These instructions apply to the Vauxhall Vivaro Mk2 (B) 2014-2019.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
A flat 12 volt battery is the usual reason a Vauxhall Vivaro (2014–2019) 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 Vivaro B (2014–2019) is the second-generation Vauxhall/Opel Vivaro and the last one based on the Renault Trafic — long one of the UK’s best-selling medium vans. The 2019-on Vivaro C is a different, PSA-based van.
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 Vivaro
- 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 Vivaro’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
Is the Vivaro B the same as the newer Vivaro?
No. The Vivaro B (2014–2019) shares the Renault Trafic platform, so these guides apply to it and its NV300 and Talento siblings. The 2019-on Vivaro C moved to the PSA/Stellantis platform and is a different van with different procedures.
Where is the battery on a Vauxhall Vivaro?
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 the Renault Trafic-based Vivaro B it shares the engine-bay battery and layout, so the jump-start is identical across the Renault Trafic, Fiat Talento and Nissan NV300.
If a warning light or fault code appeared, look it up on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Vauxhall. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.