The content of any article might be expanded / improved in the future - revisit it sometimes.
Seen a mistake? Know something that isn't written? Edit and change this article yourself!
Some images in the article (if present) can be enlarged by clicking on them.

Introduction

The purpose of this article is to give insight about issues and solutions regarding battery usage in Jimnys.

Standard battery in petrol Jimny 3

• The standard battery type, as fitted to all petrol versions of the Jimny 3 from 1998 to 2018 is an 054 (British sizing standard).
• The dimensions are 196L x 127W x 227H.
  • Some other sources claim the length of 054 batteries to be 187 mm.
    • In general case anyway, there is certainly at least +-5 mm tolerance in sizing when dealing with car batteries.
• The terminals are the relatively small Japanese (JIS) post type with the positive (+) terminal to the right of the negative (-) as you hold the battery with the terminals closest to you.
  • See the picture of the terminal layout further below in the article.
• The British sizing 054 is a common battery type used on many small Japanese and Korean cars.
• It is readily available from car battery suppliers and typically inexpensive.

• The performance of batteries varies between manufacturers.
• Typically the lowest performing 054 batteries have a capacity of 30 Ah and CCA EN rating of around 260 A.
• This adequately meets the standard electrical load requirements for the Jimny in a "normal climate".
• There are higher performing batteries of this size, up to approx. 45 Ah and approx. CCA EN rating of 400 A.
  • Higher performing batteries are even officially recommended by Suzuki (in the owner's manual) for "cold climates".

Battery terminal layouts

Positioning layouts of battery terminals on suitable battery types for Jimny 3

• The layout shows the terminal positioning of both 054 batteries (discussed earlier in the article) and 155 batteries (discussed later in the article).
• Note that the positioning of the terminals in 155 type batteries is inverse when compared to 054 batteries.
• This means that a 155 type battery has to be installed in an "inverse" position in the engine bay (in relation to how a 054 battery would be installed) in order for the cables to reach the battery terminals.
• Being in an "inverse" position in the engine bay is not a problem and the cables still can reach the battery terminals.

Standard battery in diesel (DDiS) Jimny 3

• Diesel (DDiS) Jimnys 3 use much larger and more powerful battery as standard.
• The size of factory battery in DDiS Jimnys 3 is approx 225L x 175W x 220H.
• Capacity in this size ranges at 60-80 Ah, and CCA rating at approx. 550-750 A.
  • The colder the climate, the more powerful battery should be used.
• This kind of battery should provide sufficient power of high power loads like winching.
  • Note that there is no space in the engine bay of DDiS Jimnys 3 for an additional battery.

Standard battery in Jimny 4

Info needed...

Solutions for higher battery requirements in Jimnys

• In situations where higher electrical output may be regularly required, much higher spec or larger batteries should be considered.
• Bear in mind that larger capacity and / or CCA rating generally implies a heavier battery.
• Examples of requirements for higher electrical output:
  1. Sustained winching;
  2. In-cabin dash camera(s) with parking recording functionality, where the vehicle is driven relatively rarely (days between runs);
  3. Remote "motorhome"-style camping in the wilderness;

Solutions in petrol Jimny 3

• In petrol Jimny 3, the standard battery tray in the engine bay can accommodate a slightly larger battery.
  • Batteries with dimensions of 236L x 127W x 227H (British sizing code 155) have been used in Jimnys 3 without any fitment issues.
    • Such batteries usually have capacity in the range of 45-55 Ah and CCA EN rating 330-500 A.
  • The terminals are the relatively small Japanese (JIS) post type with the positive (+) terminal to the left of the negative (-) as you hold the battery with the terminals closest to you.
    • See the picture of the terminal layout earlier above in the article.
• Aftermarket battery trays that mount in the nearside of the engine bay offer the ability to fit a single large battery or to run a twin battery system (two batteries in the engine bay).
  • There is an interesting forum topic 1 in an external forum in South African Republic.

Solutions in petrol Jimny 4

Info needed ...

---

Page last edited on 29/07/2022 by user Bosanek