I saw the post about all the different RX300 batteries and prices. Thanks for that! One question: I went to the Walmart here and bought an Everstart 24-3N. Is there any difference between that and the 24F-3N? If so, does it make any real difference? There was no one available at the store to help me.

As an aside, Consumer Reports rates this battery as a CR Best Buy.

Thanks in advance.

 

Doing a web search, I found "The "F" is for front or forward and indicates the reversed polarity terminals (some mfgrs use F and some use R for reverse). "

I can't personally vouch for the accuracy of this information.

 

I detest batteries that need maintainance ... I love the sealed type. Why they do not let fumes out and corrosion is only limited to posts.

If you look at past postings, you will discover my favourite Optima [red is good enough]. This battery would require a bit of rigging up, but I have been very happy.


Salim

 

I second Salim. I love my Optima Red Top dearly (34/78 size), but a little bit of stretching on those battery cables, they are not quite an OEM fit, but the 34/78 size is the closest.

I have seen them as low as $90 USD at Costco, but keep in mind if you don't plan to keep your RX for a long time, go with something else.

 

24F is the correct type indicated on a Lexus replacement battery.

The plus top post is to the left rear of the battery when installed.
The negitive top post is to the right rear ...

 

The optima is definately worth the extra money. Not an exact fit but you do notice the difference especially if you have a heavy electrical load like subs and tvs. Its a good investment.

 

GARBAGE. Don't put that Walmart crap into the RX. You want to get ANY OEM Johnson Controls battery like the Die Hard Gold, Interstate, or COSTCO Kirkland. Costco is your best bet, only $40. Buy anything else at your peril.

 

just got the costco kirkland #3 for $44 or so.
It turns out a little taller(maybe 1/4") than the original panasonic. Guess the mounting bar across is bentable, shouldnt be any issue?

 

hmm, are you sure that was the correct one? I don't seem to remember having any issues with bending the bar(s). I tossed the battery cover in the trash and you have to put some petroleum jelly on the posts or else they will corrode, or one of those chemically treated "felt" pads they sell for a buck at the autoparts store.

I've had mine for 2 years, excellent battery, like all Johnson Control batteries.

 

If you bend the mounting bar the spacing between the holes get messed up. So that is a No OP.

The other more severe problem with taller batteries is that the posts stick up higher and can potentially short out with the hood. Also the cables need to stretch to reach higher posts.

Shorter batteries can be made to fit by either getting a pedestal to raise the battery and or adding washers to the hold down.

Just check if the new battery has a pedestal snapped on to the bottom.

Salim
ps: I just replaced a bettery fro my sons's SC and the non-sealed had made a mess. The extra $40 for a sealed type is the way to go. Amortize it over 3 yrs and it roughly $1 a month.

 

If anyone gets the 34/78 Optima Red or Yellow Top, I would be more than happy to show how to install it.

 

double check again today, the Costco kirkland #3 is what it says in the booklet for 99-02 RX300. I measure it again, it is 1/8"-3/16" taller than the panasonic. Hence the little
gap on the mounting bracket. I just screw it in to close the gap in force. Hope it is ok.

 

What kind of reputation does the OEM battery have? Mine was replaced at the dealer a few months before I bought the car and has a warranty until 09 so I'm hoping to get a few years out of it.

 

Battery life is very dependant on environment and dischrage/charge cycles.
Also the replacement battery get affected by the time on shelf and charge frequency.

Central Texas although on the average mild climate, but the weather extremes are severe. Orignals lasted about 3+ years, so I would say they are good. They are sealed type.

Would I go buy replacement battery from Dealer or ... I don't think so. If they pro-rate even then I prefer my choice of Optima.

Salim

 

It looks like Costco is trying to get away from the battery group sizes (24F, etc) and just go with fitment # to size your battery for 2006. The RX uses fitment #3 which is actually a Group 35 battery at Costco, which is why you see the small difference in size. The specs still exceed your orignal Panasonic battery and the fit is good. The Costco battery deal is hard to beat. It's made by Johnson Controls (makers of the Optima) has a full 3 year replacement warranty and only costs $40.