These instructions apply to the Hyundai i20 Mk2 (GB) 2014-2020.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
If your Hyundai i20 Mk2 (GB, 2014–2020) won’t start and the cause is a flat 12 V battery, you can jump-start it from another car with a set of jumper cables. The i20’s battery sits in the engine bay under a cover, and the steps below follow Hyundai’s own instructions.
Use only a 12 V, negative-grounded battery as the booster. The two cars must not touch each other, and all electrical consumers should be switched off before you connect anything.
How to jump-start a Hyundai i20
- Park the booster car close enough for the cables to reach without the two cars touching. Apply the parking brake on both and switch off the ignition.
- Connect one clamp of the red cable to the positive (+) terminal of the flat battery.
- Connect the other end of the red cable to the positive (+) terminal of the booster battery.
- Connect one clamp of the black cable to the negative (−) terminal of the booster battery.
- Connect the last black clamp to a bare metal part of the i20’s engine — such as the engine lifting eye — well away from the battery. Do not clip it to the flat battery’s negative post.
- Start the booster car and hold it at about 2,000 rpm.
- Start the i20.
- Once it runs, remove the cables in the exact reverse order.
Connecting that final clamp to the engine rather than the dead battery’s negative post keeps any spark away from the gas a charging battery gives off, which could otherwise ignite. Afterwards, drive for 20–30 minutes to let the alternator recharge the battery.
What if it still won’t start?
If the engine won’t crank after a good jump, the battery may be beyond recovery or its terminals are corroded. If it cranks but won’t fire, the battery isn’t the fault — look elsewhere. Never push- or tow-start the i20: Hyundai warns this can damage the emission control system on both manual and automatic cars.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the battery on a Hyundai i20?
In the engine bay under a plastic cover. Lift the hood and the cover for the terminals is clearly visible.
Which cable do I connect first?
The red (positive) cable first — flat battery’s + terminal, then the booster’s + terminal. The black cable’s final clamp goes to bare engine metal, not the flat battery.
Can I push-start a Hyundai i20?
No. Hyundai advises against push- or tow-starting as it can damage the emission system. Jump-starting is the safe method.
If a warning light stayed on after jump-starting, read the stored code for free at autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Hyundai. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.