Disconnect and Reconnect the Battery

Reviewed by the Service Reset editor · Updated September 22, 2026 · How we verify
Quick referenceTools10 mm spannerTime~15 minMethodDisconnect negative terminal first

These instructions apply to the Hyundai i10 Mk2 (IA) 2014-2019.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.

Disconnecting the 12 V battery on a Hyundai i10 Mk2 (IA, 2014–2019) is a routine job for a battery change or before electrical work. There is no dealer registration to worry about, but a few electronic settings — the power windows and, if fitted, the sunroof — need re-initialising afterwards. This guide covers the safe order of work.

Hyundai i10 Mk2 — the vehicle covered in this guide.
Hyundai i10 Mk2. Photo by Ap320 via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where the Battery Is

The battery is in the engine bay. Lift any cover to reach the two terminal clamps. Fit a like-for-like replacement if you are renewing it — match the original specification.

Before You Disconnect

  • Note your radio stations and personal settings (and any audio security code, if used).
  • Turn the ignition off and remove the key from the ignition switch.
  • If working near airbags or seat-belt pretensioners, disconnect the battery and wait 3 minutes before handling those parts.

Disconnecting — Correct Order

12V battery in a Hyundai i10 engine bay
The 12V battery in the engine bay of a Hyundai i10 (1.0 petrol).
  1. Turn the ignition off and remove the key.
  2. Open the bonnet and reach the battery.
  3. Slacken the negative (−, earth) terminal first and lift the lead clear.
  4. Only undo the positive (+) terminal if you are removing the battery completely.
  5. If removing the battery, undo the hold-down 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. Turn the ignition on for a few seconds before starting the engine.

What to Reset Afterwards

  • Re-initialise the power windows — the one-touch (auto) function won’t work until the windows are re-taught (see our window initialise guide).
  • Re-initialise the sunroof if fitted — Hyundai lists this as a required step after reconnecting the battery (see our sunroof initialise guide).
  • Reset the trip-computer settings, date and time, and reprogram your radio stations and preferences.
  • Re-learn the tyre-pressure system by driving — the i10 relearns automatically (see our TPMS reset guide).

If the Dash Still Warns

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register a new battery on an i10 Mk2?

No dealer coding is required. Fit the correct battery, reconnect, and restore your settings.

Why won’t my windows or sunroof auto-operate after the battery change?

Disconnecting power clears their learned positions. Run the simple re-initialise routines and the one-touch functions return.

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

Around 10–15 minutes with the doors shut lets the modules power down fully.

Will I lose my radio?

Some i10 head units ask for a security code after a power loss. Have it ready, or use a memory-saver to avoid it.

To clear the service reminder after maintenance, see our Hyundai i10 service indicator reset guide.

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

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