Lexterious

I just replaced my battery in my 04 RX330. I have a Japanese made RX and its OEM battery was made by Panasonic. Lasted 6-1/4 years.

Embarassingly, the battery died in whilst in a ferry lineup (I left the keys in it for 30 min, engine off). I held up traffic for a while until everyone started to move around me. I went to the local Costco and got a 24F battery. I think it was only $65 or something plus $9 core charge (refunded when I brought the old battery back).

The annoying thing was that Costco would not install it for me. It is now their policy not to because they're worried they'll be liable if they fry your car's computer. They said they wouldn't lend you the tools either if you're trying to do it in their parking lot. Fortunately I had tools and so about 20 min later, in their parking lot, I replaced it and took back the dying battery for the $9 core refund.

mandyfig

You are lucky that you found the 24F. My local shop has no 24F.

mandyfig

24F is the higher CCA, right?

revan1000

Our local Costco didn't have 24F so I purchased Group 35 Fitment Code 3 $56.99 + Tax + Core Charge (refunded with old battery return).

It's exact same size (fitment code) as 24F with higher CCA and CA.

I looked at Interstate $125 + Tax, Die Hard 109 + Tax and Walmart $75 + Tax.
And settled for Costco.

I have '05 RX.

mandyfig

Grp 35 and Fit 3 is identical in size, great information! Nothing beats Costco batteries made by Johnson Controls.

dcool171

Hi
I've a RX 330 '04 with Ultra Prem. package with 75,000km and the battery dies if i don't drive the car for a week.

It will also die if i have the radio on for 20 minutes while the car if off.

I lost the DVD entertainment remote. Could that be killing the battery? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

I bought it used...

Rainbird

I would suspect a weak cell in the battery. Replace it.

tfischer

Dear dcool,
It sounds to me like this is nothing more than your battery being weak. Unless it was recently replaced, in which case you need to return to the place of purchase, you should have it tested and, depending on the result of the test, probably replaced. The dealer will do this, or you can get free battery tests at AutoZone, etc.

Carver

When I got my RX300 in 06 it had a new Lexus battery in it, after a year or two Sewell replaced it under warranty and did it twice more before the car was totaled in March of this year. I think they charged me 50 bucks each time.

Maybe it's just the incredible service at Sewell but it was such a pleasant experience to never have to give a moments thought to the battery I had them replace the battery in my 330 even though the wholesaler had just put some new no name in it when I bought it.

Sewell has never charged me to test the battery because I bought it there I suppose. Of all the places you can save a buck owning a Lexus cheaping out on the battery seems a false economy at best. There is nothing I hate worse than getting in a car and hearing...click.

tfischer

I replaced the battery in my RX once with one from the dealer.
I don't recall that it was free, but it was a pretty hefty one, fit perfectly, and has lasted for years. I also do not recall the price as being at all outrageous (I did drive to the dealer in another car, pick up the battery from the parts department, and I installed it myself in the RX, which much have taken 10 minutes, so I did not pay anything to have a mechanic install it.)
You can get replacements elsewhere, of course, but if you do, I would suggest being sure that the specs match or exceed those of those that would be installed by the dealer.

gusar

Yeah,
The worst thing is to stuck somewhere with a dead battery. The cost of a battery doesn't justify the risk taken.
Regarding quality - Lexus battery is better, but price is worse.
I had mine replaced by Lexus because it didn't start and I had no time to look for Costco or other replacement. Was really expensive (with labour) though.

mandyfig

I have replaced my RX battery with one from Costco, back in June, Kirkland brand made by Johnson Controls. It is not a direct replacement but an alternate. The direct replacement was 24F. My 2 Costco's did not carry this model. I had to shim the bracket a bit, which is no bog deal. The specs are actually better than stock. CCA is higher than stock.

3 year full replacement no questions asked and pro-rated after that to 84 months (7) years.

Can not beat it.

I will post a picture on the minor mod and battery code.

RX330inFL

AutoZone Duralast Gold 24F. They will even install it for you free of charge.

mandyfig

Duralast Gold 24F is about $110. Good battery.

Mine is $65 @ Costco.

RX330inFL

Are you sure? Do not remember spending anything near that. Thought it was around $90 with tax. Perhaps on sale at that time and the reason for my purchase then.