How to replace the 12v auxiliary battery on Renault Zoe

[@GoGreenAutos]

If you've found this video particularly useful or maybe this saved you money or time, then please do at least click the like button and add a comment. If you'd like to give a 'super thanks', you can buy me a coffee, a pint or contribute to the running costs of this channel via the Thanks button above. KZbin shares 70% of the donations with the video creators.

[@kevinobbs]

Thanks Matt, saved me lots money! The 2013 Zoe we bought from you is still going well with no faults. The other day however it came up with the dreaded Warning. ELECTRIC FAILURE. DANGER! Looing at EV forums I read that the first thing Renault try in this case is change the 12V battery. So I did that and it is happy again. So I saved the cost of towing, diagnostics, labour and the Renault double price battery.

[@GoGreenAutos]

Great. Its very common now that cars aren't getting used much during lockdown. Also watch this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJampaVjn8-VpKM

[@csabaaszalos2438]

@@GoGreenAutos Thank you very much! Very informative video, I had the same issue with "Electric failure" due to the 12V battery 200 millisecond self test performed by the cars Pulse Box testing unit that kind of shorts the battery for a split second and that leads to under 10 volts condition and that leads to multiple CAN bus issues (like with break pedal, steering wheel and other random errors) and errors in ECUs. The design of the Pulse Box should be improved to perform a 2 step test, first with a lower cranking current to not mess up the CAN bus and if that passes perform the high current test. Still the 12V battery error is valid and battery has to be replaced. The misleading part from all the smart computer stuff from the car is that in CanZE/ddt4all under "12V battery -> Replacement advice" it is not advised to change the battery...

[@afitzsimons]

Nice video, thanks for posting. Saved me faffing about. Replaced mine with a Yuasa 5000. Probably overkill but it does have a 5 year warranty. As I was fitting it my neighbour asked me how far my car will go on the battery, I said about 160 miles on a good day. She then said that's good for a little battery.

[@GoGreenAutos]

Hilarious

[@stevepoole5542]

Superb video, many thanks. Got a battery from Amazon for £51 delivered and fitted in about 5 minutes. Better than being ripped off by a dealer. Thanks again.

[@anasmubaideen]

Thank you so much for the useful tutorial. The 12v battery of my Zoe ZE40 died last week out of a sudden and since it was too old I just bought a Varta C22 battery for around 75€ here in Belgium and changed it myself with the help of your video. Thank you for saving me money and time. ❤❤❤❤

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad it was useful.

[@nb987]

Great video - thanks so much. Gave me the confidence to do mine at home when Renault were asking ridiculous amounts to change it. Followed video exactly - took no more than 5 minutes. Some forums speak of change of indicator tones, loss of radio channels, warning lights and change of screen layout but I had none of those. Just swapped battery and kept driving as normal. Thanks again.

[@GoGreenAutos]

Thank you. I replace batteries on Zoe's all the time or leave the battery disconnected while charging overnight and never lost any settings. Other cars do/can, but the Zoe seems immune to it.

[@rklauco]

Thanks for the warning on the beep! Very helpful.

[@budflanagan1262]

Another great video! Went to have a look at the battery in our Zoe and found the radiator reservoir was hanging there, loosely jammed down next to the battery! No plastic pin, so it seems like the battery has been changed but the reservoir not properly repositioned; small cable tie through the pin hole secured it. Will check the vent tube tomorrow! Thanks again, keep ‘em coming! 😀

[@GoGreenAutos]

While your head is under the bonnet, check your headlights too kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4XXlJVpfcimeKc

[@johntisbury]

Thanks Matt, just re-watched this as our Zoe needs a new battery it was giving the 'Electrical Failure DANGER' message and the battery measured under 12V. New battery sourced and re-fitted thanks to your great step-by-step.

[@GoGreenAutos]

This was one of the first videos I made 6 years ago. Glad it helped. I must redo this video.

