bchau_gt

How long should we expect our factory batteries to last?

I was a little distressed today to find out that my battery was dead with only having the car since December of 2002 and with about 25.5K miles. My car is a 2003 model.

I don't have any add-ons to my car that would contribute to expedited draining. I still have the stock audio system and no other auxiliary things except for a wideband system, E-Manage, other fuel and piggy-back systems, and aftermarket alarm. All of those things are powered down when the car is off (except the alarm of course).

I've heard that Toyota/Lexus batteries sometimes have very poor lifespan, like 2 years or less. I'm wondering how soon many of you had to change your battery.

I'll probably be putting an Optima battery tomorrow.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

you forgot some lights or so?

the battery on my gs4 has been there since day 1, that means a good 6 1/2 yr now and still running no problem

bchau_gt

Nope, everything was turned off. The lights on the car will automatically turn off after 30 seconds or so. I've been having difficulty starting the car the past week or so though. I guess the battery's just been slowly dying.

Oh well, at least I can now get a nice Optima battery. Would you guys recommend a red-top or yellow-top? I was told Optimas are universal batteries so either one should fit.

flipside909

Get a red top. Regular duty.

bchau_gt

Thanks. However, I may add some I.C.E. to the car later on, so would it make sense for me to just get a yellow-top now?

I'm just asking based on the info on their website:
Red-top = http://www.optimabatteries.com/using...cationsRed.asp
Yellow-top = http://www.optimabatteries.com/using...ionsYellow.asp

bchau_gt

So I ended up getting an Optima yellow-top battery. I figured it'd be better than the red-top in the long run, in case I do add more electronics to my car.

Also, since these batteries are shorter than stock and the terminal locations are different than stock, it wasn't a directly replacement. However, I got some 10" battery cable extensions, cut the plastic battery cover shorter, and got everything connected.

1NewLexIS300

iTrader: (2)

can you show us a pic?? i'm planning to buy a yellow optima battery as well........how much you get yours for?

bchau_gt

I bought mine from Exact Motorsports for $165 + $40 for install. I little expensive, but I needed a battery immediately and John at Exact helped me jumpstart the car the day before.

The pics are below. The black plastic box around the battery was the piece that was cut shorter, but you can't tell. John also used a temporary round piece of rubber to help secure the battery. I should probably eventually get a piece of wood to put on top of the battery and underneath the cross brace.

bchau_gt

Also, Ltunedgirl on is300.net has a yellow-top battery, but it seems she was able to pull the stock battery terminal cables enough to not require the extensions I got. Here's some pics of her sweet car:



I just have a bunch of wiring harness run along with the battery cable and everything is zip-tied together. So I didn't have enough slack to stretch the battery cables to the yellow-top terminals.

1NewLexIS300

iTrader: (2)

thanks for the info and pics........

rominl

iTrader: (4)

very nice man

flipside909

Looks great! You need to remove that damn handle strap and hide it in the trunk just in case u need to take it out later.

mmarshall

Your headlights and taillights may be shutting off properly after 20-30 seconds, but see if the trunk and glove box lights do also. Those little switches that cut the bulbs off when the glove box and trunk lids are closed sometimes fail. When they do, it can be difficult so spot...the bulb, of course, keeps burning inside, where you can't see it, and it is a slow but steady battery drain. I have seen this happen a number of times...especially on Chrysler products.

You obviously spent good money for this new battery, and if those switches are bad, it will just run down again.

O. L. T.

iTrader: (17)

I LOVE yellow tops, but if anyone ever get's a chance to check out the U.S. Amps batteries, do it

2000 amp capable bursts

bchau_gt

Ya, I should do that. Didn't even think about that actually, good suggestion. Thanks.