Looking at several articles by Manufacturers like Johnson control they don't offer up any difference if both are the same spec and battery group. They do ask if the AGM your looking for is for a Start/stop vehicle and going between the two all I see is increased CCA's on the Stat/Stop AGM batteries, I.E 750 amps vs 700 or less. The only other high end difference is what they call a Pure Lead Matrix AGM with over 800 amps CCA's, an Interstate Battery Product.
EIther battery will work it seems to address the added burden the SS puts on the AGM battery.

 

4 cylinder right? Doesn't need much CCAs. Main difference between standard and AGM is charging, AGM can take much more amps/therefore charges much faster and AGM can perform as a deep cycle where its voltage can go really low without damage like can happen to standard batteries. But really none of these features are a benefit to you, so why go the extra expense?

 

6 cylinder 3.5L engine. I just wasn't sure if I was missing something with the AGM batteries since some of the descriptions of the batteries would say "with stop start" and some would say "without stop start"

 

I had an AGM battery (Die Hard - installed by Carmax @ purchase) and even with the auto stop/start system disabled, it only lasted 2.5 years. If I'm going to be dishing out $300 plus every 2-3 years for a required EFB battery, or AGM, then I went the cheap route and went with a standard 30 month flooded Interstate 24F battery from BJs for $120 or so. I figured with the auto start/stop permanently disabled, I should be able to match the EFB/AGM lifespan, if not surpass it.

 

Everstart AGM made by Johnson Controls for $149

EverStart Platinum BOXED AGM Automotive Battery, Group Size 24F 12 Volt, 710 CCA - Walmart.com

 

Worth a look.
Toyota True Start battery, 84-month warranty and 24-month free replacement.

 

Make sure you understand their lousy proration schedule after 24 months which I can't find documented anywhere on the internet.

I don't plan on buying any overpriced batteries from Toyota and never have.

 

i mean, TECHNICLY, if you have start/stop, you "should" get an EFB battery.
from others on the forum, there is a different charging profile that needs to be set.

 

i mean, TECHNICLY, if you have start/stop, you "should" get an EFB battery.
from others on the forum, there is a different charging profile that needs to be set.

Have to agree. If not, I believe Toyota would have used an AGM when the vehicle was built…

 

Technically it's AGM batteries that are better designed for start stop

 

True.

 

Autozone replaced my 2017 Platinum battery a year ago and it was dead a few months later. We weren't driving it much, but we always disable the auto start feature when we do drive it. Their replacement battery since then has been fine. So I suspect that they put the wrong type of battery in the first time.

 

My 2017 with start stop OE battery is an EFB.

 

An efb will work with start stop but if people experience battery issues most dealerships are directed to replace them with AGM which are better suited for this technology

 

What is your source of info? Toyota uses EFB specifically due to start/stop system.

 

wouldnt the dealer also change the charging profile when they swap to another battery though?
its not that AGM wouldnt work, its just that the charging profile is a little different.
idk.

 

Depends on the vehicle. Some intelligent battery charging systems will auto detect. Some will auto detect but only after you reset. Some will detect after entering a new BEM code in the system and finally some will require a profile change to take full advantage. That said almost none will cause an issue if you don't reset them.

 

Have my AGM battery in my 2017 `stop start' Hghlander with zero issues for 2 years now. Live near Chicago, see extreme hot and cold......my experience says no need to change the `charging profile' I'm sure Toyota knows most people are going to swap a battery elsewhere than Toyota, so not many would even try to switch any charging profile.

 

This is the original battery that came with it. I went with a AGM battery from Costco so I’ll update once I get it installed.

 

I would be interested to know if the battery terminals are the correct size for your wire cables. People mention that they have a problem in making tight connections with AGM and/or after-market batteries.

 

I would be interested to know if the battery terminals are the correct size for your wire cables. People mention that they have a problem in making tight connections with AGM and/or after-market batteries.

Automotive battery terminals are standardized.

Sometimes battery wiring connectors have to be crimped after they are loosened in order to get a tight fit back

What is your source of info? Toyota uses EFB specifically due to start/stop system.

That is incorrect. Toyota uses EFB for cost.

Simply look at SAE journals to learn about the use of AGM for start stop systems and why they are better designed

 

Not according to real-life experience. Do a search on this subject....seems that a lot of people had trouble making firm connections not using an OEM battery.

