RX - 4th Gen (2016-2022) Discussion topics related to the 2016 and up RX350 and RX450h models

Battery Replacement - DIY or Dealer?

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Old 03-03-21, 12:18 PM
  #76  
ViktorG
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Originally Posted by PeeVee
And boy you had a lot of corrosion! The inside of my connectors were smooth without corrosion. And I did not notice a spark when you connected the negative like I did between the negative terminal and the connector when there was at 1mm of between them.
That vehicle has almost 200K miles on it, so definitely some corrosion.
The terminal does spark a little bit when connected, probably not noticeable in the video as you mentioned.
Old 03-18-21, 12:08 PM
  #77  
ghost31711
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Default Costco Battery tested

I just purchased a Costco Interstate 700cca 24F regular flooded battery and I tested it when it was on the shelf before I bought it. Results seems to be better than advertised as well as better than competition. The battery had 03/21 stickers

The ugly *** oem battery with leak residues all over still had 450cca and has never failed me but I didn't want to live with the stress since it's over 4 years old.

Old 03-18-21, 01:33 PM
  #78  
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Originally Posted by ghost31711
... but I didn't want to live with the stress since it's over 4 years old.
Agree. Mine is only 3 years old but sulfation is growing more frequently and I'm going to replace it with an AGM from Costco, when they get some more 24F in stock.

Old 03-18-21, 04:43 PM
  #79  
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Originally Posted by dibl
Agree. Mine is only 3 years old but sulfation is growing more frequently and I'm going to replace it with an AGM from Costco, when they get some more 24F in stock.
Does Costco install the battery? If not, did you install it yourself or take it to an installer? I understand that, if you install it yourself, you have to keep battery power going to the car to avoid the computer systems from going wacko. Correct?
Old 03-18-21, 05:27 PM
  #80  
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Originally Posted by DocRock
I understand that, if you install it yourself, you have to keep battery power going to the car to avoid the computer systems from going wacko. Correct?
I thought so, too. ViktorG, the Lexus Master Tech that has been posting some excellent DIY videos, said they don't do it at his shop. Take a look at posts #69 and #75 in this thread.
Old 03-18-21, 08:07 PM
  #81  
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Costco does not install
I DIY the install without power supply at the costco parking lot and the car is still alive,
the only thing i had to adjust was the clock and steering wheel position

There is not a lot of room for people with big hands to wiggle out the battery without taking the front cowl cover off.
There is no tools required for that, just push tabs in and dig it out with your nails and try not to snap any of them.
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Old 03-18-21, 08:14 PM
  #82  
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Originally Posted by bamalam
I thought so, too. ViktorG, the Lexus Master Tech that has been posting some excellent DIY videos, said they don't do it at his shop. Take a look at posts #69 and #75 in this thread.
Thanks or the info.
Old 03-19-21, 07:44 AM
  #83  
autotech13
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Originally Posted by ghost31711
Costco does not install
I DIY the install without power supply at the costco parking lot and the car is still alive,
the only thing i had to adjust was the clock and steering wheel position

There is not a lot of room for people with big hands to wiggle out the battery without taking the front cowl cover off.
There is no tools required for that, just push tabs in and dig it out with your nails and try not to snap any of them.
How long did it take you to change batteries? And what do you mean by steering wheel position?
Thanks
Old 03-19-21, 08:51 AM
  #84  
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Originally Posted by autotech13
And what do you mean by steering wheel position?
Thanks
I'm sure he means the "memorized" position of the steering wheel, when you get in and fasten the seatbelt. Apparently that memory was not preserved during the battery swap.
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Old 03-19-21, 09:06 AM
  #85  
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Originally Posted by autotech13
How long did it take you to change batteries? And what do you mean by steering wheel position?
Thanks
It took me about 20min,

then i went home and spent another 7 min cleaning and scrubbing off the terminal connectors of buildup with baking soda water and a toothbrush

If i was to do it again I'd bring the battery home and take my time in my garage, then just bring the core exchange to Costco on the next visit


Dibl is right, that's exactly what i meant about the steering wheel memory

Last edited by ghost31711; 03-19-21 at 09:16 AM.
Old 03-19-21, 11:02 AM
  #86  
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Oh,okay guys, thanks.
Old 03-22-21, 08:20 AM
  #87  
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Default 2018 RX350 Battery die? Brand and replacement issues

Hi all,
We have been parking our 2018 RX 350 in the garage for a while since the start of the pandemic and we had to jump-start it twice until yesterday when jump-start no longer worked. We have the following questions that would like your inputs on.

1. Since we want to maintain social distancing, can we replace the battery ourselves? Will doing so void the manufacturer warranty? We heard that self-replacement may mess up the 'computer' of the car - is this true and is there any way to avoid that?
2. Should we choose an AGM battery over a traditional one? Do you recommend the one from Costco, i.e., Interstate AGM battery?

Many thanks.
Old 03-22-21, 10:15 AM
  #88  
fireball63
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I will get mine from Costco when the time comes.
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Old 03-23-21, 02:04 PM
  #89  
pentaprism
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>> We have been parking our 2018 RX 350 in the garage for a while since the start of the pandemic and we had to jump-start it twice....

If the battery is heathy and you had to jump start, you left it in the garage too long. I have a 2002 Honda minivan used solely for hauling big/dirty stuffs (my wife is an avid gardener). I drive it at least once a week.

>> Since we want to maintain social distancing, can we replace the battery ourselves?

Social distancing or not, I've always replaced the battery myself for all of my vehicles. All you need are some basic hand tools.

>> Will doing so void the manufacturer warranty?

No. As I stated somewhere, if Lexus had its ways, the manufacturer warranty would be void unless you used Lexus gasoline for your vehicle, wore Lexus shirts, drank Lexus coffee and breathed Lexus air.

>> We heard that self-replacement may mess up the 'computer' of the car - is this true and is there any way to avoid that?

You may lose some settings (seats, display preferences, ....) but nothing crucial. You can buy something like
this this
. I have it just because I found it at the price I couldn't refuse ($22).

>> Do you recommend the one from Costco, i.e., Interstate AGM battery?

Definitely yes. That's where I got my batteries for the last 30 years.

Last edited by pentaprism; 03-23-21 at 02:07 PM.
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Old 03-24-21, 09:13 AM
  #90  
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Thank you all, we have replaced the battery yesterday following the youtube video and everything worked well!
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