New Battery Advice Needed!

[Jonesy74]

Hi,

It looks like the cold mornings have finally taken their toll on the original Battery in my 2001 Toyota Rav4. If I leave the lights or radio on for more than a minute without the engine running it dumps it's charge and I can't start the car again.

I'm struggling to find anywhere online that reccommends a good replacement Battery that will be resistant to the cold, and one that will hopefully last as long again as the original one - but without paying too much (particularly dealership prices!).

Can anyone reccommend either:

1.) Type / make of Battery to look out for?

2.) Good UK website where I can price compare & purchase?

Thanks!

Jonesy74

[bothwell_buyer]

hello and welcome!

The Battery is notorious - but if you search very recent posts there is an excellent 'fix' using a larger capacity Battery described. In fact, here it is - bigger battery

[Jonesy74]

hello and welcome!

The battery is notorious - but if you search very recent posts there is an excellent 'fix' using a larger capacity battery described. In fact, here it is - bigger battery

Hi,

Thanks for your quick response! I had stumbled across that posting before, but I have to admit it sounds a bit 'blue peter' to me and I'm afraid I've run out of sticky backed plastic! ;o)

Actually, it sounds a bit complicated, and was hoping for a bit of an easier fix. Am I limited to either a direct replacement for the original Battery or a bit of DIY under the hood then?

Thanks,

Jonesy74

[street_moto]

If money isn't really an issue, then have a look at Odyssey batteries or Red Top Batteries, these are gel type batteries with high cranking outputs and are smaller in size than normal batteries. Most sites give the dimensions of the batteries, chances are for the same size Battery you'll get a higher Amp/Hour rating. I've fitted these to my motorcycles with great results. One on the current bike has been on for well over six years with no issues at all.

Regards Dave

[Jonesy74]

If money isn't really an issue, then have a look at Odyssey batteries or Red Top Batteries, these are gel type batteries with high cranking outputs and are smaller in size than normal batteries. Most sites give the dimensions of the batteries, chances are for the same size battery you'll get a higher Amp/Hour rating. I've fitted these to my motorcycles with great results. One on the current bike has been on for well over six years with no issues at all.

Regards Dave

Dave,

Thanks for the suggestions - I'll have a look into them. I dont suppose anyone know the make / dimensions of the original RAV4 Battery by any chance?

The car is at home and I'm currently in the office trying to research a replacement!

Cheers,

Jonesy74

[bothwell_buyer]

any vehicle Battery supplier will tell you which Battery it is. If they don't know, its not worth using them!

[anchorman]

Follow Bob's easy advice on changing the Battery............

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.p...c=67760&hl=

[bitman]

well i had a go on google for a new Battery and found a company. bought it and when it arrived it didn't fit (size to small) send it back got a refund (lost p&p).

taking on kingo his advise i just bought a original toyota Battery for only £8 more then the so called internet shops and got 3 years warranty. and guess what... perfect fit!

[Parts-King]

Yes the Toyota batteries are good value, they fit, have a 3 year warranty, and are only a few more pounds than some of the factors. I dont do batteries via mail order because of the hassle required in sending something with a hazard label on it, but you can get them from any Toyota dealer

Kingo

[Uncle Bob]

Follow Bob's easy advice on changing the battery............

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.p...c=67760&hl=

I started to read this post and when to go and search for my Battery change thread, clearly anchorman you are a few steps ahead of me :P and guess what ? I've never got round to cleaning behind the battry...out of sight, out of mind