Disconnect and Reconnect the Battery

Last updated: June 5, 2026

Disconnecting the 12 V battery on a Nissan Micra K13 (2010–2017) is a simple job for a battery change or before electrical work, but the car loses a few settings when the power goes and needs a couple of quick re-initialisations afterwards — the windows and, if the ESC light shows, the steering angle. This guide covers the safe order of work and what to reset once the leads are back on.

Where the Battery Is

The battery is in the engine compartment. Lift any cover to reach the two clamps. Fit a like-for-like replacement if you are renewing it.

Before You Disconnect

• Note your radio presets and user preferences, which are wiped when the power goes.
• Turn the engine off and wait about 3 minutes before disconnecting, so the systems power down.
• To keep settings alive, plug in a memory-saver. The steps below assume you are not using one.
• If working near airbags or seat-belt pretensioners, disconnect the battery first so the airbag system is de-energised.

Disconnecting — Correct Order

1. Turn the ignition off and remove the key (or take the keyless fob away from the car).
2. Open the bonnet and reach the battery.
3. Slacken the negative (−, earth) terminal first and lift the lead clear, tucking it aside.
4. Only undo the positive (+) terminal if you are removing the battery completely.
5. If removing the battery, undo the base 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

• Reset the date and time and re-enter radio presets and user preferences.
• Re-initialise the electric windows — the one-touch/anti-trap is lost until you re-teach it (see our Micra window guide).
• Re-initialise the steering angle sensor if the ESC/traction light shows — drive gently straight, then a slow full-left and full-right turn; the light should go out.
• Re-store the tyre pressures if the TPMS light comes on — see our Micra TPMS reset guide.

If a Warning Light Stays On

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

Tools You Need

• 10 mm spanner/socket for the terminal clamps and hold-down.
• Optional memory-saver to preserve presets and settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why wait 3 minutes before disconnecting?

So the control units finish their shutdown routine, which avoids logging faults when the power is cut.

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

Around 15 minutes with the doors shut lets the modules power down fully, clearing most transient glitches.

Why won’t my windows auto-close after reconnecting?

Expected — the one-touch disables itself after a power loss. Re-initialise each window and it returns.

Why is the ESC light on after the battery change?

The steering-angle sensor lost its zero point. The simple steering left/right relearn re-references it and the light goes out.

To clear the service reminder after maintenance, see our Nissan Micra service indicator reset guide.