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 Jaguar XF Mk2 (X260) 2015-Present.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.

Disconnecting the 12 V battery on your Jaguar XF (2015–present) catches owners out, because — unlike the smaller XE — 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).

Jaguar XF Mk2 — the vehicle covered in this guide.
Jaguar XF Mk2. 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 the floor — 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 re-initialise the power windows (one-touch is lost), and the sunroof if fitted.
  3. Re-enter the clock and settings.

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

If Something Isn’t Right Afterwards

  • Windows or sunroof only move while held — run the relevant re-initialisation.
  • Warning lights after reconnection often clear after a short drive; a persistent one stores a code (decode on autodtcs.com).
  • Stop/start inactive afterwards is usually the BMS still learning the battery state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the battery on a Jaguar XF?

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 Jaguar equipment so it charges a new battery correctly.

What needs resetting afterwards?

The power windows and sunroof re-initialise, plus the clock and presets; the BMS relearns the battery state.

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

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

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