Replacing the OEM battery in the RX330
#16
The owner's manual has a section about replacing the battery and how the ability to control the windows from the driver's side will need to be re-programmed.
Essentially, go to each window
- open / switch down, hold for 1001,1002,1003 after open
- close / switch up, hold for 1001,1002,1003, after closed
go to next window.
If in doubt, check the manual, it gives additional info.
Essentially, go to each window
- open / switch down, hold for 1001,1002,1003 after open
- close / switch up, hold for 1001,1002,1003, after closed
go to next window.
If in doubt, check the manual, it gives additional info.
#17
Lead Lap
In Australia, Lexus uses Panasonic batteries from Japan. Replacement cost is off the planet over here.
As mentioned by other Members, try an Optima Red Top/Yellow Top. I have one in my Porsche and they are amazing. A $75 battery will be lucky to last but an Optima should last 3-4 years.
Alternatively, try a Federal Battery. They also have serious CCA for NorthAm winters.
As mentioned by other Members, try an Optima Red Top/Yellow Top. I have one in my Porsche and they are amazing. A $75 battery will be lucky to last but an Optima should last 3-4 years.
Alternatively, try a Federal Battery. They also have serious CCA for NorthAm winters.
#18
Advanced
In Australia, Lexus uses Panasonic batteries from Japan. Replacement cost is off the planet over here.
As mentioned by other Members, try an Optima Red Top/Yellow Top. I have one in my Porsche and they are amazing. A $75 battery will be lucky to last but an Optima should last 3-4 years.
As mentioned by other Members, try an Optima Red Top/Yellow Top. I have one in my Porsche and they are amazing. A $75 battery will be lucky to last but an Optima should last 3-4 years.
I would be interested to know if anyone has any real-world experience or know of any tests to prove the Napa battery "will be lucky to last".
I will admit, I was swayed by Consumer Reports testing, where they stated, "The NAPA is the only battery in this group to score excellent in life."
I agree the Optima is an excellent battery, but I have yet to have experience a Napa battery fail in our previous cars (Trooper, Camry or ES300). The warranty on the Napa is 24/84 and the Optima is 36/72.
I will probably end up replacing it at the 4 year mark (as I did with the OEM Panasonic) anyway, so for my use, I don't see the extra expense of the Optima being worth it financially. As usual, YMMV.
#19
Lead Lap
Any battery that lasts more than 2 years is pretty good. For a while the French-made AC Delco batteries were the shizzle but we can't get them over here anymore. Optima are outstanding batteries although they cost more.
We use Optima in Emergency Vehicles over here as they have to start first time, every time.
We use Optima in Emergency Vehicles over here as they have to start first time, every time.
#20
For kicks I thought I would take a quick look at the OEM battery in my nearly 5 year old RX. Bright blue indicator light still shines strong. Car starts without issue. No electrical gremlins to note.
All this after being in the FL heat year after year.
No knocking the OEM battery here. Has done me right.
All this after being in the FL heat year after year.
No knocking the OEM battery here. Has done me right.
#21
Lead Lap
For kicks I thought I would take a quick look at the OEM battery in my nearly 5 year old RX. Bright blue indicator light still shines strong. Car starts without issue. No electrical gremlins to note.
All this after being in the FL heat year after year.
No knocking the OEM battery here. Has done me right.
All this after being in the FL heat year after year.
No knocking the OEM battery here. Has done me right.
Here in OZ I was quoted US$720 for a new Panasonic (Lexus Australia hadn't sold one at the time I asked - ever!) so I went with a Federal.
Had a French-made AC Delco in my Porsche for 3 years and a cheap POS after that for 2 years before switching to an Optima Yellow Top. 750CCA's and serious vibration resistance!
#22
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: New York
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Has anyone replaced the factory issued OEM battery in their RX330? I have a few questions...
1) If the battery was replaced by your Lexus dealer, what replacement battery (manufacturer) was installed? CCA?
