New Car Battery

[SAM LOVERS HER TOYOTAS]

Guys...

What a start to my Monday morning...

Got in the car...keyless start...so 1 press...2 press...and duh duh duh...nothing...battery dead as in completely depleted! Weird how the onboard info screen at one point said Check VSC..didnt show up again.

Anyhoo...walked to work...walked back from work...rang around...decided on a Exide premium car Battery from Eurocarparts...perfect fit...with a 4 year guarantee...

The only thing that made me think is...the old Toyota Battery was a 77 Ah / 800A...whereas the Exide is a 72Ah / 720A..however nobody local sells a 800A Battery for my vehicle...does this mean Toyota can only supply such a battery and why is it so Amped up...all the motor factors i spoke to said that its too powerful and that i dont need that much power to crank my engine...even if it is a 2.0 diesel.

Car starts fine now...was pretty disturbed this morning though!

Look forward to the comments guys.

Just to mention i normally go Bosch S4 or S5...but these Exides look good...better than a Varta.

Noticed Duracell have their own batteries...made me smile...they look like a gimmick with a 5 year guarantee!

[Heidfirst]

Bosch S5008 is 77Ah/780A. Yuasa do an 80Ah/760A. Exide 77Ah/760A.

Lot of electronics in a T4 as well as being a diesel.

One thing that does concern me with the "touch to start" in my car (& presumably yours) is how little time it seems to give the glow plugs before cranking & even in the only -5C of the last few days my car has noticeably not started as easily as normal.

[Konrad C]

No Battery is too powerful if it has deep reserves. That's me disagreeing with what Sam was told.

Sam you got the best available for the money. I also changed the Battery on my Mk1 and got the highest power for the money, and replaced the Battery. The rating and size system (065) has changed and the battery. I replaced the battery with a 027 rated at 60Ah and the same 480amps CCA, from Euro Car Parts. They recommended lots of other brands some lower power, some higher.

The battery had to be the same size and fitting and be close to the power rating. Funnily the Mk3 petrol has the same batteries recommended by Euro car parts, when I input the later registration.

[SAM LOVERS HER TOYOTAS]

Thanks Guys.

Heidfirst...i have always used Bosch in the past and really wanted to go with the s5 but the price factor did it for me...at a cost of £103.00 for a 74aH, whereas the Exide premium cost me £72.00 for a 72aH.

I noticed all the higher amped batteries were much taller in height, so getting the height that i needed with a higher number seemed unlikely at that moment in time...i admit that i panicked and was on the hunt for a Battery replacement at that very moment lol.

Euro recon that i shouldnt have any problems with it and if i do they will sort it as it has the 4 year guarantee! Fingers crossed. It starts a lot better in the mornings! I just stressed when i noticed that Toyota were using a 800 Battery, didnt expect that until i was in the process of removing it!

I agree Heidfirst, i think it all the time...in the time given for the glow plugs to warm...the light goes from orange to green in a blink. However, you know when you press the start button for the first time...its orange...then you press it again...all your dash lights come on...and the light is still orange...is it possible that the plugs are already warming...and then you push your clutch down for it to go green and proceed to start the engine????

Konrad...do you think i made the right decision matey?

[Heidfirst]

Thanks Guys.

Heidfirst...i have always used Bosch in the past and really wanted to go with the s5 but the price factor did it for me...at a cost of £103.00 for a 74aH, whereas the Exide premium cost me £72.00 for a 72aH.

That's the "must have it now" premium ... :(

You can get an S5008 for £84 delivered by mail order but I am sure that the Exide will be OK.

btw the Toyota Battery for an Avensis diesel is £110 incl fitting at a Toyota dealer under the fixed price scheme so presumably parts dept could do it a bit cheaper for self-fit.

[Mike169]

Hi Sam, first of all I am sure your fitted Battery will be 'fine' and of course you do have a 4 year g'tee but that doesn't mean it won't go flat on you.

For the shop to say that you don't need such a big Battery is total rubbish, basically the more amps the Battery the more power it holds so the longer it will crank for in the mornings and have more 'stored' power so to speak.

I know 100% some Rav 4 diesel owners (Yes I have a Rav 4) have fitted 100 amp batteries, they would of fitted an even bigger one, only the battery tray size limiting the biggest size of battery that can be fitted.

If and when I ever need a new battery for mine I will either buy the biggest one that will go in the tray from a Toyota main dealer as they told me they are competitively priced on batteries but if I find otherwise will go to where ever, measure the full size of the tray, the max. height that is safe to fit without touching the bonnet underside, very dangerous if it does, and not worrying about the cost go for the biggest one possible.

Regards Mike.

[Konrad C]

Thanks Guys.

Heidfirst...i have always used Bosch in the past and really wanted to go with the s5 but the price factor did it for me...at a cost of £103.00 for a 74aH, whereas the Exide premium cost me £72.00 for a 72aH.