 

I already answered why that can be the case. Again automotive battery terminals are standardized (SAE for us).

Toyota does not make our batteries. The same company that makes aftermarket batteries does....clarios and exide

And again, yes, connectors can be loose on new battery terminals...they often have to be re crimped or replaced as they are made to be replaced

 

I understand that Toyota doesn't make batteries....OEM is "original equipment". Nonetheless, your chart shows that although "standard" apparently there are different specs. A neighbor of mine who is in his 80's calls me when he needs help. About two years ago his Lexus wouldn't start and I found that his newly replaced battery had a loose connection. I was unable to make it tight until I inserted a shim. Obviously the prior battery post was different than his new battery.

I have replaced many batteries, and have never had to replace the connectors no matter how many battery replacements. Something is different...and I don't like the connector configuration on my 2019 Highlander...but I'm still on the original battery.

 

The chart shows different standards. We use SAE standard. It has a single set of specs. You can verify that on SAE. Org

 

I replaced my Camry factory battery with an Interstate battery and had no connection issues.

 

Was the original an EFB battery?

 

No, lead acid regular

 

Saying that AGM is the most compatible battery for Start/Stop systems, and for Toyota Highlanders equipped with that system goes against all the research I've done. What I've read is that the EFB are able to handle a higher rate of discharge, lower charging voltage, lower state of charge, and is the correct type for heavy start/stop events. So far my four year old OEM battery is still going strong. I would rather spend more money on a battery that gives higher reliability, than dealing with a dead battery on the road.

 

Not meaning to be rude at all but I'd do much more research. Can you post a single link stating EFB is better designed for start stop. That's very contrary to any accepted research

SAE papers on battery technology as well as Clarios and Varta themselves discuss AGM use being engineered for start stop over EFB.

Clarios (Toyota battery maker and largest car battery maker)....

Varta...

Interstate...

 

I think it was a video by Interstate batteries plus another article that I read...along with talking to a service manager and parts dept. My battery is getting old so a replacement is coming soon. I don't understand why Toyota would equip a vehicle with a "non-standard" battery (EFB is not exactly standard), and design the charging system around that battery type if AGM's would be a better choice. Frankly I hope you are correct, since AGM are more available and less expensive.

 

I think it was a video by Interstate batteries plus another article that I read

Can you post the interstate link that supports your research....


The Interstate material I read states AGM is the one for start stop....

Here

 

Like I said, it was a video that I watched explaining the different types of batteries. I'm sure it was on YouTube, but it was months ago going through random searches. Doubt if I can find it again. I'll see if I linked it to another battery thread on this site.

 

Probably this video, lots of good stuff here:

 

Nothing in the video says EFB is designed for start stop. It says you can usually upgrade to AGM....not downgrade from EFB to AGM and says AGM is for more high load demand including start stop.


Interstate puts in writing that AGM is designed for start stop.

You do want to make sure your car charging profile can most efficiently charge an AGM but I don't know of any that can't nowadays.

Again regardless of battery type as I stated the manufacturer may suggest a charging profile reset (can be accomplished by entering a new BEM code or even just changing one digit of the old one) as ANY intelligent charging system changes it's charging rate over time as the battery ages. This is regardless of battery type as well. Again most people are not even aware of this and never do it. That's even if you were to DIY replace your battery with the OEM replacement.

 

im used to older cars where they charged at a set rate and the alt always kicked out 14.7v
man how times have changed.

i know some cars are set to maintain a full charge by only charging on deceleration. its insane. magnetic clutches, BMS's, and charging profiles are what some cars are currently using "these days".

my posts are not so much "which is better" but rather "the charging profile should match the battery". i mean who the hell thinks about charging profiles in cars anyways...?

im a hobbyist and dabble in Li ion, NiMH, NiCad, and SLA batteries for various projects. you can get away with improperly charging these batteries for the short term but, in the long run each of these uses a unique charging profile. and they are usually not static. C and A will vary depending on SOH, SOC, Temp, IR, Capacity, time, and various other factors.

all im saying is "no matter what battery you go with, you should at least look into the charging profile."

 

Seriously who cares at this point, buy whatever battery you want and live your life. If you go from a non-EFB, just make sure your charging profile is updated via Techstream.