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2017 IS300 with approx 87K Miles.
I was having other work done and the mechanic sent me this pic of a test they did on the battery (it's the original). They say I should get a new battery.
I live in the northeast and the colder weather is approaching, Should I follow their advice and get a new one? If getting a new one is the thing to do, anyone have a recommendation on brands?
Also, they want to charge me more than $400 to replace it and the write-up says it includes "electronic registration with Intelligent Charging System". I'm not going to pay $400 for a new battery.
I googled "Intelligent Charging System" and only found stuff related to electric vehicles. Anyone know how this would relate to our cars?
Thanks!
Is that picture of the battery stats with the car running or off? My assumption is that it's running and below 14V, which is an indicator of a degraded battery?
Don't know what the "intelligent charging system" really is in reference to or if it's marketing junk to simply mean replacing a battery. For our cars, there's nothing exceptionally unique for charging the 12V battery - it's just the alternator that does it depending on the RPMs, the higher the more charge provided. I believe stock Panasonic batteries that are in our IS's are AGM batteries, which typically is more expensive than standard MF batteries. $400 is too much IMO, Costco sells Interstate AGM batteries for $200-250 with a 3 year warranty.
As far as advice goes, if you've recently experienced issues with starting your car or if you notice interior lights dim with the car off, it may be time for a new battery regardless especially since your battery is at this point 7 years old. It should've been checked too, but also ensure the battery posts are free of corrosion and the battery with the car off should be around 12.4-12.5V. Normally under regular wear/tear, OEM batteries should last 5-7 years and you're kinda on the tail end of that range.
Knock on wood, mine's still original on my 2018 IS and still going fine.
Haven’t heard of the so called intelligent charging system on these cars (I know the newer version of my other car has a Battery Monitoring System - BMS, which adjusts the charge rate of the alternator, and should be reset with dealer level tools when changing the battery, but even in that case, the system will relearn the charging characteristics of the battery over time if the BMS is not reset).
As stated above, more affordable options available (just put a new Costco (Interstate) AGM battery in my other car, and that was a workout (about twice the size and weight of the IS battery, and located deep in the trunk above the rear axle)).
I have had great success for a long time with Interstate “Green Top” batteries. I usually get them at Firestone w/a internet coupon. Includes installation, but can be credited back if you walk out w/it. The one in my truck just went seven years. I had one last that long in northern New England, too, in the past. The Costco “Interstate” model is cut-rate and not the same. They do not last long even in our mild climate here.
Thanks for the replies.
I went to a local Advance Parts store, their test of my battery also showed that it needed replacing.
I went with a Die Hard Gold battery.
Great thread. I was about to ask you guys how often you have to replace the batteries on these cars. I have a 2021 so I’m in 3 years on this battery now. My other car’s battery needs to be replaced every 2 to 3 years because of the power doors and all the electronics.
the last few years starting with covid i've been keeping my cars on trickle chargers when parked in the garage and not driven the next day. My batteries have lasted 4+ years so far.
Time For A New Battery?
