Disconnect and Reconnect the Battery

Reviewed by the Service Reset editor · Updated August 9, 2026 · How we verify
Quick referenceTools10 mm spannerTime~15 minMethodDisconnect negative terminal first

These instructions apply to the Land Rover Discovery Mk5 (L462) 2017-Present.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.

Disconnecting the 12 V battery on your Land Rover Discovery (2017–present) catches owners out, because it isn’t under the bonnet — it’s in the boot. Here’s where it is and the safe sequence, including the battery monitoring system (BMS) you should know about.

Land Rover Discovery Mk5 — the vehicle covered in this guide.
Land Rover Discovery Mk5. Photo by Dinkun Chen via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Find the Battery First

The 12 V battery is in the luggage compartment (boot), under a side trim or floor panel — the under-bonnet terminals are for jump-starting only.

  1. Switch the ignition off and note your presets and settings.
  2. Ensure all electrical consumers are switched off.
  3. Reach the battery in the boot, then disconnect the negative (−) terminal first, then the positive.

Working near airbags or pretensioners? Allow a minute or two after disconnecting before starting.

Reconnecting

  1. Reconnect positive first, negative last, and refit the battery monitoring system (BMS) connector if disturbed.
  2. Switch the ignition on and check the systems wake correctly.
  3. Re-enter the clock and settings; the air suspension may need a short drive to settle to normal height.

Fitting a new or different battery? The BMS ideally needs resetting/registering with Land Rover equipment so it charges the new battery correctly — often why stop/start stays inactive for a while afterwards.

If Something Isn’t Right Afterwards

  • Warning lights after reconnection often clear after a short drive; a persistent one stores a code (decode on autodtcs.com).
  • Air suspension or stop/start may take a drive cycle to return to normal as the BMS relearns.
  • Powered tailgate or seats may need re-initialising via the touchscreen if they behave oddly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the battery on a Land Rover Discovery 5?

In the boot (luggage compartment) — the under-bonnet terminals are only for jump-starting.

Which terminal first?

Negative (−) off first, reconnect it last.

Do I need to register a new battery?

Ideally yes — the BMS should be reset/registered with Land Rover equipment so it charges a new battery correctly.

Why is stop/start not working after I reconnected?

The BMS is relearning the battery state — it usually returns after a few drives.

If a warning light stays on after reconnecting, look up the code on autodtcs.com.

Independent guide — not affiliated with Land Rover. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.

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