Battery Replacement - DIY or Dealer?
#196
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I have a 2022 RX 450h that is 18 months old. Yesterday, the 12V battery (in the back of the vehicle) was completely dead. I could not unlock the door with either fob or the key as outlined in the owners manual. Question, if the battery is completely dead, will the key open the lock on the door? I could not get it to open with the key. The door had to be opened by the roadside assist person who used tool to actuate the door handle on the inside of the car. Drove to the local Lexus dealer arriving at 5pm and the service person said they would check it out and if bad put in a new one. Test results indicated a "dead cell". Dealer replaced the dead battery under warranty at no cost and I was on my way by 6pm. Both Lexus Enform Roadside Assistance and dealer were very good and responsive.
Last edited by toyotaman7; 06-06-24 at 05:59 PM.
#197
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I am interested in installing an AGM battery in a 2020 RX350. AGM batteries require a slightly higher charging voltage than what is delivered by the stock RX350 alternator (they do "work" with the lower charging voltage, but it is definitely not optimal in terms of the life of the battery and its operation). In some other cars, facing a similar scenario, people have had success with "voltage boosters" that cause stock alternators (by "tricking" the regulator) to produce the desired voltage. There are some products that apparently do that without cutting any wires or any other major changes. Specifically, https://voltageboosterpro.com/ https://voltageboostmods.com/ https://www.mechman.com/voltage-boosting-harnesses/
Unfortunately, the websites do not list the 2020 RX350 as one of the supported cars. The last two list the 2018 RX350, but not the 2020 RX350. I tried to contact all three to ask about 2020 RX350 support. The first two did not respond. The last one responded that the 2020 RX350 is *not* supported. My guess is that the "refresh" in the 2020 model involved a change in the type of plug the booster is supposed to connect to.
Has anybody had success finding a voltage boosting solution for a 4th Gen RX350, especially for a 2020-2022 model?
Thanks!
(NOTE: I posted this previously but it somehow (I have not idea how) ended up on a completely irrelevant unrelated thread. I am posting it again in the hope it will get a response when not part of an irrelevant thread. Apologies to anyone seeing this for the second time.)
Unfortunately, the websites do not list the 2020 RX350 as one of the supported cars. The last two list the 2018 RX350, but not the 2020 RX350. I tried to contact all three to ask about 2020 RX350 support. The first two did not respond. The last one responded that the 2020 RX350 is *not* supported. My guess is that the "refresh" in the 2020 model involved a change in the type of plug the booster is supposed to connect to.
Has anybody had success finding a voltage boosting solution for a 4th Gen RX350, especially for a 2020-2022 model?
Thanks!
(NOTE: I posted this previously but it somehow (I have not idea how) ended up on a completely irrelevant unrelated thread. I am posting it again in the hope it will get a response when not part of an irrelevant thread. Apologies to anyone seeing this for the second time.)
#198
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I have no experience with those voltage boosters and would be uncomfortable using them. I suggest to consider purchasing a compatible replacement battery with a higher CCA.
#199
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Don't know why the mechanical key would not unlock the door??? Does it require battery voltage to operate? It sez in the owners manual if actuated twice, it will unlock all the doors, that would have to be electrically operated. I think the mechanical key is provided in case the FOB battery is dead and the car 12V battery is still OK?
#200
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Don't know why the mechanical key would not unlock the door??? Does it require battery voltage to operate? It sez in the owners manual if actuated twice, it will unlock all the doors, that would have to be electrically operated. I think the mechanical key is provided in case the FOB battery is dead and the car 12V battery is still OK?
#201
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If that mechanical key has never been used, I would speculate that the lock mechanism inside the door has simply gotten sticky from lack of use. Perhaps a shot of WD-40 or similar lubricant into the lock cylinder would be helpful.
#202
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The last battery installed in our RX was in 2019, so I am beginning my search.
Has anyone installed the Interstate 24F AGM? Costco will ship it to me for $200 with a $15 refund when old battery is returned to the warehouse.
Here's the link to Costco's Interstate site: https://costco.interstatebatteries.com/
Has anyone installed the Interstate 24F AGM? Costco will ship it to me for $200 with a $15 refund when old battery is returned to the warehouse.
Here's the link to Costco's Interstate site: https://costco.interstatebatteries.com/
Last edited by A440; 06-08-24 at 07:16 AM.
#203
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I’ve used lots of Interstate batteries in other vehicles, with great luck, but not their AGM. However, if there’s an Interstate dealer nearby, I would rather just take my car there and have them do the install (free) and then they’ll take the old battery so no dealing with a “core” charge.
#204
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The retail price for the Interstate 24F AGM battery is $274.95 so if you can get it for $200 that's a steal. In fact, that would be a great price for any AGM battery.
#205
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The EverStart Platinum 24F (AGM) is $180 at Walmart, net of core charge. Its 48 month warranty is 12 months longer than the Interstate 24F. I've used EverStarts in the past and just put their AGM in my wife's Pilot. My 2020 RX FLA battery is now 4+ years old and I'll likely replace it with an EverStart AGM. At that price it's hard not to choose the AGM.
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jcg0324 (06-08-24)
#207
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If you want to make absolutely sure it will fit just measure your battery. The Walmart 24F measures: 10-3/4" on the longest side x 6-13/16" deep x 9 " high. If the connecting terminals are on the correct side you have a match. The website is not always 100% right. Besides, you can always take it back for a refund or exchange. I think the compatibility issue comes up because the data base is telling the Walmart website that your car did not come with an AGM battery.
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ravenuer (06-08-24)
#210
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Thanks for the suggestion to use a lubricant inside the key hole. I squirted in some lube and the key works fine now.. One turn to unlock the drivers door, two turns opens all as the manual sez.