2) What symptons (if any) were present that led to the battery replacement?
3) What needs to be reset after a battery replacement? Do the personalized settings need to be reinitalized?
Thanks in advance for your responses.
1) If the battery was replaced by your Lexus dealer, what replacement battery (manufacturer) was installed? CCA?
2) What symptons (if any) were present that led to the battery replacement?
3) What needs to be reset after a battery replacement? Do the personalized settings need to be reinitalized?
Thanks in advance for your responses.
I puchased an Interstate MT34 battery and installed it myself. However the battery did not fit right, it was too short. There was a once inch gap between the battery and tie down clamp.
On an interesting note after installing the battery...
the radio presets were not erased
memory seating position and mirrors were retained for the last person who drove the RX
the one touch features for the windows and moonroof needed to be reset
Back to the Lexus dealer I went. They installed an Interstate battery manufactured for Lexus. Total cost for the battery with installation was $110.
#23
I puchased an Interstate MT34 battery and installed it myself. However the battery did not fit right, it was too short. There was a once inch gap between the battery and tie down clamp...
Back to the Lexus dealer I went. They installed an Interstate battery manufactured for Lexus. Total cost for the battery with installation was $110.
Back to the Lexus dealer I went. They installed an Interstate battery manufactured for Lexus. Total cost for the battery with installation was $110.
Gary
#24
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: New York
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Interstate MT-34 is specified for the Lexus RX330.
#25
I see where Lexmex used a Optima red top 34/78 -- same size as a stock Optima 34. Wonder about the dimension difference to the Interstate.
Here is the Optima dimensions:
Case Size Category: Medium
10 x 6.8 x 7.8"
Height includes 1" terminals
Here are the dimensions for a Sears 34/78DT Platinum:
Height: 7-4/5 in.
Width: 7-1/10 in.
Length: 10-9/10 in.
Here is the Optima dimensions:
Case Size Category: Medium
10 x 6.8 x 7.8"
Height includes 1" terminals
Here are the dimensions for a Sears 34/78DT Platinum:
Height: 7-4/5 in.
Width: 7-1/10 in.
Length: 10-9/10 in.
Last edited by RX330inFL; 05-26-08 at 04:21 PM.
#26
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: New York
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I see where Lexmex used a Optima red top 34/78 -- same size as a stock Optima 34. Wonder about the dimension difference to the Interstate.
Here is the Optima dimensions:
Case Size Category: Medium
10 x 6.8 x 7.8"
Height includes 1" terminals
Here are the dimensions for a Sears 34/78DT Platinum:
Height: 7-4/5 in.
Width: 7-1/10 in.
Length: 10-9/10 in.
Here is the Optima dimensions:
Case Size Category: Medium
10 x 6.8 x 7.8"
Height includes 1" terminals
Here are the dimensions for a Sears 34/78DT Platinum:
Height: 7-4/5 in.
Width: 7-1/10 in.
Length: 10-9/10 in.
875CA
700CCA
Length:10.25"
Width: 6.88"
Height: 7.75"
Does anyone recall the dimensions of the OEM Panasonic battery?
#27
Intermediate
Curious to know if lots more people in the eastern part of the continent change their batteries every 3-4 years as mentioned. Before the 04 RX330, I never replaced the battery on my 98 Sienna. I had the van until trading it for the RX last year. Personally, I don't like batteries, like in RX, that you can't open and refill the distilled water.
#28
Not sure what battery you have in yours, however, my OEM does allow for self maintenance though I have personally never added distilled water to mine yet. Perhaps the dealer did during one of my initial services, but I do all the servicing now within reason.
#30
Curious to know if lots more people in the eastern part of the continent change their batteries every 3-4 years as mentioned. Before the 04 RX330, I never replaced the battery on my 98 Sienna. I had the van until trading it for the RX last year. Personally, I don't like batteries, like in RX, that you can't open and refill the distilled water.
Gary