time to replace 12v battery?

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Apr 28, 2016 | 06:36 PM

Magellan55

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CL Community Team

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From: NC

time to replace 12v battery?

So how long are the gel starter batteries lasting? Mine is now 6 years old, and isn't showing signs of weakness yet. I'm used to lead-acid batteries lasting about 5 years and then dying like clockwork. Any early 2010 model owners see theirs die yet?

Apr 28, 2016 | 10:47 PM

GS300ken

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Joined: Jul 2010

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From: AR

I replaced my 12V batterry last year and I bought it from Toyota dealer for $250. My battery was weak and I had to jump start several times until one day. It was dead when I parked in my garage. BTW, I have 2010 Premium with almost 80k miles now.

Apr 29, 2016 | 02:59 PM

Magellan55

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From: NC

so sounds like mine may be due soon too - over 6 years old and nearly 90k. But it gives you some warning like a lead-acid battery - gets weak, engine starts slower, etc?

Apr 30, 2016 | 02:41 AM

GS300ken

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Joined: Jul 2010

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From: AR

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magellan55

so sounds like mine may be due soon too - over 6 years old and nearly 90k. But it gives you some warning like a lead-acid battery - gets weak, engine starts slower, etc?

My dashboard were lighted up like Christmas lights with all kinds of warning when the battery was low and I couldn't start the car. Jumped start it a few times and one day was totally dead.

May 4, 2016 | 01:59 PM

4TehNguyen

Lexus Fanatic

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Joined: Jan 2006

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From: Houston, Texas

just replace it, when it dies its going to die in the worst place and time. In Texas we replace them every 3-4 years regardless they die without warning in the summer heat around that time.

May 9, 2016 | 08:22 PM

TheAirman

Lead Lap

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 509

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From: PA

I read somewhere that these gel batteries, with the proper care, were supposed to last a lot longer.

Just remember, with a gel battery, they don't take well to overcharging. So if it's low, or you put your car up for storage, be sure and recharge at a lower amperage rate. Maybe a 10 amp charge over a longer time over a 50 amp charge over a shorter time.

And if you store or car over the winter, be sure and use a Battery Tender over a cheap Harbor Freight "trickle charger" which will kill your expensive gel battery for sure.

May 16, 2016 | 05:32 PM

1neeto

Driver

Joined: Sep 2014

Posts: 77

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From: Hawaii

Left s map light on for 3 days and had to jump start

Mine died last night due to my own stupidity, now I noticed that the push start button doesn't stay lit, and the AC compressor doesn't turn on. The car drives perfect otherwise and everything else works. Just the push start button and the AC? I wonder if the car is in some sort of limp mode due to a weak battery and it's not activating the compressor when I turn on the AC (blower is fine, just no cold air)

Oh yeah it's a 2010 premium with 45k miles.