TLPLEXUS

The car was in the shop for a fuel pump issue earlier in the week. The dealer did a multi-point inspection and found that my 12V battery is weak (not fully charging using their own separate charger). The car still starts fine but it is only a matter of time before it wouldn't turn over.

I called a few local places (Costco, Autozone, Sears, etc) but they don't carry my battery.

According to other members here, the battery document listed in the link below seems pretty simple to DIY. + and - wires and an vent hose.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hs-...v-battery.html

I have a couple of questions:
1) Are there any other places that would sell this 12v battery? Most online Lexus parts sites charge around mid $200 or $300 through a local dealer in Southern California.
2) If I do purchase this on my own, is it something that can be easily swapped out myself similar to a regular car battery? (Not sure if i need to reset any component after the replacement).

Clutchless

I would try one of the other auto parts chains such as NAPA, or Car Quest and search locally for a battery shop. Also try a Toyota dealer if all else fails.

For installation info, I would head over to the Priuschat web site or Toyotanation.com for information on replacing a hybrid battery as those forums are much more active, older and would have more information in general.

TheAirman

It is a gel battery. I'm not really sure why it has to be, must have something big to do with the hybrid system. I thought those gel batteries were supposed to last a long time. Wonder why yours failed?

It's the same thing as a Toyota Camry battery and I think I saw it priced around $250.

Its an easy swap other than having to bend over and lift the heavy thing, or climb into the trunk.

Just shut off the car and wait a few minutes, then disconnect the negative cable first. I don't think anything should need reset.

Keep us posted on how it went for future reference.

Clutchless

See this http://answers.edmunds.com/question-...er-102961.aspx

TLPLEXUS

I did more research last night and found more threads covering the Toyota Camry Hybrids (which has the same power train as our car).

http://www.greenhybrid.com/forums/f4...66/index3.html


http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/10...-476-40-a.html

Since my car never needed a jump up to this point, i will just keep driving until i need to to jump it and postpone the replacement until that point. Based on some of the feedback from the Camry folks, the dealers were asking some of them to replace the 12v battery though they shouldn't need to (2nd link). I might even try to see if i can get into the diagnostic mode in my car to check the battery (2nd link above).

I will keep you guys posted if I have to replace the battery and will share the experience if i get to do it myself.

Magellan55

One caution - someone maybe in a similar thread last year said the Camry hybrid uses a different battery than the HS. Something about the HS using a higher cost gel battery for some reason.

TLPLEXUS

You are correct. Though we share the same drive train as the 2007-2011 TCH. The 12v battery used in our car is actually different than theirs. Looks like it is used by the current Toyota hybrids (2013-14 Avalon and Camry).

My local dealer charges $273 so i might go that route once i needed to swap this out.

http://www.supertoyotaparts.com/oe-toyota/2880028100

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TOYOTA-OEM-1...-/161609406180