[@johnkissick2286]

Super video, followed instructions and all working. only difference to your was I had a cuppa when I disconnected the battery. This increase in disconnected state appeared to shut down the rlink, just need patience for the display to come back to life. Keep the videos coming

[@mehrdadzamboor]

Excellant informative videos.Thank you. I have had a 2018 Zoe since May . 17K on the clock. Can't get rid of the permanent grin!

[@AlastairArmstrong]

Just did this for my Zoe, this video is 100% accurate so good!

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad it helped.

[@alextreeman7964]

Thank You $ir, very helpfull, its my first time changing the 12v battery in my 3year 300.000km Zoe ze40 taxi thank You again $ir! Great informative video! I bought a 54ha battery for 39,37 whit 3 year warranty!

[@byronneedham529]

Hi Great video, saved me a lot of time in replacing the battery. My Zoe is a ZE 50, the battery is the same but it is rotated 90 deg anticlockwise and there is an additional metal plate bolted above it. One word of warning I got the dreaded "Battery Charging Impossible" and a red light on the charging port when I tried to charge it. After a bit of digging on the forums, just disconnect the 12V battery for at least 5 mins and reconnect. This cleared the fault.

[@Aberdons1]

Perfect video, excellent detailed Zoe Aux battery guide. thanks

[@johnhodgkinson4311]

Great video, thanks mate. Battery changed in 5 mins. 👍

[@rklauco]

Thanks!

[@GoGreenAutos]

Thank you very much. I'm glad the video helped.

[@martinbickle9836]

Great video, saves money compared to a Renault three year service.

[@gustaf7966]

I just put in the YBX3012 Yuasa SMF Car Battery 12V 52Ah and actually found it easier to move the reservoir tank first. Then I was able to use an electric drill to loosen the torx screw. But overall good instructions and very easy to do this yourself.

[@fred4926]

Really thank you from France 🙏🏻

[@richardhaywoodh]

Absolutely superb video & detail

[@mickrhodes4567]

Any chance of doing a similar video for a later Zoe ZE50 where the battery is the other way around and the paraphernalia attached is more ?

[@aurelianpintilie]

Very good video, thank very much for your help, Sir, good luck

[@CreativityNeverNaps]

Great video! I just looked for a battery for my 2014 zoe and it told me “YUASA 012 5000 SERIES” the one in the video said it wasn’t for my vehicle. Will your battery reference work on my 2014 zoe? Just wanna make sure I buy the correct battery.

[@michaelbruton3537]

Hi Matt Just watched your battery change on the Zoe Do you have to take any extra safety precautions when changing the battery.on an Ioniq 28kWh because of its own battery management onboard

[@tim_insx]

My existing battery had the left vent plug left in and the vent hose attached on the right. Is it OK to do the same arrangement with my new battery? The battery instructions said to remove the plugs (plural).

[@GoGreenAutos]

Correct, the original Zoe battery has one vent plug in place to force any venting out of the tube on the right side. It would be ok to copy that, but it would be even better to remove both.

[@RoteLars]

How to avoid sparks then connecting to car? Last time I did that I got a spark in size like welding sparks.

[@belos65]

Please can you show how to change the brake fluid on the Electric car Renault Zoe Year model 2019. Which fault code reader works for this Electric car. It's a Renault, so I'm wondering if the Can clip won't work for this car? Thanks! From Tommy Bertilsson from Sweden

[@atrociousliar3314]

Does disconnecting the battery wipe any codes for the radio?

[@GoGreenAutos]

Yes, it will but not in the Zoe as it doesn't have a radio code.

[@290Alenka]

Do you find disconnecting the battery also disconnects the R-Link from the internet? And if yes how is it reconnected? I am told by Renault that is it a complex procedure.

[@GoGreenAutos]

Nope never had a problem and changed around 30 Zoe batteries now. Are they just saying this so they can charge you £120-180 to swap the 12V rather than you doing it yourself or going elsehwere?

