RX in NC

When looking at aftermarket batteries on the various big box store websites (NAPA, Advance Auto Parts, Autozone, etc.), most of them state that dealership programming / scan tools are required after the battery is replaced in order to re-calibrate the vehicle to its new battery. I tend to doubt this claim (perhaps they are covering their rear ends from a liability standpoint). For those of you who have already replaced your 3rd generation RX350 factory battery yourself, what if any steps were required afterwards in order to make the vehicle 100% functional with its new battery?

iolmaster

iTrader: (1)

Just had to reprogram the radio presets. Other than that, nothing needed when I did mine.

RX in NC

Thanks. What model year?

chuyrobles

I bought a battery memory saver from amazon for this purpose but have not had to use it yet. They average $10-$15 and you need a 9-volt battery.

Clutchless

I have replaced the batteries in 3 Lexus vehicles and a Toyota. All I did was remove and replace the battery and no memory settings were lost. I do prepare everything and work fast so that the time without a battery connection is less than a minute.

Buzzer777

I had a Walmart battery installed in my 2013 RX350 in the summer of 2021. It has been rock solid ever since and there was no calibration done. It was pretty confusing with lots of conflicting information out there. In fact a few places refused to warranty their batteries if Lexus didn't calibrate them. The whole thing for a 2013 car sounded sketchy so I took a shot.

Clutchless

We are lucky we don't have BMWs that really do require someone to have the proper tool to program a new battery or else it will not charge or work properly. My sister just went through this when her local mechanic forgot to program it. A bunch of warning lights later that day and he realized his mistake. He was just overworked and screwed up.

703

unnecessary on the RX. No settings are lost. The only thing is that the rear tailgate might need a reset depending on the position when disconnected.

There are other Lexus models like the GS where some calibration is required.

RX in NC

Thanks for the replies, guys. When battery replacement time rolls around for my wife's 2015 RX350, sounds like it will be just another simple battery replacement job for me.

salimshah

If you do the prep work ,,, right size, proper orientation of terminals, the swap should not take more than 2 mins of no battery.

Lexus do not take kindly to reverse polarity.

For safety reason connect then ground strap (-) last and it should be disconnected first.

Salim

RX in NC

^^ Yep, I know. Been replacing my own automotive batteries for more than 45 years.

cfh13427

I didn't use a Memory Saver when I changed the battery on my 2012 RX350, and I had to Reprogram all the Radio Preset Stations.
It took me about 15 minutes to change the Battery.

RX in NC

The factory battery in my wife's 2015 RX350 failed in February 2018 while the vehicle was still in the possession of its first owner (we acquired it in late October 2018). Lexus replaced the battery under warranty. Coming up on six years later, this replacement battery continues to function normally. When it begins to fade, I plan to replace it with an East Penn-built AGM battery from NAPA.

salimshah

There are some vehicles that do require recalibration, but I can safely state that third gen Rx does not. At most some radio/seat/pinch-protection may be lost. The homelink is stored in eeprom, I can safely say it will last for weeks if not months without 12v

Salim