I noticed all the higher amped batteries were much taller in height, so getting the height that i needed with a higher number seemed unlikely at that moment in time...i admit that i panicked and was on the hunt for a battery replacement at that very moment lol.

Euro recon that i shouldnt have any problems with it and if i do they will sort it as it has the 4 year guarantee! Fingers crossed. It starts a lot better in the mornings! I just stressed when i noticed that Toyota were using a 800 battery, didnt expect that until i was in the process of removing it!

I agree Heidfirst, i think it all the time...in the time given for the glow plugs to warm...the light goes from orange to green in a blink. However, you know when you press the start button for the first time...its orange...then you press it again...all your dash lights come on...and the light is still orange...is it possible that the plugs are already warming...and then you push your clutch down for it to go green and proceed to start the engine????

Konrad...do you think i made the right decision matey?

Sam,

I hope so. The thing is that the Mk3 Avensis especially yours, as a lot of kit. The main power drain depending on how the car is driven, will be the power steering. The next power drain will be the heat fan and the radiator fan when using the air-con. So long as the alternator can boost the Battery, then all should be fine. The worst load will be starting the car and your new Battery is close in power to the old one. You have the 4 year guarantee.

I measured my Battery before deciding, to make sure it was a direct replacement. Then I went for the best output for the money. I got the Lion battery for the Mk1, and it has worked fine. The Mk3 will get a higher output battery even though the same battery is recommended for both cars!

Konrad

PS: I checked my Mk3 and it has a Platinum Plus+ battery rate at 600amps 63Ah 027.

[SAM LOVERS HER TOYOTAS]

Thanks All.

Thank you Konrad for your reassurance. You have the 2009 TR if im not mistaken...so i assume you have the same techno as our vehicle...with push start...etc...and all powered by a 600amp Battery...so hopefully i should be okay....but is yours the diesel???

And Heidfirst...why did i assume that Toyota would have been too expensive for me...i should have checked with them first...thing is im disturbed lol...every single car that we purchased over the years...and i mean ALL OF THEM...we've experienced a Battery issue with within days to a week...and then we panick...and automatically end up at euro car parts...never stop to think about dealer prices...and so thats how the story goes! Thanks for listening guys.

[Konrad C]

Hi Sam,

My TR Tourer 1.8 Valvematic is as basic as they come, being the early version. It gets a lot of kit like cruise control, bluetooth CD/radio, speed limiter, 17" alloys, dual climate control. front and rear electric windows, 2 remote keys and grey key, front fogs, drivers seat lumber pump, auto lights and auto wipers.

What it does not have is keyless entry with the start button, lane keep assist, electric folding mirrors, the touch screen audio with Nav and rear camera. That came with the Nav version.

As you know I installed the USB adaptor with the socket in place of the AUX only socket so I can play from memory sticks.

The Battery in my car has an easier time when starting, compared to your Battery. No glow plugs and less compression to overcome.

All this explains the different Battery ratings between our cars. Also 70Ah plus seems to be the rating as you have noticed.

Konrad

[SAM LOVERS HER TOYOTAS]

Thank you ALL for your input on this posting.

It bugged me last night that i should have gone Toyota rather than Euro car parts...sooooo....

I rang Euro this morning...explained that i felt the 720ah Battery wasnt adequate enough for my vehicle and that i purchased it on their recommendation...and they said, no problem, bring it back for a refund, so i did, and stopped at Toyota instead and picked myself up an 800ah genuine Battery, came shrink wrapped too, and £12.00 cheaper than the Exide, but has a 3 year warranty...sooooo....

I can now sleep better tonight lol.

[Mike169]

Sam, you are a diamond, you done the best thing, also it looks better when the next purchaser see's a genuine Toyota Battery, if you ever sell the car that is. My hat off to you young lady and I think you did the best possible option available and well done for getting your money back on that undersized Battery, that alone could of been a hard one, and personally I find Toyota OE (Original Parts) last longer than the 'copy' replacements. Some OE parts are silly expensive money but also some are cheaply priced, an example, my local Toyota garage, and I am assuming all Toyota garages do this, well I got a puncture in one of my tyres and I don't know if you know Toyota do free puncture repairs with the foresight they might be able to sell you a new tyre if it's not repairable. Well yes the puncture was unrepairable so I said put a new one on so it was the same as the other 4 but then I found out a local tyre place would of done the tyre change for £102 (But they charge for puncture repairs) instead of the £125 that the Toyota main dealer quoted, so straight away the Toyota main dealer price matched the price so I drove away with a 'free' puncture repair check and only paid £102 for a new tyre fitted and balanced, a win/win situation, lol.

Good on you, Mike.

[Konrad C]

Sam, you made the right choice regarding the Battery.

The car came with 800 amp Battery, and none of the other suppliers except Toyota matched the storage capacity.

I would like to know what is the official Battery rating for each model and engine of any car.