[@290Alenka]

@@GoGreenAutos My 12v battery died after leaving the car unused for a long period of time (covid) and the sudden drop in temperature. After looking at the amber warning for a few days it developed into the red stop alert. At the same time the R-Link disconnected itself so I assumed the low voltage was to blame. Both have been sorted by the dealership. I did ask if I could connect a normal battery charger to the 12v system to keep it topped up but they were non committal. Some have suggested you can only charge the 12v battery if it is completely disconnected from the car???

[@GoGreenAutos]

@@290Alenka You can charge the 12V while in place as long as you leave it for 3 mins before connecting to allow enough time for the DC-DC charger to turn off. See kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJampaVjn8-VpKM

[@RWBHere]

Thanks Steve. 🙂👍

[@rob_lightbody]

My 2018 golf GTi has a complex stop start system which wasn't working right. The factory fitted Korean EFB battery was the problem. When i fitted a quality AGM battery and - crucially - coded it up for the car (you tell the car the battery capacity and type and that it's new) it transformed it. do you need to code them so the car knows it's new etc?

[@GoGreenAutos]

No, the Zoe doesn't have that. The drain on an EV battery is completely different, due to having no starter motor and the charging is different too. Most don't require any coding to tell the vehicle that the battery has changed.

[@andrewweatherill1173]

Any idea where to get the little clip for the radiator mines missing?

[@GoGreenAutos]

If you mean the pin that hold the expansion bottle in place, Renault dealer parts dept. Or any plastic trim clip of the correct diameter will do. It doesn't do much.

[@gustaf7966]

Great video! Any idea if this would void the 41kWh battery warranty if I replaced this myself? I know that they require OEM parts to be used in a service to not void the warranty. But does it matter if I do it myself?

[@GoGreenAutos]

No not at all. Its no different to changing the wiper blades, tyres etc.

[@gustaf7966]

@@GoGreenAutos thanks! Picking up a 2017 Zoe today :) Good to know I can replace the 12V battery myself if needed.

[@David_Parr]

Thank You Great Video!

[@andreasramstrom4957]

Great video, thanks! A former Renault technician told me that the Zoe must be learned that the 12v battery has been replaced (done with the CLIP tool). Otherwise the car will never charge the new battery more than the old and this will speed up the aging of the new battery. Do you know if this is true and if so, will there be a significant difference in life of the battery if I replace it myself? Thanks in advance!

[@GoGreenAutos]

That is true on a BMW i3, but I'm pretty sure that isn't the case on a Zoe (and most other EVs too). I've not seen such a feature on my diagnostic scanner when looking at the Zoe. The charging isn't that clever. Its just charges the battery all the time its on!

[@andreasramstrom4957]

@@GoGreenAutos Thanks, just the answer I was hoping for

[@David_Parr]

Hi I have just got the same battery from Amazon. I noticed the old Renault Battery has what's looks like another Vent on the left hand side ( same side as negative ) that is blocked and sealed. But the new battery came with 2 Red Bungs for Transport. Do I leave the the left hand side bung in or remove that too. I have connected the right hand side ( Plus Side ) up to the Vent pipe so that is OK. Thank you

[@GoGreenAutos]

Both bungs are meant to be removed...but as you said the left one is always left in on Renault batteries.

[@davidnovak8929]

Can you put any extra load on this battery? For example an power outtage? And using an inverter?

[@GoGreenAutos]

On the 12V? The Zoe doesn't have V2L.

[@davidnovak8929]

@@GoGreenAutos 12V yes. Or is maybe there any other option? To plug in a fridge or lights... etc.

[@GoGreenAutos]

@@davidnovak8929 The 12V is quite small on these, but no different to any other ICE vehicle in terms of loading the battery. You'll need the car turned on to charge it up though. You might want to watch this video as these devices will stop your battery getting below a critical level, so you're not left stranded - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnTHiZKqmM2dfZo

[@davidnovak8929]

@@GoGreenAutos okay, thank you for your answer. So there is no way to power anything from the Zoe and use it as a backup battery?

[@GoGreenAutos]

@@davidnovak8929 No. It doesn't do two way power.

