DS 3: 12 V battery / Accessory battery / Charging the battery using a battery charger

For optimum service life of the battery, it is essential to maintain an adequate state of charge.

In some circumstances, it may be necessary to charge the battery:

• When using the vehicle mainly for short journeys.
• If the vehicle is to be taken off the road for several weeks.

Consult a dealer or a qualified workshop.

To charge the vehicle's battery yourself, use only a charger compatible with lead-acid batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 V.

Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the charger.

Never reverse polarities.

It is not necessary to disconnect the battery.

• Switch the ignition off.
• Switch off all electrical consumers (audio system, lighting, wipers, etc.).

• Switch off charger B before connecting the cables to the battery, so as to avoid any dangerous sparks.
• Ensure that the charger cables are in good condition.
• Lift the plastic cover on the (+) terminal, if the vehicle has one.
• Connect the cables of charger B as follows:
  • the positive (+) red cable to the (+) terminal of battery A,
  • the negative (-) black cable to earth point C on the vehicle.
• At the end of the charging operation, switch off charger B before disconnecting the cables from battery A.

If this label is present, use only a 12 V charger to avoid causing irreversible damage to the electrical components.

Never try to charge a frozen battery - risk of explosion!

If the battery has frozen, have it checked by a dealer or by a qualified workshop who will verify that the internal components have not been damaged and that the case has not cracked, which would mean a risk of toxic and corrosive acid leaking.

Some functions, including Stop & Start, are not available if the battery is not sufficiently charged.

Disconnecting the battery

In order to maintain an adequate state of charge for starting the engine, we recommend disconnecting the battery if the vehicle is to be unused for an extended period.

Before disconnecting the battery:

• Close all openings (doors, boot, windows, roof).
• Switch off all electricity-consuming devices (audio system, wipers, lamps, etc.).
• Switch off the ignition and wait for 4 minutes.

After accessing the battery, it is only necessary to disconnect the (+) terminal.

Quick-release terminal clamp

Disconnecting the (+) terminal

• Depending on equipment, lift the plastic cover on the (+) terminal.
• Raise lever A fully to release clamp B.
• Remove clamp B by lifting it off.

Reconnecting the (+) terminal

• Raise lever A fully.
• Refit open clamp B on the (+) terminal.
• Push clamp B fully down.
• Lower lever A to lock clamp B.
• Depending on equipment, lower the plastic cover on the (+) terminal.

Do not force the lever, as it will not lock in place if the clamp is not positioned correctly; start the procedure again.

Following reconnection

After reconnecting the battery, turn on the ignition and wait 1 minute before starting the engine, to enable the electronic systems to initialise.

If minor problems nevertheless persist following this operation, contact a dealer or a qualified workshop.

Referring to the relevant section, reinitialise certain equipment:

• Electronic key.
• Electric windows.
• Date and time.
• Preset radio stations.

After reconnecting the battery, the message "Collision risk detection system fault" is displayed on the instrument panel when the ignition is switched on. This operation is perfectly normal. The message will disappear while driving.

The Stop & Start system may not be operational during the trip following the first engine start.

In this case, the system will only be available again after a continuous period of immobilisation of the vehicle, a period which depends on the exterior temperature and the state of charge of the battery (up to about 8 hours).