Install new battery - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Old Swab · 10-17-2007, 05:46 AM

I have a 2002 ES300 with 47K. It has the original battery so I suspect there is a new battery in my future, probably before winter sets in. I bought the car used (it has 5K at the time) so have no idea of the code set in the radio. Any way to preserve that when I install the new battery? If not, is there a generic password to use when reprogramming the audio system? Thanks.

ShawnM · 10-17-2007, 08:12 AM

There is no generic way to get around the radio code. Memory savers used to work for this type of thing but are useless these days because the cig lighter power is cut off when the ignition is off. What I usually do is jump power to the cables from a jumpstart battery pack, then carefully swap out the battery. Sometimes theres not enough space for that though so you just have to figure out the radio code. On most euro cars you have to call the dealer with the VIN number. On most asian cars you need to call the dealer with the serial number of the radio which is usually on the back or top of the radio housing. Of course that involves removing it. They may require you to go to the dealer and show proof of ownership before they give you the code. Either way its a pain in the ass without knowing the radio lock code.

Old Swab · 10-18-2007, 07:17 AM

Thanks, I was afraid that might be the case. I have a standby jumper battery but keeping that connected during the battery change process seems tricky so I doubt I'll try it. No chance that the 12 volt outlet in the bottom of the arm rest console would be live with the ignition off?

ShawnM · 10-18-2007, 07:53 AM

Its powered through the accesory relay same as the cig lighter, so it shouldnt have power unless you have the ignition is switched on.

***toyomoho*** · 10-18-2007, 02:48 PM

You only need apply a very small 12V current to the battery cables when changing batteries. A #12 or 14 gauge wire is large enough. If you can find a third battery this would be even better. Connect the Pos and Neg battery terminals to this battery and then swap the old one for the new. Perhaps you have a battery charger you can connect to the terminals and put on trickle charge as you swap batteries. Have friend help as they can keep the terminals out of your way as move the batteries.

Toyota dealers have charged up to $80 to reset the code.

scottd72 · 10-18-2007, 04:57 PM

I have an '01 Camry with the stock battery still going at 80,700k......