JasonATL Posted July 18, 2005 Share Posted July 18, 2005 At 72k miles, it appears that the battery on our 1999 RX 300 is dead. A few weeks ago, I started having the "clock resets to 1:00 AM" problem on ocassion. I found a thread in this forum that indicated that this was a warning sign that the battery needed to be replaced. Being the procrastinator that I am, I was detailing the car today and had to pull it in and out of the garage a couple of times. The last time I needed to move it, it wouldn't turn over. So, can I just go to the local Toyota dealership and pick up the appropriate battery and install it myself? Or, is this something that only the dealership can/should do? I know that I technically can do this, so I guess I'm looking for some others' experienes in either doing it or being advised of reasons not too. I haven't changed a battery myself in a couple of decades. But, I think I could handle it if there isn't anything special about the battery in the RX. Also, I suppose that the alternator could be bad. However, I'm pretty set on getting the battery replaced anyway, as this is my wife's daily driver. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronzemaxell Posted July 18, 2005 Share Posted July 18, 2005 At 72k miles, it appears that the battery on our 1999 RX 300 is dead. A few weeks ago, I started having the "clock resets to 1:00 AM" problem on ocassion. I found a thread in this forum that indicated that this was a warning sign that the battery needed to be replaced.Being the procrastinator that I am, I was detailing the car today and had to pull it in and out of the garage a couple of times. The last time I needed to move it, it wouldn't turn over. So, can I just go to the local Toyota dealership and pick up the appropriate battery and install it myself? Or, is this something that only the dealership can/should do? I know that I technically can do this, so I guess I'm looking for some others' experienes in either doing it or being advised of reasons not too. I haven't changed a battery myself in a couple of decades. But, I think I could handle it if there isn't anything special about the battery in the RX. Also, I suppose that the alternator could be bad. However, I'm pretty set on getting the battery replaced anyway, as this is my wife's daily driver. Thanks! ← i changed mine at sears, $85 for battery and $13 for installation, and they also did a check on charging system. becarefully if you disconnect battery without a backup battery system, anti-theft system might need to be resetted or re-enter security code. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKperformance Posted July 18, 2005 Share Posted July 18, 2005 changing a battery is easy with one 10mm wrench and a strong back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riwyle Posted July 18, 2005 Share Posted July 18, 2005 Disconnect the negative terminal first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TunedRX300 Posted July 18, 2005 Share Posted July 18, 2005 DIY is easy, need a small adjustable wrench in addition to 10mm socket with racket, costco has a good price on Optima RedTop if you go for that route Optima Redtop Autozone offers free battery installation if you buy the battery from them $50, just call your local store ahead and make sure they are not busy. Dealer will charge your twice and battery is not that great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dgorrie Posted July 19, 2005 Share Posted July 19, 2005 I agree - skip the dealer. You can get a battery at Autozone, O'Reillys, WalMart, etc. I'm of the opinion that if you get any battery with at least a 72 month warranty, you'll get at 4-5 years (48-60 month)out of the deal and really don't care about the extra months. It's easy to swap out. There are only a couple of battery post, and maybe a battery hold-down screw/rod/somthing-or-other. Last time I did it, I just took the appropriate size wrench with me, bought the battery at Autozone, swapped the batteries in the parking lot, then went back inside and returned the core (old battery). Biggest delay was the paperwork. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stonecutter Posted July 19, 2005 Share Posted July 19, 2005 Consumer Reports recommended Pep Boys ProStart a couple years ago, supposedly provides comparable cranking power as a brand name but at a lower price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcfish Posted July 19, 2005 Share Posted July 19, 2005 Consumer Reports recommended Pep Boys ProStart a couple years ago, supposedly provides comparable cranking power as a brand name but at a lower price. ← Get a OPTIMA RED TOP I have them in both of my LEXUS and am extremely satisfied. Good luck on your decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lenore Posted July 19, 2005 Share Posted July 19, 2005 Consumer Reports recommended Pep Boys ProStart a couple years ago, supposedly provides comparable cranking power as a brand name but at a lower price. ← Get a OPTIMA RED TOP I have them in both of my LEXUS and am extremely satisfied. Good luck on your decision. ← I have had great success with Walmart, And Costco batteries, Have never had one fail. The Costco Batteries are excellent if you can find your group size. Other wise buy a Walmart or Sam's club battery. Work fine, last a long time, you will not be dissappointed. The only battery I dislike is the Kragen's brand and have had them fail often, oh sure they are covered under warranty, but no failure for 5 or 6 years is better. good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SC4HUNDO Posted July 19, 2005 Share Posted July 19, 2005 If you can't change the battery yourself, then your not qualified to operate a motor vehicle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TunedRX300 Posted July 19, 2005 Share Posted July 19, 2005 If you can't change the battery yourself, then your not qualified to operate a motor vehicle ← Give the guy a break, many RX300 owners do not even know how to change air filter, which do not require any tool or lifting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoldenStateSilverSport Posted August 8, 2005 Share Posted August 8, 2005 Hi Everyone, I need to change the battery in my car and needed some help from you guys. I have a 2001 Lexus RX300 Silversport and need to find out the details of the kind of battery I need. What is the minimum Cold Cranking Amps required? (Does it matter if I exceed this amount? Will it damage my car? Additionally, what size/group is my battery? I have looked in the owners manual but there are no specs as to the battery requirements. I appreciate any help you can provide. Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cnynctry Posted August 8, 2005 Share Posted August 8, 2005 Hi Everyone,I need to change the battery in my car and needed some help from you guys. I have a 2001 Lexus RX300 Silversport and need to find out the details of the kind of battery I need. What is the minimum Cold Cranking Amps required? (Does it matter if I exceed this amount? Will it damage my car? Additionally, what size/group is my battery? I have looked in the owners manual but there are no specs as to the battery requirements. I appreciate any help you can provide. Thanks, ← Read the information at this link http://shopping.yahoo.com/premium/consumer...tml?id=95700426 Where ever yo go to buy your battery thay will have a list with the recomened size group and CCA rating. It doesnt hurt to have a higher CCA rating but unless you live in an extream climate you wont need it. More CCA means more plates, more weight and higher cost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoldenStateSilverSport Posted August 8, 2005 Share Posted August 8, 2005 awesome! thanks for your help.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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