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 Lexus LS Mk4 (USF40/UVF45) 2006-2017.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.

Disconnecting the 12 V battery on your Lexus LS (2006–2017) — for a new battery, winter storage, or work near the airbags — catches owners out, because on this car the 12 V battery isn’t under the bonnet, it’s in the boot.

Lexus LS Mk4 — the vehicle covered in this guide.
Lexus LS Mk4. Photo by Damian B Oh via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Find the 12 V Battery First

On both the LS 460 (V8) and the LS 600h hybrid the 12 V battery is in the luggage compartment (boot), under a trim panel — placed there for weight balance on this big saloon. The under-bonnet terminals are for jump-starting only. On the LS 600h, never touch the orange high-voltage cabling or the hybrid battery; the 12 V is the one you service.

Disconnecting Safely

  1. Switch off and make sure all electrical consumers are off.
  2. Lift the boot trim to reach the battery, then disconnect the negative (−) terminal first, then the positive.
  3. Working near airbags or pretensioners? Wait 90 seconds after disconnecting before such work.

Reconnecting and Re-initialising

Reconnect positive first, then negative. The LS then relearns a few items as you drive:

  • Steering angle / stability and parking-assist systems relearn as you drive straight and turn fully each way.
  • Power windows and sunroof — if one-touch is lost, pull/hold at the limit to relearn.
  • Re-enter the clock, presets and settings.

If Something Isn’t Right Afterwards

  • Warning lights (e.g. VSC/stability) usually clear once the relearns complete after a short drive.
  • The gear lever won’t leave ‘P’ after a flat battery? Use the console emergency release — see our LS shift-lock release guide.
  • A persistent light stores a code — look it up on autodtcs.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the 12 V battery on a Lexus LS 460 / 600h?

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

Is it safe to disconnect the 12 V on the LS 600h hybrid?

Yes — the 12 V is separate from the high-voltage system; never touch the orange HV cabling.

Which terminal first?

Negative (−) off first, reconnect it last.

What needs resetting afterwards?

Steering-angle/stability and parking-assist relearn by driving, windows/sunroof may need a relearn, plus the clock and presets.

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

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

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