Replacing the OEM battery in the RX330
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#93
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I have a 2005 RX-330, "Thunder Cloud" edition so it was assembled in Japan with Panasonic battery. The original battery is still going strong. I never had a problem but with winter approaching, I think it's wise to replace it finally. I called the local dealer and they have one for $133, $204 installed. They guy said the battery is made by Interstate for Lexus.
He could not tell me whether it is equivalent to the Interstate MT-24F. Does anyone know if the Lexus replacement battery is the same battery as the MT-24?
He could not tell me whether it is equivalent to the Interstate MT-24F. Does anyone know if the Lexus replacement battery is the same battery as the MT-24?
#94
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Wait! $70.00 to install a battery?
Several times I have bought a battery from my dealership, brought it home and put it into either my SC or my RX. The last time the dealer gave me money back when I brought in the older, replaced one a day or so later (for some kind of program designed to keep old batteries out of the landfills, I think). It's not a technical nor difficult job to swap out one battery for another, so you should consider buying the new one from the parts department and doing the heavy lifting yourself.
I did, and I'm an old guy.
Several times I have bought a battery from my dealership, brought it home and put it into either my SC or my RX. The last time the dealer gave me money back when I brought in the older, replaced one a day or so later (for some kind of program designed to keep old batteries out of the landfills, I think). It's not a technical nor difficult job to swap out one battery for another, so you should consider buying the new one from the parts department and doing the heavy lifting yourself.
I did, and I'm an old guy.
#95
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I have a 2005 RX-330, "Thunder Cloud" edition so it was assembled in Japan with Panasonic battery. The original battery is still going strong. I never had a problem but with winter approaching, I think it's wise to replace it finally. I called the local dealer and they have one for $133, $204 installed. They guy said the battery is made by Interstate for Lexus.
He could not tell me whether it is equivalent to the Interstate MT-24F. Does anyone know if the Lexus replacement battery is the same battery as the MT-24?
He could not tell me whether it is equivalent to the Interstate MT-24F. Does anyone know if the Lexus replacement battery is the same battery as the MT-24?
You could also go to a Firestone auto store and get an Interstate Megatron Plus (800 CCA, 72 month warranty with 30 month free replacement) for $89.99 (after rebate). The instal price is $15. That beats the heck out of $204!!
#96
Some places like Autozone will install for free. My battery is Die Hard $100 and free installation and anti-corrosion protection.
#97
Pole Position
Another option is Costco. I replaced the one in my wife's RX330 from Costco and they also refund you the core charge upon recipes of your old battery. They also said that the warrant process is like other returns at Costco as well.
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I have a 2005 RX-330, "Thunder Cloud" edition so it was assembled in Japan with Panasonic battery. The original battery is still going strong. I never had a problem but with winter approaching, I think it's wise to replace it finally. I called the local dealer and they have one for $133, $204 installed. They guy said the battery is made by Interstate for Lexus.
He could not tell me whether it is equivalent to the Interstate MT-24F. Does anyone know if the Lexus replacement battery is the same battery as the MT-24?
He could not tell me whether it is equivalent to the Interstate MT-24F. Does anyone know if the Lexus replacement battery is the same battery as the MT-24?
Lexus P/N 00544-MF24F-57
Last edited by Nept_Mica; 09-18-12 at 09:30 PM. Reason: added oem part number
#99
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Thanks guys.
As CDNewton suggested and as the OP has done, I decided to go with the MTP-24F. I called 5 places around me (including Firestone, Midas). They all have the smaller one (MT-24F) but not the one I want. They all said they can get one in one day at about $120. It's nice that the OP posted a picture of this battery installed in his RX330 with "perfect fit" comment.
Thanks Nept_Mica for showing what Lexus Dealers carry. It's outrageous what they charge for the installation. I can certainly replace the battery myself (I have rebuilt engine, transmission!) but I must be getting old because I don't even want to get my hands dirty.
CDNewton, what rebate?
As CDNewton suggested and as the OP has done, I decided to go with the MTP-24F. I called 5 places around me (including Firestone, Midas). They all have the smaller one (MT-24F) but not the one I want. They all said they can get one in one day at about $120. It's nice that the OP posted a picture of this battery installed in his RX330 with "perfect fit" comment.
Thanks Nept_Mica for showing what Lexus Dealers carry. It's outrageous what they charge for the installation. I can certainly replace the battery myself (I have rebuilt engine, transmission!) but I must be getting old because I don't even want to get my hands dirty.
CDNewton, what rebate?
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Has anyone replaced the factory issued OEM battery in their RX330? I have a few questions...
1) If the battery was replaced by your Lexus dealer, what replacement battery (manufacturer) was installed? CCA?
2) What symptons (if any) were present that led to the battery replacement?
3) What needs to be reset after a battery replacement? Do the personalized settings need to be reinitalized?
Thanks in advance for your responses.
To update this post...
Battery was replaced by dealer in October 2007 died February 2010.
Even though it was covered under an 84 month warranty I did not return to the dealer so they could charge a diagnostic fee to tell me I had a defective battery.
I purchased an Optima RedTop battery. According to their webpage the 34R (8003-151) is properly sized for the RX330. The information is incorrect.
It fits in the tray BUT there is a 3 inch gap between the battery and the tie down strap.
Returned the Optima and purchased an Interstate MTP-24F. Specs for the Interstate are:
Cranking Amps: 1000
Cold Cranking Amps: 800
Weight: 44.4
Width: 6.88
Length: 11
Height: 8.75
Its a perfect fit.
After installing the battery I had to reinitialize all the windows and moonroof. Radio presets were retained however memory seating had to be reset.
I hope this updated information helps all who read this thread.
1) If the battery was replaced by your Lexus dealer, what replacement battery (manufacturer) was installed? CCA?
2) What symptons (if any) were present that led to the battery replacement?
3) What needs to be reset after a battery replacement? Do the personalized settings need to be reinitalized?
Thanks in advance for your responses.
To update this post...
Battery was replaced by dealer in October 2007 died February 2010.
Even though it was covered under an 84 month warranty I did not return to the dealer so they could charge a diagnostic fee to tell me I had a defective battery.
I purchased an Optima RedTop battery. According to their webpage the 34R (8003-151) is properly sized for the RX330. The information is incorrect.
It fits in the tray BUT there is a 3 inch gap between the battery and the tie down strap.
Returned the Optima and purchased an Interstate MTP-24F. Specs for the Interstate are:
Cranking Amps: 1000
Cold Cranking Amps: 800
Weight: 44.4
Width: 6.88
Length: 11
Height: 8.75
Its a perfect fit.
After installing the battery I had to reinitialize all the windows and moonroof. Radio presets were retained however memory seating had to be reset.
I hope this updated information helps all who read this thread.
#103
How did u actually reinitialize the settings for the windows and moonroof bc I just changed the my battery on my 06' GS430 when my altenator went out and now I can let my windows down from the driver side on the left side only and my moonroof can be opened but not automatically...thanks in advance
http://drivers.lexus.com/t3Portal/do...9U/pdf/1-2.pdf
Specific questions regarding your 3rd Generation GS should be directed to folks in that forum here at CL who will be much more knowledgeable about the product:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...eneration-153/
#104
Pole Position
Bought my Costco replacement battery DEC 2010. Had to jump it tonight. Within the 36 month warranty so I am lucky.
FYI the battery prices went up to $80+...ridiculous.
Anyways, hope my swap out goes smoothly.
FYI the battery prices went up to $80+...ridiculous.
Anyways, hope my swap out goes smoothly.
#105