imakemap

Hello everyone. Recently inherited a 2006 RX400H with 130K miles. I had no clue about how hybrid system works.On the energy monitor battery color is purple most if the time. I am watching it last 2 weeks and I only twice saw the green for only few seconds. Is it really a bad sign? How much does it cost to replace a new battery? Had anyone have any experience? I saw some old posts about this. But I am thinking there might be a better technology to replace the battery and the cost may have come down, I hope.
Also not sure if it is related, the kw gauge always stays close to 0, even when I am driving over 65 mpg. My Rx400h energy monitor

I am glad that I found this forum. I already learnt a lot about my new rx.
Thank you all

maseace

Don't worry about it. That info is just for show. It represents about 40% - 80% full scale battery charge level. No way to upgrade battery without taking it to a company and spending $10,000+. Don't think they work on the 400h anyway.

imakemap

Thank you so much maseace.
I was really worried. $10000? That's really a lot. I thought after all these years it will come down?
So these green, blue and purple color actually mean anything?
Thanks again.

Weighit

I have never seen my litlle graph go all the way to the top, nor all the way to the bottom but it floats up and down. The system is working correctly for you and you don't have to worry about it.

imakemap

Thank you Weight. Feel lot better now. So the color purple doesn't mean much!

ukrkoz

Those are not purple. Dark blue. When you get down to the last 2 bars, THEN it turns purple. But, then ICE turns on and charges it. You never will have that battery physically 100% charge, it's safety feature. If the graph shows green and full 8 bars, it only means it's about 80--85% charged, what is considered full charge for those.
I had it green quite a few times. Not that hard to do. Enter any long 12% grade, with 6 bars up, kick her into B mode and roll down. Done.

imakemap

Thank you Urkoz.
Not that you told me it does look like dark blue. I guess I am not gonna worry about it anymore.

ukrkoz

I do quite well remember my first time, when battery gauge dropped down to PURPLE two bottom lines. What it will be, what it will be.... Panic. We were OK but on my way back home, I was at dealership asking that infamous question. Guy sorta had fun...
Then I became familiar and used to it. There are many odd things hybrids do. I say - music up and enjoy the ride. They are stubborn mules, always do what they want to, so no point in getting upset or paranoid.

wsblack

Agree that your car appears to behave normally. Just want to add that you can purchase a replacement hybrid battery for a 2006 - 2008 rx400h, with brand new cells and 3 year warranty for $2,400 plus installation. Remanufactured batteries are $1,800 with an 18 month warranty. Install can be DYI if you have some skills but some sellers offer mobile installation if you aren't comfortable. That $10,000 number was common when hybrids first hit the road but prices have come down significantly. I've heard a Lexus dealer installed OEM battery is between $5-6,000....does anyone have any personal experience with Lexus dealer pricing?

heidihidin

are 2006 rx400h known for inverter failure? any way to check the health?

jooksing82

Not trying to be mean but this thread is about the hybrid battery .. But to answer you, there was enough failures to trigger a recall. Check out lexus website for recall search on you vehicle (by VIN)
Check this out https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...r-problem.html