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12v Battery Question (OEM)

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Ryan Will, Apr 11, 2023.

  1. Ryan Will

    Ryan Will Member

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    Hi all,

    I thought I ask a simple (hopefully) question regarding the 12v battery directly from Toyota.
    I've been pricing out local dealers to me, and found one in El Cajon, CA (near San Diego, CA) that has an incredible price on batteries.

    The TrueStart (p/n 0054421171325) is $162 and the OEM one (p/n 2880021171) is $206.
    The question is, other than price, which one would be preferable? I believe I'm still on the original OEM battery, as I do not have any record the previous owner changed it, and I have visually verified it is the OEM one currently. I am just being proactive and wanted to grab a new battery and when I saw these prices, I was shocked how much better priced they are than aftermarket ones in my area.

    I really don't mind getting the TrueStart one, especially for that price, but if there's a big reason to order the other one, I'm definitely open to listening as to why.

    Anyways, thank you kindly in advance!
     
    #1 Ryan Will, Apr 11, 2023
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    check the warranties. idk anything about the construction.
    i thought trustart was the oem replacement. is the oem yuasa?
     
    #2 bisco, Apr 11, 2023
  3. Ryan Will

    Ryan Will Member

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    The OEM in the car is Yuasa and the one the dealer is selling is also Yuasa.
    There is no specified warranty listed for the OEM one on the dealer site, but the TrueStart has the warranty listed (84 months, etc.).

    Link to the TrueStart: https://parts.toyotaofelcajon.com/p/Toyota_2015_Prius-Three/TrueStart-Battery/69277795/0054421171325.html
    Link to the OEM: https://parts.toyotaofelcajon.com/p/Toyota_2015_Prius-Three/Vehicle-Battery/62924102/2880021171.html
     
    #3 Ryan Will, Apr 11, 2023
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  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    I paid $210. For the true start a couple years ago. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy it, but the yuasa is a great battery if you don’t mind spending the extra money
     
    #4 bisco, Apr 11, 2023
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  5. Ryan Will

    Ryan Will Member

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    Yea, I feel I can't really go wrong either way at those prices. I'll need to see what my budget looks like, but I may spend the extra few bucks and get the Yuasa as long as they have a comparable warranty.
     
    #5 Ryan Will, Apr 11, 2023
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  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    True-Start through dealership, for $162 USD? No contest.
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, Apr 11, 2023
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  7. Ryan Will

    Ryan Will Member

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    Yes, USD$ and a few local dealers have some good deals on parts and batteries, but that particular one was the best. It is a bit of a trek from where I live, but I go to that area a few times a month for work, so I easily can order one and pick it up.
     
    #7 Ryan Will, Apr 11, 2023
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  8. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    You can't go wrong with the Toyota battery.
    You'll just want to charge it up for probably 8 hours because they won't
    charge them while sitting on the shelf.

     
    #8 ASRDogman, Apr 11, 2023
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  9. Ryan Will

    Ryan Will Member

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    #9 Ryan Will, Apr 11, 2023
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  10. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Agreed. Heck of a deal. As shown by the warranty, the True-Start is a very good battery. They are usually about $200. I've bought three of them for three different Prii over the years. Never a problem.
     
    #10 jerrymildred, Apr 12, 2023
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  11. Ryan Will

    Ryan Will Member

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    Went ahead and ordered the TrueStart and will pick it up sometime today. With tax and core charge, it was just under $193 USD (core was $17). I think this is a great deal and I'm glad I went ahead and pulled the trigger on it before prices go up.

    I can post a picture of it later, if you all would like.

    Thanks again!
     
    #11 Ryan Will, Apr 13, 2023
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  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Core charge is just a deposit till you return the old battery to them. Most efficient turn-around would be to just bring your tools, swap it on their lot. Tools to consider:

    Mandatory:

    10 mm box wrench

    Good to have:

    Strip of fine sand paper to clean posts/clamps
    Wet Wipes or similar (to clean your hands after above, wipe down battery, posts are lead)
    Assortment of washers (due to Toyota's crappy hold-down bracket design, intolerant of ANY battery height difference)
    Memory saver (if you don't know what it is, don't worry about it)

    As far as charging the new battery, you can always do that when you get home, it can be charged while installed (contrary to owner's manual).
     
    #12 Mendel Leisk, Apr 13, 2023
    Last edited: Apr 13, 2023
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  13. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Or, if you have another car, take the old battery with you when you get the new one. No core charge that way.
     
    #13 jerrymildred, Apr 13, 2023
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  14. Prius Maximus

    Prius Maximus Senior Member

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    use emery cloth on metal, not sandpaper.
     
    #14 Prius Maximus, Apr 13, 2023
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  15. Ryan Will

    Ryan Will Member

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    I picked up the battery earlier today, and just got home not long ago (the battery is still just sitting in the car).
    I will take pictures later or tomorrow, but I can tell you it is without a doubt the Yuasa OEM battery with TrueStart labels slapped over it. I can even see the original Yuasa battery label through the TrueStart label and the TrueStart label even says Made in Japan. I will say, for the price, that seems like an incredible deal! Very happy I went ahead with it.
     
    #15 Ryan Will, Apr 13, 2023
  16. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Make sure you charge it up before installing it. (4amps or less)
    No telling how long it's been sitting on the shelf.


     
    #16 ASRDogman, Apr 14, 2023
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