Has anyone found it necessary to replace your 12v battery?

Any info like age/mileage, pricing (dealer/aftermarket), your opinion as to life expectancy would be appreciated. If not, maybe info from a Camry hybrid battery change would be helpful, which are more closely related to the HS than others.

On the RX hybrid forum info varies quite a bit so thought I'd ask here.

 

No idea but my guess is it's no different than other car batteries and will last about 5 years. From the Batteriesplus website, they don't list the HS but the 2010 Camry Hybrid takes the same #124 battery as the 4 cylinder conventional Camry. Cost is in the 90-100 range.

 

I seem to think I remember that the 12v battery is not a regular lead acid type battery and is a gel type like in some 12 halogen spotlights and some motorcycles. I'll check that out.

A quick check says the original part number is 28800-28100 and the price that I could find is mid $200. Not much info though.

I do remember reading about people that had problems after they disconnected the 12 v battery and replaced it with a new one. Don't think the car liked the power disconnect. I'll see what the book says.

 

Here's what the manual says:

Battery: 12-Volt (Auxiliary
Battery)
The original-equipment 12-volt
battery, located on the right side of
the trunk compartment, is a sealed,
maintenance-free special-application
battery that is different from a
conventional automotive battery.
Replacement batteries are available
from your Lexus dealership.

And:

 

Yes, or like AGM fiber mats and something like high drain cells are used but not sure. From the diagram the battery should also be equipped with a vent to attach to a vent hose. Did anyone happen to see a BCI code mentioned someplace (my car not at home)?

 

Thanks for providing the correct info Dave. Much better than guessing :-)