12V Battery replacement

[DLangdon]

Hello and thanks for the wealth of info available here.

I have a 2003 Prius with the 12v auxiliary battery going. I would like some feedback from anyone who has replaced this battery themselves with the one available online http://elearnaid.com/12vobaforpr2.html, or even purchasing a replacement battery and installation kit from a dealer. I am particularly concerned with any performance problems with the battery available online, and any difficulties encountered in the installation process.

Thanks.

[tochatihu]

I don't know anyone who has purchased from elearnaid, but the fellow behind it has posted to some of the Prius internet groups, and has purchased ad space on others so I'm inclined to think he's an OK guy.

The same vented MK battery is available elsewhere for about the same price, and you could probably DIY your own adapter for its larger posts.

For 2001 Prius, I bought the MK battery direct from the factory (in Irvine or Anaheim CA) and hacksawed its posts down to the correct size. That worked well for less than a year, and the connections had corroded extensively. Perhaps because I cut them? Anyway, am now using a similar but unvented MK battery with the connections faked in a different way and it is holding up very well.

If you mange to convince yourself that the battery vent tube is not essential, there are many sealed lead acid options of about 30 amp hours for $50 or maybe less.

Toyot's replacement battery has a much higher list price, but no reason not to take the elarnaid page to the parts desk and ask what their minimum price would be. Then decide.

[DLangdon]

Thanks for the feedback. I have ordered the battery and modification kit and intend to install this weekend. I will see how it goes and leave feedback for others who may choose the same route in the future.