2012 Highlander Limited - Battery?

[rc0116]

I've had my new highlander for about 2 weeks now. Got in my car this morning, pushed the button, and my car won't start. Then I realized the interior light never came on when I opened the door. At first I thought maybe I didn't have the remote key, so I found it and it was in the car the whole time. I also tried the spare key.

I'm assuming the battery is dead? I really don't think I left anything on, and I've only had the car 2 weeks so I'm irritated at a dead battery.

[sweeneyp]

When you press the start button do the interior lights dim (if they even come on), or the starter just clicks and not actually turn over? definitely sounds like a dead battery

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by rc0116

I've had my new highlander for about 2 weeks now. Got in my car this morning, pushed the button, and my car won't start. Then I realized the interior light never came on when I opened the door. At first I thought maybe I didn't have the remote key, so I found it and it was in the car the whole time. I also tried the spare key.

I'm assuming the battery is dead? I really don't think I left anything on, and I've only had the car 2 weeks so I'm irritated at a dead battery.

My OEM Panasonic battery died six months after I bought my HL. I figure it's just like OEM tires: The manufacturer buys (and in the case of batteries they're old, not fresh) and throws it on the vehicle. If you do replace the battery, I recommend Interstate.

[sweeneyp]

Originally Posted by TrailDust

My OEM Panasonic battery died six months after I bought my HL.

dang....my HL is still running the original Panasonic battery, though I have noticed it doesn't hold much of a reserve charge. It can be depleted quickly playing my stereo (or headlights on) with the car off

I have always used the duralast series batteries from autozone with success in the past

[TrailDust]

Yup, the battery in my Avalon did the same thing....six months and flat dead.

[arabianobsession]

The Panasonic batteries are usually pretty good, over here in WI they don't often die, and we've got some pretty nasty cold weather 4-6 months out of the year.

Only thing I can think of....was it a showroom car at one point? Those always end up with dead batteries and although jumped and charged for a new car delivery, will likely die later on.

[PhotonDreams]

Well, just passed three years and 55,000 miles. I usually put a new battery in at 4 years just to be careful due to winter in Chicago or Colorado. So I stopped at the Toyota dealership to ask about when I should start to think about replacing the battery. Service guy said 5 to 6 years. By the way for anyone who has crap service from a Toyota dealership, look around for another one, plus a small honest shop. I've had great service so far in Colorado Springs, Santa Fe, and Gurnee, IL.

[Zembonez]

OP. If I had a 2 week old car and a dead battery, I'd be contacting the dealer for a tow and free replacement.

Many batteries go dead on the lot at dealerships. People leave stuff on or for whatever reason something drains the battery. Most dealers just jump them off and let them run for a while... but once a battery has gone 100% flat, it is damaged.

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by arabianobsession

Only thing I can think of....was it a showroom car at one point? Those always end up with dead batteries and although jumped and charged for a new car delivery, will likely die later on.

My Highlander came straight from Japan on a special order.

[Zembonez]

Originally Posted by TrailDust

My Highlander came straight from Japan on a special order.

Still could have had a flat battery when they tried to pull it off of the ship.

[arabianobsession]

Yep....you never know how long they've been sitting. Due to some logistical errors, sometimes special orders from Japan get stuck at port or somewhere else for a week or more.

[MI-Silver-HL]

Originally Posted by PhotonDreams

Well, just passed three years and 55,000 miles. I usually put a new battery in at 4 years just to be careful due to winter in Chicago or Colorado. So I stopped at the Toyota dealership to ask about when I should start to think about replacing the battery. Service guy said 5 to 6 years. By the way for anyone who has crap service from a Toyota dealership, look around for another one, plus a small honest shop. I've had great service so far in Colorado Springs, Santa Fe, and Gurnee, IL.

I replaced the OEM battery on my '02 Highlander Limited after 7 3/4 years (93 months). It was still going strong but just figured I was running on borrowed time after that long. I hope the battery on my '11 is just as good.

Agree with the recommendation of the Interstate battery. The MTP-24F was rated as the best group 24 battery by Consumer Reports.

[Jtrack]

Unfortunately, it happens even in new vehicles. I just purchased a 2012 Limited and so far the battery is fine. But! My wife has a 2011 Accord, 5 months new, that experienced a most inopportune battery failure - in the airport long-term garage. The dealer said it was a faulty battery with a bad cell. Very frustrating for a new vehicle.

[summerwind]

I had a new car that had a weak cell in the battery. The battery was replaced under warranty.

[becks]

Funny that this thread came up. I have been considering a new battery as of late. The OEM Panasonic in my HL is now 4 years old. Knock On Wood..No probs yet.