pomdog

I'm leaving my 2011 rx450h for 6 months in an unheated garage. Should I disconnect the 12v battery or use a trickle charger? I have a 2012 Camry hybrid and have left it for 6 months with the negative terminal detached. Not sure about the rx. Thanks.

NateJG

http://www.lexusofrichmondhill.com/f...rm-storage.htm

From Lexus directly: http://lexus2.custhelp.com/app/answe...erm-storage%3F

salimshah

Any special instructions for hybrids?

Salim

ukrkoz

Toyota recommends, when stowing hybrid vehicle, to drive it every 2 months for about 20 minutes, so that traction battery is charged.
12V should NOT be disconnected as it powers up crucial electronics. Hence, a trickle charger is advised.
At TN forum, folks use solar battery tender. For 12V. Some claim they had TCH unused for 6 months and it started right away.

gb403

long term storage on a hybrid. I store my cars for approximately 6 months each yr and have had no problems on either car ( 2013 ls460 and 2021 rx350) have battery tender full tank of gas and stabil long term storage fuel additive. Now I am turning in rx and considering rx hybrid. will I have problems?

salimshah

Yes expect problems with long term storage of hybrid.

The issue is with High voltage battery. This battery needs use and charge to keep it healthy. If the voltage during storage falls below a critical value then it is disabled and it needs to be bought up above the level [equipment in procedure is with the dealerships and hybrid shops]. So you will need to tow the vehicle there. Apart from potentially falling below the threshold, the life expectancy of the battery declines if it is not used [charged and discharged]. This is why the hybrids need to be driven once a week.

Salim
PS: I am not aware of smart chargers for the high voltage battery. As pointed out the should both charge and discharge. I suspect if you can get your hands on one, it might require unplugging the battery and put it on life support system.

LeX2K

There is no way to store a hybrid long term without starting the engine about every month. As above if the hybrid battery goes dead it bricks the car, the engine will not start and there is no way for you to charge the HV battery pack.