[sjj2018]

Leased new two years ago. 4 months ago battery went dead. Jumped it. Ran fine for a few weeks, went dead again. Jumped again, took to mechanic where they recharged it.
Just past the 24-month Toyota Care plan it died again.
Roadside service said need new battery. Got new battery in February. Ran fine. Today, it's dead again!
Any suggestions?



I wish I still had my 2007 Prius

 

[BMR]

Check the voltage at the battery terminals idling and revved up to 3k or so RPMs. If the voltage is too high, that can kill batteries. You don’t want to see more than about 14.5 volts, ever.

 

[Jefe13]

Sounds like you need to find a reputable shop With the proper tools to actually diagnose the situation and advise you accordingly.

 

[got-rice]

IDK, I would think the battery is still covered under warranty...

 

[First Toyota4me]

The good news is you only leased it. Sounds like you may have a "parasitic draw" condition. I would suggest locating a business that specializes in auto-electric and have them see if they can figure out what's causing the dead batteries.

 

[wolfephoto]

Sounds like a typical Toyota battery. They last about 24 months. Replace it.

 

[reb]

Sounds like a typical Toyota battery. They last about 24 months. Replace it.

He said the second one died in a few months. Interested, because SWMBO's RAV4 battery just went dead. Possible parasitic drain somewhere because it has sat unused for a couple of weeks.
BTW, the original battery in my Tacoma lasted about 10 years and I replaced it only because I figured it was about to quit.

 

[Fibber2]

With 4 cars and CV-19, I've been keeping my trickle charger pretty busy. Even a nominal draw of 75 milliamps can put a serious dent into an average car battery in a few weeks.

 

[Greasymechtech]

Short trips kill battery
Extremely hot or cold weather will torment a battery
Cheap batteries don't last long

So, after you test the alternator/battery volatage at idle and at rpm voltage, have the alternator tested at your local autopart store.

If you're a short tripper, use a trickle charger.
If car sits for more than a couple days, use a trickle charger.
If you don't have outside power for a trickle charger, or a garage with power, use a solar trickle charger.
Make sure battery is spec'd for your weather. They have different northern(cold) and southern(hot) climate batteries.

When you shut the vehicle off, make sure you turn off all non-essentials, including automatic headlights, stereo, interior lights..... PRIOR to shutting off vehicle.

Shop can also measure the draw on the battery when vehicle is off. If excessive, it can be fuse/relay traced, 1 at a time, until you find the fuse/relay/circuit that is drawing excessive power.

And above all, USE A QUALITY BRAND UPSCALE(GOLD/PLATINUM/UNOBTAINIUM/) BATTERY that has a very recent manufacturing/sales date sticker. I find that many lower volume areas have no problem installing 1-2 year old stock battery and 2-6 year old tires. So, DIY the battery if you have to.

 

[reb]

Just replaced the battery in the wife's 2016 RAV4. The car wouldn't start after sitting for a couple weeks. Measured only about 3 volts. Charged it and it measured about 10 volts a day later, but started as usual. It might have been that way for some time.