[@petencalroberts7616]

Another great video, I am thinking of entering the ev world and the Zoe or Ionoc Electric are my intial preferences, which of the teo eould you choose 😊😊

[@GoGreenAutos]

The Hyundai Ioniq is a vastly better made vehicle than the Zoe.

[@au18ert]

What state of health should you change the battery, if your keeping an eye and changing it yourself? I don't want to risk it not starting but if we are trying to reduce waste then over 60% seems ok..

[@My_HandleIs_]

Which Renault Zoe model(s) does this apply to? 2019 with 80 kW motor?

[@GoGreenAutos]

ZE22 and ZE40 models. Probably the ZE50 too, but not had one of these in yet, so not seen under the bonnet.

[@My_HandleIs_]

@@GoGreenAutos Thank you! My Renault service guy said "we have to cut the High voltage power before replacing the battery". I asked if it was that thing under the passenger mat, that disconnects the HV battery, but he refused to answer. Do you know? You mention to "wait a few minutes". Maybe some additional step can be taken to be extra cautious? I did regular service today, but €300 for the battery + labour, when I can find the battery online for €100 with shipping, is why I'm here :)

[@GoGreenAutos]

@@My_HandleIs_ Absolute rubbish. I say wait a few minutes as the DC-DC converter is still kicking out the 14.5V to charge the battery for about 1 minute after you wake the car (by unlocking, opening a door etc etc). Just turn off the Zoe, open the bonnet and wait at least two minutes before you disconnect the 12V battery.

[@ninjaportugues-hj4bi]

My zoe don't have car battery i can't open doors... even with the key on the hole any solution?

[@GoGreenAutos]

It doesn't need power to use the key blade in the left front door. So that should work. Are you sure you'e tried turning the key both ways, as I seem to remember its opposite than you'd expect.

[@ninjaportugues-hj4bi]

@@GoGreenAutos yeah don't unlock

[@richardhaywoodh]

Matt can you charge the ZOE 12v battery while it is connected to the vehicle ? (with the vehicle switched off) I have done this with Toyota Hybrids, KIA soul EV and MG ZS EV using a permanent SAE connector so I can top up the 12v car battery whenever I like and those vehicles had no issues with this method, is the ZOE system different?

[@GoGreenAutos]

Yes you can. But turn off your charger before you unlock or open the doors as the DC-DC is switched on then. I keep Zoe's permanently connected to 1A 12V trickle chargers when stored here.

[@richardhaywoodh]

@@GoGreenAutos Brilliant, many thanks for that 👍

[@lzcotm4686]

I followed all steps until I came to the bolt securing the bracket. Any tips on how difficult this can be and how to solve? It loosened initially and then wouldn’t move. I don’t want to strip the threads.

[@GoGreenAutos]

Never had a problem with those. Keep turning clockwise, then anti-clockwise to ease it out.

[@ryanpalmer22]

Hi I have just changed my battery in my Zoe and found that there was no drain pipe at all is this a problem ?

[@GoGreenAutos]

No, not really. Its quite common for these to go missing. It is just laziness from whoever changed the battery before.

[@ryanpalmer22]

@@GoGreenAutos okay thanks for that your video really helped me changing mine 👍

[@ryanpalmer22]

Does it matter what side has the vent cover on mine is off on the negative side?

[@GoGreenAutos]

@@ryanpalmer22 It should actually be removed from both sides, but Renault only remove the plug on the positive side and replace with a vent pipe. But the vent plugs (used for storage and shipping) should be removed from both sides.

