How to replace the car battery on a Peugeot 208

Replacing the battery on a Peugeot 208 requires just one spanner and loosening one nut to do the job. But there are a few more important procedures to follow.

Stuart Johnston

18 Jan 2024 · 10:17Car Ownership3 min read

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Battery change

Peugeot’s 208 is a sophisticated little hatchback that offers a superb ride and strong performance. The 208 has been on sale here since 2012, but the latest models are covered by a 5-year service plan. On the latest updated models it is unlikely that the battery will fail, but these things can happen, usually at the most inconvenient of times, and in far-flung places!

Because of the warranty and service plan considerations, on newer 208s it is best not to change the battery yourself. We offer this guide if you need to replace it (In an instance where charging the battery doesn't work.) in an out-of-the-way location where you or your car could not reach an authorised Peugeot dealership or roadside assistance service.

For information on how to correctly replace a battery on a previous generation 208, we visited Peugeot Northcliff, where we were given the low-down on the simple procedures to follow.

Everything you need to know about the Peugeot 208

You will need:

Replacement battery of correct frame size and amperage
10mm Wrench or socket

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1. Identify the battery which is located on the right side of the engine compartment.

2. With any battery replacement job, the first step is to disconnect the earth cable. This is identified by the negative (-) sign on the battery. Simply loosen the 10 mm retaining nut with a spanner, then ease the earth cable off the battery terminal being careful to not cause any sparks, and tuck the earth cable out of the way. Make sure the terminal isn't touching on any metal as this could let off any residual charge.

3. Now identify the positive battery cable. This is located under a red cover with a positive sign on it.

4. Flip the cover up exposing the terminal-cable connection. Unusually, you won’t need a spanner to loosen it. By simply flipping up the red-coloured cover, a retaining clip on the cover loosens the cable clamp on the terminal. The cable can then be removed.

5. The next step is to move the ECU harness located to the right of the battery out of the way. This is not absolutely necessary but it gives you more space to remove the battery easily. Again, the whole unit simply unplugs from its location point on the car’s bodywork to the right of the battery, and can be carefully tucked out of the way. Make sure not to disturb any of the cables.

6. The battery is not held in place by nuts or bolts, but by a retaining clip and a plate at its base. This is located on the right side of the battery, near the front. To release the retainer plate you locate the release clip, press it in, and the retaining plate swivels up, enabling you to withdraw the old battery.

7. Fitting the new battery involves reversing the step-by-step procedure you used to remove the old battery. If you are at all unsure about any of the procedures, call upon your nearest Peugeot dealer to do the job for you. If your car is still under warranty, it would be best for an authorised Peugeot dealership to carry out this maintenance.

Top Tips

If you have medium grit sandpaper on hand & there's corrosion on your battery terminals, sand down the terminals so there's better contact.
Applying some battery terminal protector spray is good practice to protect your battery terminals from corrosion.

These little tips will help prolong the life of your battery.

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