12 volt battery replacement info

$285 is way high even for a dealer. Ask another one?

I expect my Optima to last a long time. Note that you will need every tool listed by eLearnaid to install it, and if you don't have a bench vise, a lot of hand strength to dis-assemble the Toyota positive terminal assembly.

 

The picture on Hobbit's page shows a D51. (The difference is that the R model has the positive and negative terminals swapped.).

 

Yes, the problem with having the terminals reversed is that they will be adjacent to the fender, so if your right rear fender is hit the battery might short out.

 

Yes. Uhh... whatever it is it fits properly (the cables reach easily and no danger of shorting out).

 

There was no way that I was going to spend $170 for a 12-volt battery for my 2004 Prius, so I went to the local battery store and bought a 5-year Size 51 battery for $59.95. I went to the local Wal-Mart and bought a pair of marine terminals for it that have threaded posts and a butterfly nut on each one. That set me back another $2.94. Removal and installation took about 45 minutes, requiring only a 10 and 12 mm socket and a 5/16" drill.
1. Remove the rear trunk cover and tray as if you were going to take out the spare tire.
2. Remove the black air duct that goes over the battery. Two 10mm bolts, the one in the fender is self-threading.
3. Remove the negative ground cable from the battery and the back frame (10mm)
4. Remove the 12mm bolt and 10mm bolt that hold the black box down so you can push it aside a little.
5. Remove the 10mm nut and 10mm bolt that hold the battery clamp-down bracket.
6. Remove the positive battery clamp.
7. Lift out the battery.
8. Attach the marine terminals to the new battery, with the butterfly nuts removed..
9. Remove the ground cable clamp nut and bolt and spread the clamp apart. Enlarge the clamp hole to 5/16"
10. Put the new battery in place of the old one, with the terminals in the same relative position.
11. Replace the battery clamp-down bracket.
12. Replace the air duct
13. Put the positive cable assembly over the positive terminal post and tighten the butterfly nut on it.
14. Put the negative ground cable 5/16" hole over the negative terminal post and tighten the frame bolt, then the butterfly nut.
15. Put the black box back and tighten it down.
16. Check all fasteners for tightness.
16. Replace tool tray and trunk floor.

 

Chris I would like to convince you to buy the correct battery.

Normal 12 batteries are 'flooded'. they contain a LOT of sulfuric acid. Toyota chose to put the 12 volt battery in the passenger compartment with you and your passengers. Any overcharging, minor accident, or short circuit could cause a lot of sulfuric acid to be flung all over your family. An AGM battery uses a glass mat to hold the sulfuric acid close to the lead plates, so MUCH less acid is available to splash around on bad days.

In various charging scenarios, mostly overcharging or overheating, explosive hydrogen gas is formed. This too will accumulate in the passenger compartment, unless you use a externally vented battery. Explosive gases and sulfuric acid just sound like a bad idea, most car manufacturers who use them put the 12 volt battery outside where it can't splash you and your passengers

Neither of these issues concern the car, they only concern you and you passengers. So far as I know only the OEM battery Toyota sells, the elearnaid kits and Optima's new made to fit Yellowtop are both AGM and externally vented. Do the right thing, protect your passengers (and yourself).

 

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...o-conversion-12-volt-battery.html#post1222395
http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...shed-interstate-battery-30-a.html#post1363629

You can find other posts on this subject by Googling for stuff like siteriuschat.com flooded battery acid accident.