Help - Question About Battery Life

[ellav43]

Hello I was wondering if anyone could help me, my car was taken to the dealership to get inspected and was surprised to find out I needed a new battery, I didn't remember when the last time I had gotten it changed was but I knew it was under 5 years, the dealership couldn't find it in there system so I agreed to buy a new one and as a curtousy was given a discount since they couldn't find it in there system. I just found the receipt and it shows it was changed Nov 2011, should it of died this quickly? I called the dealership and they said its because it seems that I don't use the car too often, is that true?

[lenore]

that is about expected life. However my original went 5 years before the clock stopped keeping time correctly. (A little thing that we noticed when the batteries start going bad)

[ellav43]

Ok thanks, just wanted to make sure since my previous battery lasted over 5

[pj8708]

Remember also Ella, all batteries are not created equal. A bargain basement battery probably has less cold cranking amps,an a shorter life span. You can look at several websites regarding car batteries and their quality and suitability to your Lexus.

Paul

[VBdenny]

The battery in my Nissan Frontier was installed by me in November 2006 and still starts fine even after sitting for a month. Amazing battery available to you too.

[jjbrahma]

I have a 2002 RX300 which I purchased last January (2014). In April I went to start the car and nothing happened; well the lights came on, the radio and a/c came on and all of the instrument panel lights came on but, when I turned the key to start, nothing...not even a click. Fortunately for me I have a great Lexus Dealer in Dallas who sent out a Roadside rescue person. He replaced the battery and everything was fine until this morning. This morning I turned the key and as before everything lit up but when I turned the key to start the vehicle all I got was several clicks. The original battery that went out in Jan 2014 was dated Jan 2014 and I noticed corrosion under the plastic cable cover; I informed the tecnician and he just said it doesn't matter since it's problay only an inch or two down and he sprayed something on it.

Now, when I as a kid in the 1960s and 70s, I used to work in a gas station (a real one with lifts, tire changers, et cetera) and I use to go on service calls all the time for dead batteries. I learned that any amount of corrosion will prevent the alternator from recharging the battery properly. So, I am kicking myself right now for not having replaced the cable sooner. However Lexus wants between $35 and $50 for a cable I can probably get at PepBoys or any other parts house for around $12.00. So what I would like to know is how long is the positive battery cable on the 2002 RX300 and are there any issues which I should be on the look out for, considering the compuerized situation of the vehicles made these days. While I'm aking, how long is the negative cable? I may as well replace it too, while I'm doing the positive cable.

On a side note: One thing I did learn from the Lexus Service Technician who came out is that, according to him, Lexus batteries are made by Interstate Batteries. I personally believe Interstate Batteries to abou the best batteries around.

One last thing; does anyone know how or where I can obtain a copy of the Service Manual for the Lexus 2002 RX300? I did download the Service Manual for the 2003 RX 300 from this site hoping that it will be of some use.

Thank you all for your time and consideration.

[LEX-SV]

My results with battery life lately is not real consistent:

2008 Mercedes C300 - 7 years

2007 Lexus IS350 - 8 years in March, end still TBD...

2010 Honda Civic - 4.5 years

[VBdenny]

My impression of battery quality seems to be luck and cooler climates. I've had batteries last anywhere from months to years.

JJ loved the gas station part. That was me. A petroleum byproduct dispensing engineer and grease monkey.