These instructions apply to the Nissan NV300 2016-2021.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
A flat 12 volt battery is the usual reason a Nissan NV300 (2016–2021) won’t crank. On this van the battery sits in the engine bay, so a jump-start is easy once the leads go on in the right order.
The NV300 was Nissan’s take on the Renault Trafic III under the Renault-Nissan alliance, sold from 2016 to 2021, after which Nissan revived the ‘Primastar’ name for the facelifted version.
Before You Connect
- Donor vehicle close but not touching; both ignitions off, handbrakes on.
- Good jump leads or a diesel-rated jump pack.
- Open the bonnet and find the positive (+) and negative (−) terminals.
Jump-Start the NV300
- Red lead to the flat battery’s positive (+).
- Other end to the donor’s positive (+).
- Black lead to the donor’s negative (−).
- Other end to bare metal on the NV300’s engine — a bracket or lifting eye, away from the flat battery, so any spark stays clear of battery gases.
- Run the donor a few minutes, then start the van. If it won’t catch, wait and try again rather than cranking on.
- With it running, remove the leads in reverse order — engine earth first, then donor negative, then the positives.
- Drive 20–30 minutes so the alternator recharges the battery.
With a jump pack, clamp positive to the battery positive and negative to that engine earth point, then follow the pack’s instructions.
After a Jump-Start
If the battery went completely flat, expect to reset the clock and radio and to re-initialise the electric windows and tyre-pressure system. If the van dies as you unplug, or is flat again next morning, the battery is likely worn out or there’s a charging or drain fault.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the Nissan NV300 and the Primastar?
They’re the same van at different points in time: the NV300 (2016–2021) is the Trafic-based model these guides cover, and Nissan brought back the ‘Primastar’ name in 2021 for the facelifted version — same platform, revised front end.
Where is the battery on a Nissan NV300?
In the engine compartment — open the bonnet to reach the terminals.
Where does the negative jump lead go?
On clean, unpainted metal on the engine — not the flat battery’s negative post — so the connection spark stays away from the battery.
Can I push-start it?
Only manual versions, and it isn’t recommended on a modern common-rail diesel; a jump-start is safer. Automatics can’t be push-started.
Is it the same as a Renault Trafic?
Yes — as Nissan’s version of the Renault Trafic it shares the engine-bay battery and layout, so the jump-start is identical across the Renault Trafic, Fiat Talento and Vauxhall/Opel Vivaro.
If a warning light or fault code appeared, look it up on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Nissan. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.