7 Years & 60,000 miles (2015) - Time for a new Battery?

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Bendcruiser

Bendcruiser

10 Year
Joined
Sep 27, 2011
Threads
83
Messages
583
Location
Eagle, Idaho
I'm having starting issues, hard starting, and lights flashing but it ultimately starts, at least for now. I'm parked in my heated garage but we've had wicked cold weather here in Montana. Would rather not go to the dealer, Batteries Plus is suggesting an X2 Power Premium AGM 930 CCA BCI Group 27F. Thoughts and opinions would be appreciated. Thanks
 
7 years? Consider you’ve gotten the moneys worth out of it.

I run X2 (duals) on my 100 series and will be going to it on my 200 soon. No issues, recommended.
 
I've run X2's in other cars with zero hesitation. I plan on (eventually) replacing my japanaese panasonic with one when the time comes. Maybe a bigger format, but X2 for sure.
 
How to the Interstates compare to the Toyota TrueStart batteries? Both the 200 and 100 are coming up on that 6 year point where, while still working fine, are always in the back of my mind.
 
TLC2013 said:
I use Costco. They sell Interstate Batteries and carry the 27F at a much lower price. Plus their warranty is excellent.
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Me too, I like that they are "everywhere" and warranty is a snap. Just got one for my LX450. I suspect NAPA would be similar, but more $
You did get your money's worth on that one. Bozeman was a balmy -45 yesterday, I have a place there, but missed that.
Battery performance is challenging with temps like that, yikes!
 
I am on year 3 with my Costco 27F Interstate Battery. No issues so far. Have a done a handful of winch pulls, it’s my only battery and is no worse for the wear.
 
stonepa said:
Toyota TrueStart or Costco.
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The way I see it, the TrueStart probably has an edge in quality.

Costco has the edge in value and warranty accessibility.

A big variable is the user, or user caused issues. That's where IMO the Costco battery is awesome as I've killed batteries before just letting a car sit too long, or accidently drawing it down leaving some accessory on. That'll kill even the highest quality batteries. Costco's willingness to replace with few questions makes it awesome.
 
An AGM battery has soooo many more cold cranking amps than a flooded wet cell battery. When things are cold, its a night & day difference.
Starting with an AGM battery is fun when it’s freezing — engine just jumps to life.
If I lived with your winter climate, I’d go AGM for sure.
 
OregonLC said:
How to the Interstates compare to the Toyota TrueStart batteries? Both the 200 and 100 are coming up on that 6 year point where, while still working fine, are always in the back of my mind.
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I’m in the same position (well, minus the 100) and I’d consider them even. If you trust your dealer to have fresh 27F, Truestart is a good choice. If you have a handy Costco, Interstate is a good choice. I’m sure there’s not been an independent reliable comparison of the 2, so we’ll have to go with Internet hearsay that’s worth what it costs us. I don’t trust the dealer as far as I can throw them, so it will be Costco for my 200 this spring.
 
Thanks for all the input. Yesterday I had the X2 installed, AGM 27F. Same-day service, 4-year warranty, and 20% online coupon used at Batteries Plus here in Bozeman.
 
Bendcruiser said:
Thanks for all the input. Yesterday I had the X2 installed, AGM 27F. Same-day service, 4-year warranty, and 20% online coupon used at Batteries Plus here in Bozeman.
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I’m about to install the same battery. Search diode or HKB in here. Several threads on the topic. You should consider installing a voltage booster as the OEM charging system isn’t likely going to give the X2 the battery OEM minimum voltage.

HKB Electronics

The Alternator Voltage Booster was the first of its type on the market and is the only unit available that was has been purpose built for alternator voltage boosting.
www.hkbelect.com
 
kcjaz said:
I’m about to install the same battery. Search diode or HKB in here. Several threads on the topic. You should consider installing a voltage booster as the OEM charging system isn’t likely going to give the X2 the battery OEM minimum voltage.

HKB Electronics

The Alternator Voltage Booster was the first of its type on the market and is the only unit available that was has been purpose built for alternator voltage boosting.
www.hkbelect.com
Click to expand...
Thanks for that info. What exactly needs to be installed and where? There are a few choices.
 
My 2016 just got a new battery at 75K. This was first battery replacement. I was in for 75k service at Toyota of Cedar Park. I got oil and filter, front and rear diff fluid, transfer case fluid, accessory drive belt, brake rotor turn and battery. The brakes were starting to pulse at steering wheel. The fluids I changed early due to towing I do monthly. I was surprised that battery was still factory so just got another one like it. All in all happy with Cedar Park Toyota. I did 600 mile round trip the following weekend everything was smooth as new.
 
Bendcruiser said:
Thanks for that info. What exactly needs to be installed and where? There are a few choices.
Click to expand...
Select the HKB booster you want from the HKB website and replace theOEM ALT-S fuse with it. that fuse is in the engine bay fuse box.

Select US spec 200 and model year you have. Then pick the one you want. Read the related threads here to help you understand which to pick. You will have 3 choices and all three will work so you can’t really screw this up.

forum.ih8mud.com

HKB voltage booster install

My HKB booster arrived from Australia and plugged it in. It works. Voltage is now 13.6-13.8. The 14.4 voltage was after startup. I recommend this. https://www.hkbelect.com/
forum.ih8mud.com forum.ih8mud.com

forum.ih8mud.com

Battery not holding charge

Glad it's working but sounds like you're having to tender with an external charger regularly. A PITA no? The challenge with boosting output for AGMs is only part of the problem and you're right that voltage itself isn't a big deal. Where it is more stress on the alternator is that AGMs have...
forum.ih8mud.com forum.ih8mud.com

forum.ih8mud.com

Question about ALT-S fuse location in a 2018. Is there supposed to be a fuse there?

I was looking into installing the HKB Booster into my 2018. I emailed HKB as they only have models listed through 2016 as compatible. They said as long as I have an ALT-S fuse location, it should work. I do have it, but there's no fuse in there. Is it normal for this to not have a fuse in it...
forum.ih8mud.com forum.ih8mud.com
 
I've had great experience using Costco for my battery needs. Some of my vehicles may not get any use in more than a year and it's great being able to get a new battery 12 months down the road no questions asked.
 
I just replaced my battery in my ford expedition with a Costco unit. $109 and with a fresh build date of December of 2022.
 
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