Around 15 minutes with the doors shut lets the modules power down fully.

Why won’t my windows auto-close after reconnecting?

Expected — the one-touch disables itself after a power loss. Re-initialise each window and it returns.

Will the tyre-pressure light come on after a battery disconnect?

It can — run the Captur’s tyre-pressure learn routine with the correct pressures and it clears.

To clear the service reminder after maintenance, see our Renault Captur service indicator reset guide.