When I last change the battery for the Mk1, back in October - http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/169827-changing-car-battery-reminder-keep-keys-with-you-i-did/ it had done over 8.5 years, as I have the receipt dated 09/03/2007. It was a third party 065X rated the same as the original.

I will need to find out what the Valvematic battery rating should be, as the battery in that car was replaced before I owned it.

On another note, I am taking my car to my mates garage to change the rear brakes.

Konrad

[Heidfirst]

Result, Sam! :)

[SAM LOVERS HER TOYOTAS]

THANK YOU guys...I feel proud of myself now...for once...lol...it was a good result in the end...and I feel at peace now...but its all thanks to you guys...and thank you to Euro Car Parts for taking ownership!

[SAM LOVERS HER TOYOTAS]

Hi All

Just a thought...out of curiosity really...the morning that our vehicle wouldnt start...due to a dead Battery...i am wondering why the onboard info screen kept stating "check vehicles VSC" ??? It only said it the first few times that i kep trying to start it, do you think it was something i did wrong?

While im at it, i noticed a button further down today that a picture of a car on it with a couple of squiggles...looks like a car skidding...may i ask what its for lads? I apologise if its obvious guys.

Sam

[Konrad C]

Hi All

Just a thought...out of curiosity really...the morning that our vehicle wouldnt start...due to a dead battery...i am wondering why the onboard info screen kept stating "check vehicles VSC" ??? It only said it the first few times that i kep trying to start it, do you think it was something i did wrong?

While im at it, i noticed a button further down today that a picture of a car on it with a couple of squiggles...looks like a car skidding...may i ask what its for lads? I apologise if its obvious guys.

Sam

Sam, press that button and see what happens. It is linked to the TRC system. I had the system give me a warning a few times, and my launch diagnostics told me the system did not communicate with the rest o the cars system. It has only done it 3 times and I switch off, then turn on again to clear the fault. I have deleted the codes from the ECU.

[SAM LOVERS HER TOYOTAS]

Hi All

Just a thought...out of curiosity really...the morning that our vehicle wouldnt start...due to a dead battery...i am wondering why the onboard info screen kept stating "check vehicles VSC" ??? It only said it the first few times that i kep trying to start it, do you think it was something i did wrong?

While im at it, i noticed a button further down today that a picture of a car on it with a couple of squiggles...looks like a car skidding...may i ask what its for lads? I apologise if its obvious guys.

Sam

Sam, press that button and see what happens. It is linked to the TRC system. I had the system give me a warning a few times, and my launch diagnostics told me the system did not communicate with the rest o the cars system. It has only done it 3 times and I switch off, then turn on again to clear the fault. I have deleted the codes from the ECU.

Hi Konrad,

So are you saying that the button with car skidding on is linked to the check VSC warning that came on?

[Heidfirst]

the button is the TRC/VSC on/off.

Do you have a manual for the car, Sammy? It should all be in there & if you don't have the manual you can download one from MyToyota.

[Konrad C]

Hi All

Just a thought...out of curiosity really...the morning that our vehicle wouldnt start...due to a dead battery...i am wondering why the onboard info screen kept stating "check vehicles VSC" ??? It only said it the first few times that i kep trying to start it, do you think it was something i did wrong?

While im at it, i noticed a button further down today that a picture of a car on it with a couple of squiggles...looks like a car skidding...may i ask what its for lads? I apologise if its obvious guys.

Sam

Sam, press that button and see what happens. It is linked to the TRC system. I had the system give me a warning a few times, and my launch diagnostics told me the system did not communicate with the rest o the cars system. It has only done it 3 times and I switch off, then turn on again to clear the fault. I have deleted the codes from the ECU.

Hi Konrad,

So are you saying that the button with car skidding on is linked to the check VSC warning that came on?

the button is the TRC/VSC on/off.

Do you have a manual for the car, Sammy? It should all be in there & if you don't have the manual you can download one from MyToyota.

Hi Sam,

Yes the button turns off both the TRC and VSC+. It is on page 276 chapter 2-4 Using driving other assist systems, Driving assist systems, of the owners manual. Mine is the early version, but as the car is updated, so is the manual.

When the TRC and VSC+ are operating, a buzzer with intermittent sound may operate.

Turn off the TRC only by quickly pressing the button. The slip indicator light (symbol of car skidding) should come on. Press button again to turn TRC back on.

To turn both TRC and VSC+ off push and hold the button for 3 seconds while the vehicle is stopped. The slip indicator will come on, plus a message on the multi-information display. Push the button again to turn on.

There more information this and other systems in the manual.

As Scott says, did you get the manual with the car?

[SAM LOVERS HER TOYOTAS]

Thanks guys, I certainly did get a manual, I apologise for asking, I didn't know that I had those features, I will be sure to read through the manual in detail...may be use it as some bedtime reading...put the kids to sleep even quicker...but on a serious note, I understand that it is all useful and helpful information, but thanks again though.