Disconnect and Reconnect the Battery

Reviewed by the Service Reset editor · Updated September 3, 2026 · How we verify
Quick referenceTools10 mm spannerTime~15 minMethodDisconnect negative terminal first

These instructions apply to the Suzuki Ignis Mk3 (ATK) 2016-Present.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.

Disconnecting the 12 V battery on a Suzuki Ignis Mk3 (ATK, 2016–present) is a routine job for a battery change or before electrical work. Two things are worth knowing first: where the battery actually lives (it varies by model), and that Smart Hybrid (SHVS) versions have a small extra battery that needs a little care. This guide covers the safe order of work.

Where the Battery Is

The 12 V starter battery (the one you disconnect) sits in different places depending on model, so locate yours first (the handbook shows it):

  • Non-hybrid Ignis: the 12 V battery is in the engine bay.
  • Smart Hybrid (SHVS) Ignis: the 12 V battery is relocated to the boot.

Don’t confuse it with the unit under the front seat. The small lithium-ion pack under a front seat is the SHVS mild-hybrid battery, not the 12 V starter battery — leave that one alone (Suzuki’s renewal procedure for it involves removing the seat, and it’s best left to a specialist). For routine battery work you only ever touch the 12 V battery.

If you are renewing it, fit a like-for-like 12 V battery — SHVS cars use an enhanced (EFB-type) battery, so match the original.

Before You Disconnect

  • Note your radio code and presets.
  • Turn the ignition off and make sure all electrical consumers are off.
  • After switching off, wait 3 minutes before disconnecting — this lets the modules (and the mild-hybrid system) power down.
  • SHVS Smart Hybrid cars: the SHVS system is a 12 V mild hybrid (an integrated starter-generator with a small lithium-ion battery). It is not a high-voltage car, but wear gloves and don’t poke around the SHVS battery’s own cabling — the routine 12 V terminal work below is owner-safe.

Disconnecting — Correct Order

12V battery in the Suzuki Ignis engine bay
The 12 V lead-acid battery on the right of the Ignis engine bay — disconnect the negative terminal first.
  1. Turn the ignition off and wait 3 minutes.
  2. Reach the 12 V battery in the engine bay and lift its cover. On SHVS mild-hybrid cars the 12 V lead-acid battery is still in the engine bay — only the separate lithium-ion pack sits under the front passenger seat, and you do not disconnect that.
  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.

Reconnecting — Correct Order

  1. Connect the positive (+) lead first, then the negative (−) earth lead last. Tighten both firmly and refit any cover.
  2. Turn the ignition on for a few seconds before starting the engine.

What to Reset Afterwards

  • Reset the date and time and re-enter your radio code and presets.
  • Re-initialise the power windows — one-touch won’t work until re-taught (see our window initialise guide).
  • Re-check the tyre-pressure system if the light comes on (see our TPMS reset guide).
  • The start/stop system may stay dormant until the battery is charged — normal for the first drive.

If a Warning Light Stays On

One or two lights right after reconnecting is normal. 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 Suzuki code means on autodtcs.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the battery on a Suzuki Ignis?

The 12 V starter battery is in the engine bay on non-hybrid cars and in the boot on Smart Hybrid (SHVS) cars. The unit under a front seat is the separate SHVS lithium-ion pack — not the battery you disconnect. Check your handbook to confirm.

Is the SHVS Ignis a high-voltage hybrid?

No — SHVS is a 12 V mild-hybrid system (a beefed-up starter-generator and a small lithium battery). It is not a high-voltage vehicle, but treat the SHVS battery’s own wiring with care.

Do I need to register a new battery?

No dealer coding is required for the 12 V battery. Fit the correct type and follow the order above.

Why wait 3 minutes?

It lets the control modules and the mild-hybrid system power down cleanly so nothing is mid-write when power is cut.

To clear the service reminder after maintenance, see our Suzuki Ignis service indicator reset guide.

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

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