Optima Yellow Top (DS46B24R) vs OEM Battery (36AmpHour)

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by exstudent, Apr 20, 2014.

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  1. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    Wanted to get perspective from others, as many of you are ahead of me on maintenance.

    Original battery is now registering 12.3V, as measured with a digital volt meter, at the battery terminals in the trunk. Factory specification for a healthy battery is 12.5-12.9V. Car is 7 years old and has 123,400 miles.

    From what I have read from various threads regarding Optima batteries, a FULL charge prior to installation is critical. Also, periodic "maintenance" charging for all AGM type batteries (Optima and non-Optima) is a good idea to maximize the battery's life, using a battery charger that has this capability for AGM batteries..

    OEM (36Amp hour battery), 7 year warranty (1-2 year direct replacement, 2-7 year prorated):
    $139.11 (toyotapartsbarn), free shipping, no tax, no core charge; doubtful local dealers would honor the warranty.
    $187.42 + tax (local Toyota dealership); warranty would be honored.

    Optima Yellowtop (DS46B24R), 3 year warranty
    $129.70 + tax (Pepboys; on sale right now); Free Installation available.
    $147 + tax (Amazon).
    Optima has that promotion for a free or 50% off battery charger/maintainer.
     
    #1 exstudent, Apr 20, 2014
  2. cproaudio

    cproaudio Speedlock Overrider

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    How long can this be stored for? Looks like a good deal but my battery is still good.
     
    #2 cproaudio, Apr 20, 2014
  3. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    If you are referring to the GS Yuasa battery for 2G equipped with the Smart Entry/Smart Start system, that battery is rated at 45 Ah per the label on the battery. That battery equipped with Toyota TrueStart stickers showing the 84 month warranty and accompanied by a valid Toyota dealer receipt should be accepted for warranty exchange at any US Toyota dealer, because the warranty is offered by TMS USA, not the selling dealer. See the first photo in the OP here:
    Replacement Battery Pix | PriusChat

    Your current battery is on the marginal side and it would be good to replace it before the winter season.

    If you decide to buy from toyotapartsbarn, please let us know whether the price of $139 incl shipping is honored when you place the order. If yes, that is a really outstanding price.

    According to that dealer's website, the 12V battery is "discontinued", so don't be too surprised if the order is not accepted:
    Order Toyota Parts - Toyota Parts Barn
     
    #3 Patrick Wong, Apr 20, 2014
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  4. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Your not measuring that battery under load. Push the power button once without holding the brake. That puts a load on the battery. Measure it then. Bet its 11.6. Any lower and you will see a red exclamation point flash on the dash as the car boots up. That's the only warning you get the battery is ready to leave you.

    $129 for the Yellowtop is a steal. Best I got was $160 buy online at Advance Auto and pick up locally. That's best 'cause if its got a low charge on it or I find an issue with it when I get it home I can return it.
     
    #4 edthefox5, Apr 20, 2014
  5. JPTuck

    JPTuck Member

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    My local AdvanceAutoParts has the optima but priced at 219 - where did you find a Pep Boys with such a steal price?
     
    #5 JPTuck, Apr 20, 2014
  6. dhanson865

    dhanson865 Expert and Devil's advocate

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    #6 dhanson865, Apr 20, 2014
  7. KhaPhoRa

    KhaPhoRa Member

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    Don't forget, during the month of April Optima is having a great promotion, you can get a free battery maintainer (actually priced around $100) or $100 off a larger battery charger. OPTIMA® Batteries April 2014 National Promotion
    Edit: Promotion is for the US only.

    the Seahawks training facility ?
     
    #7 KhaPhoRa, Apr 20, 2014
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    so you're getting a prius battery installed for $30.?
     
    #8 bisco, Apr 20, 2014
  9. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    There's an online deal with $50 off. Or there was/ Buy online pu locally.
     
    #9 edthefox5, Apr 20, 2014
  10. KhaPhoRa

    KhaPhoRa Member

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    Also amazon has them for $147 shipped.


    the Seahawks training facility ?
     
    #10 KhaPhoRa, Apr 20, 2014
  11. JPTuck

    JPTuck Member

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    Thx-now just have to find a Pep Boys near me willing to order/honor that price :)
     
    #11 JPTuck, Apr 20, 2014
  12. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    I am under the impression that you are leaning towards buying an Optima Yellowtop from Pepboys or Amazon b/c of the sale, and keeping it in storage (garage, closet, elsewhere), until your current battery dies? From what I have learned about batteries (here and battery manufacture websites), heat and frequent deep discharge shorten a battery's longevity. I guess you could keep it stored for some time w/o any detrimental effects, if:
    1) stored in a cool dry place
    2) use the promotional Optima charger (4Amp-free; 10Amp-$100) that provides the maintenance charge mode capability.
    But, my understanding might be wrong, and hopefully other more knowledgeable PC members could chime in regarding battery storage.
     
    #12 exstudent, Apr 20, 2014
  13. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    Thanks for the tip!
    Prius under load: 12.2 Volts (Power button pushed just once).
    Prius NO load: 12.3 Volts
    I guess this battery may go a little bit longer.
     
    #13 exstudent, Apr 20, 2014
  14. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    I just started comparison shopping to see if I could find an Optima Yellowtop for the Prius, cheaper than Amazon's $147. When I went to pepboys.com, I was amazed to see $129.70 w/ free installation (if one wants that). If you pick-up, you'll be charged a core charge, which is refunded upon return of your old battery.

    Looks like many local pepboys are out. Hopefully you can get a store manager to honor the price.

    When I placed the online order with store pick-up, I had the option of Free Installation. I still chose store pick-up; I just want to put the battery in myself.
     
    #14 exstudent, Apr 20, 2014
  15. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    You got me curious to see if the order would be canceled. I went through the steps of purchasing; just one click before final confirmation. There is an $18.08 Shipping fee to the $139.11 battery; TOTAL $157.19. Not as great of a deal.

    But I do plan to call and see if this discontinued battery is the old stock of 35AmpHour or the newer 48AmpHour batteries.
     
    #15 exstudent, Apr 20, 2014
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  16. JPTuck

    JPTuck Member

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    Looks like will have to call my Pep Boys in the am - no option to order online on their website - but at least the price is right.
     
    #16 JPTuck, Apr 20, 2014
  17. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    #17 Mike500, Apr 20, 2014
  18. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    #18 Mike500, Apr 20, 2014
  19. JPTuck

    JPTuck Member

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    Well have a call into 1-800-Pep Boys as I've been unable to place an online order for the battery and my local store can't seem to get it to work to order one either. Hopefully they still have some available and will honor the great online price. Now just have to wait and see what happens :)
     
    #19 JPTuck, Apr 21, 2014
  20. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    I got close to ten years out of my original starter battery, and it seemed to be working fine even then. With the current deals you describe, I'd say go ahead and replace it. No sense waiting for a failure that could leave you stranded, and negate any savings you'd otherwise enjoy. Having a new battery ready to go, but not using it, is just asking for trouble. Taunting Mr Murphy is not wise. ;)

    And while you're there, check for standing water in the battery compartment - that seems to be a common problem.
     
    #20 hyo silver, Apr 21, 2014
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