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 F-Type Mk1 (X152) 2013-Present.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.

Disconnecting the 12 V battery on your Jaguar F-Type (2013–present) — to fit a new one, store the car over winter, or work near the airbags — means heading to the boot, not the bonnet. Here’s where the battery is and the safe sequence.

Jaguar F-Type Mk1 — the vehicle covered in this guide.
Jaguar F-Type Mk1. Photo by OSX via Wikimedia Commons, licensed Public domain.

Find the Battery First

The 12 V battery is in the luggage compartment (boot), under the floor/trim near the spare-wheel area — 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. Lift the boot floor/cover to reach the battery, 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).
  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 — a like-for-like swap usually settles after a few drives.

If Something Isn’t Right Afterwards

  • Windows won’t auto-close — run the window re-initialisation.
  • Warning lights after reconnection often clear after a short drive; a persistent one stores a code (decode on autodtcs.com).
  • Convertible roof or active exhaust behaving oddly usually settles after a drive cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the battery on a Jaguar F-Type?

In the boot (luggage compartment), near the spare-wheel area — 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 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.

Related Articles