100 series won't start - brand new Toyota battery - TIA!

[CharBar]

Hi folks,
I've got a 2005 LX with 120k miles. I had a 5yo battery that was not starting every now and then, so I replaced it 4 weeks ago with a Toyota 710CCA 165RC Group 27F. Everything was fine post-install (outdoor temps 40-70f) until I went to the mountains for the kids spring break this past week. First morning had a slow start (20f). I then refueled after an hour of driving, and it would not start. I had to use my jump pack for the remainder of the trip. Here is what I'm measuring with my multimeter now that we're back home:

• Ignition off - 12.5V at the terminals
• Ignition off parasitic draw: 35mA
• ACC - 9.5V at the terminals (seems like red flag)
• Engine running - 14.5V at the terminals
• Some crystalized battery acid on the seam between lid and case on side of battery

Could my 4 week old Toyota battery (I think relabeled interstate) have a bad cell or two? I don't think it's my alternator. The battery is covered under warranty, so I could try to get it replaced - not sure what test they run to verify. Any help or thoughts are greatly appreciated!

Edit: Yes, I saw this very recent and seemingly relevant post: brand new battery completely flat, no lights on - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/brand-new-battery-completely-flat-no-lights-on.1333400/

 

[excessive]

when it wont start, are you seeing low voltage at the battery? maybe it could be that few ppl buy Toyota batteries because of the premium. it's possible it was sitting on the shelf at the dealer for 10 years before you bought it

 

[take123]

My battery has been very strong and it's 12.5V at off when I probed it. And it's around 14-15V when running (I did not probe it I am just looking at the dash).

If you drove it for an hour and then refuel and then it won't start, that's odd, as driving that long the battery should be charged. Maybe something wrong with the alternator or battery being able to receive charge. But you mention when running the voltage is 14.5V so it seems alternator is working.

Maybe there is an issue with charging the battery?
Car batteries are not too expensive and easy to replace, so I would go in for a swap if you got warranty and then see if the replacement still has the issue. If it does have problems then something else is going on.

 

[nissanh]

Toyota batteries are made in Mexico and are no good. I bought one for my car and lasted 2-3 years. The S.C Johnson Co in WI makes the worlds best batteries, make sure you check the label of the manufacturer. I always get Walmart Everystart Maxx batteries and those last 5 years+ but I replace it at the end of 5th year.

At ACC you saw 9.5 V means the battery is junk.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Factory Toyota batteries are made by Panasonic. Toyota TrueStart batteries are made by Interstate, which is also Johnson and now Clarios. And they also have an excellent warrant. I buy those or from Costco.

OP, for your issue I'd look at both battery and alternator.

 

[katit]

Exact same issue. Wonder what outcome is. I am getting new Toyota battery tomorrow

 

[CharBar]

Factory Toyota batteries are made by Panasonic. Toyota TrueStart batteries are made by Interstate, which is also Johnson and now Clarios. And they also have an excellent warrant. I buy those or from Costco.

OP, for your issue I'd look at both battery and alternator.

Yes, this is a brand new Toyota TrueStart. One more piece of info - this AM I was able to charge the battery from completely dead (10.5v) to charged (12.7v) in under an hour with a 12A stand alone charger with the battery out of the vehicle. Based on the 20A 165 minute reserve capacity rating, this should have taken me ~275 minutes (4.5 hours).... Is my logic right here? 165 minutes x 20A / 12A = 275 minutes. Makes me think something is wrong with the battery chemistry.

 

[shane431]

Toyota batteries are made in Mexico and are no good. I bought one for my car and lasted 2-3 years. The S.C Johnson Co in WI makes the worlds best batteries, make sure you check the label of the manufacturer. I always get Walmart Everystart Maxx batteries and those last 5 years+ but I replace it at the end of 5th year.

At ACC you saw 9.5 V means the battery is junk.

This guy is right about Walmart batteries. It’s what I buy and have had good luck!

 

[Exiled]

I've had great luck with Walmart batteries. And there's a good chance you are relatively close to one to get it checked/replaced.

 

[shane431]

I've had great luck with Walmart batteries. And there's a good chance you are relatively close to one to get it checked/replaced.

Exactly. I drive a lot around the south central US and when I'm out in middle of nowhere there's decent chance there's a Walmart not too far away!

 

[kerrye]

A 12 volt lead acid battery at 12.5 volts is only at 70% of capacity. A full charged 12 volt lead acid battery should read 12.8 volts at least. 12.2 volts is 50% discharged. I suspect you have a parasitic draw draining the battery. You could load test the battery. Harbor Freight sells an inexpensive load tester that would tell you if you have a bad cell.

 

[CharBar]

Update: I brought this 4 week old battery to Toyota. The service dept ran a diagnostic, identified it as malfunctioning and replaced under warranty.

I’m going to keep a close eye on voltage before starting, LMK if you have any other advice of what to look for now that I have a new battery in there. Thanks!

 

[katit]

Update: I brought this 4 week old battery to Toyota. The service dept ran a diagnostic, identified it as malfunctioning and replaced under warranty.

I’m going to keep a close eye on voltage before starting, LMK if you have any other advice of what to look for now that I have a new battery in there. Thanks!

Yeah. I also just dumped 2023 battery I had and went with new one from Walmart. Will see how it works.

 

[rexington14]

What size Walmart EverStart battery are you all going with? Looks like they are recommending a 24F when plugging in the make/model in their site but shouldn't we be using 27F?

 

[shane431]

I bought the 24F. Been working fine.

 

[katit]

Walmart got barcode which you scan for their battery catalog. It offers 24. I thought about 27 but they didn’t have F on shelf only 27 with terminals in wrong sides

The even had Agm but I went with regular as it offered 750cca vs agm only 650cca

 

[rexington14]

Thanks, that's what I figured as I couldn't find a 27F on Walmart's site. I'm thinking about a new battery soon. Last time I checked it was $110 for a 27F from my local Costco which is hard to beat. WalMart is showing the group 24 at $140.