[@pedrocarrilho6188]

Hi. Great video. My ZOE now is saying "verify electric system". It has a 2 years old 12v batery replaced in warranty by Zoe. The car was stopped a few months because of covid. I think it is not because of the batery. From what I've seen in several places (Facebook groups) it might be the water pump, and if yes it cost a lot. Are you aware of this situation? From what I've seen it's a very common problem with Renault Zoe. Do you know how to check if it is really the water pump? And if yes do you know how to replace it, or can you do a video showing it? Thanks

[@GoGreenAutos]

If you car has been sat unused for 2 months, then its definitely the 12V battery. Charge that with a charger or replace. See kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJampaVjn8-VpKM

[@paulmerritt9456]

Is it important to put the battery drain pipe in? It doesn't seem to easily reach the hole on the Yuasa battery and looked very much like it had never been attached previously. (Thanks for the video btw just saved me lots of money!)

[@GoGreenAutos]

They often aren't attached. But it easy to put the tube into side of the battery and as long as it is pointing down, it does its job (as there is a drain hole in the battery tray). Get the battery in place, then push in the tube.

[@ruta19]

Thanks so much

[@stewartmerefield6847]

Excellent

[@jamesmaitland4614]

Great video mate, can you recommend a battery for the Zoe?

[@GoGreenAutos]

Its all in the video. Jump to 4 mins in.

[@johnkissick2286]

I got a 079N Napa battery, one advantage of this one is five years warranty.

[@belos65]

Please! Can you please show how to change the brake fluid on a Renault Zoe Thanks! from Tommy Bertilsson From Sweden

[@labrune2005]

Merci pour ce tuto. Dommage que vous ne montriez pas comment remonter le tout(désolée j'en demande peut-être un peu trop mais je suis vraiment novice :-) )

[@bulensd]

We had a loud noise, the heating or cooling pump??, the alert electric failure danger, and it wouldn't do anything. The dealer is no changing the battery, asking 440 eu , and says they have to reset a bunch of controllers? Are we being ripped of? The tow truck driver just connected a starter battery and drove it without a problem on his truck.

[@GoGreenAutos]

Probably. 120eu for the battery, 320eu for the knowledge.

[@slifox2752]

I found I lost power completely when I left my car for 4 months ( on abroad on a business thing) just ordered a ybx3012... this has saved me... the Zoe battery drains when not in use, I wished someone told me...

[@GoGreenAutos]

Only the 12v battery drains. The traction battery doesn't. But if the 12v is dead, you cannot plug in and charge. Glad the video helped.

[@simonloker8334]

@@GoGreenAutos Hi would this affect charging a car that has had a traction battery swap.

[@GoGreenAutos]

@@simonloker8334 No.

[@simonloker8334]

@@GoGreenAutos Thanks for that. I am tying various things to fault find a Zoe

[@romusmoviesctc9764]

180e la batterie chez renault

[@surfreadjumpsleep]

What is the purpose of this battery. The car has a bigger battery already.

[@GoGreenAutos]

All EVs have 12V batteries, primarily for safety. The 400V is only for the drivetrain and heating and only live when the vehicle is started. Everything else (central locking, lights, wipers, dash, ECUs etc etc) is standard 12V stuff. You need a power source to wake up and unlock the vehicle. The 12V is there to do this, rather than keeping the 400V live.

[@surfreadjumpsleep]

@@GoGreenAutos but why use lead acid?

[@GoGreenAutos]

@@surfreadjumpsleep Cost. This is a standard part across much of the Renault & Nissan range which is only costing them about £30 each or less (based on the fact that they will supply us the same battery for £40)

[@surfreadjumpsleep]

@@GoGreenAutos they could replace it even with some software. Shut everything else down and provide some Ah for the last bit that the heavy lead acid is there for.

[@havocgeneral]

I’ve just replaced the 12v battery on my ZE50 - it takes the same battery as the earlier models (YBX3012 or equivalent) but the battery is an absolute b*****d to remove. Had to unclip the coolant tank and rotate the battery sideways to slide it out, nowhere near as simple as the ZE20/ZE40.

[@nigelweir3852]

Not a q engine I think

[@MrDdog81]

I had mine for 10 years before it broke 😂

[@alliemccullen4681]

sorry would you give me a call

[@markthomas9256]

Hi there is the battery just an old fashioned lead acid battery

[@GoGreenAutos]

Yes.