Toyota 28800-21181 Battery

A routine preventive maintenance program is essential for the battery in your vehicle to ensure quick and reliable starts. Before performing any battery maintenance, make sure you have the proper equipment for safety. Take precautions when servicing the battery, such as turning off the engine and disconnecting the cable from the negative terminal. The battery produces flammable and explosive hydrogen gas, so avoid creating sparks or lighting matches near it and charge it in a ventilated area. The electrolyte contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid, so avoid contact with eyes, skin, or clothes, and wear protective safety glasses. Check the external condition of the battery for any corrosion, loose connections, cracks, or loose hold-down clamps. If corrosion is present, remove the battery for cleaning. Clean the cable clamps, terminals, and battery case with a solution of warm water and baking soda, taking care not to let the solution enter the battery. Ensure the battery tray is in good condition and the hold-down fasteners are tight. For charging, a slow-rate charger is recommended, such as a one or two-amp battery charger. Avoid using a quick-charge system. The average time to charge a battery depends on the charger. Corrosion can be removed with a water and baking soda solution, and any damaged metal parts should be covered with a zinc-based primer and painted.

Before making accurate voltage measurements, the battery's surface charge must be removed by turning on the high beams for ten seconds, then turning them off and allowing the vehicle to stand for two minutes. The battery state of charge should be checked by visually inspecting the indicator eye; if clear, the battery should be charged. An open voltage circuit test using a digital voltmeter should be performed with the engine and all accessories off, connecting the negative probe to the negative terminal and the positive probe to the positive terminal, ensuring the voltage is 12.6 volts or more. If the voltage is low, the battery should be charged before proceeding to a load test, which requires a load tester to evaluate the battery's ability to operate under heavy amperage draw. The load should be maintained for 15 seconds or less, ensuring the voltage does not drop below 9.6 volts, with adjustments made for cold temperatures. For models from 2001 to 2003, the battery is accessed by opening the luggage compartment and removing the cover. For 2004 to 2009 models, the rear hatch must be opened, and the cargo area cover lifted to access the battery on the right side, requiring disconnection of the power supply connector and removal of the cooling duct. For 2009 and earlier models, the negative terminal should be disconnected first, followed by the positive terminal and hold-down clamp. For 2010 and later models, the rear floorboard must be removed to access the battery, with the negative cable disconnected first, followed by the positive terminal and battery temperature sensor. After removing the battery, it should be inspected for corrosion, cleaned if necessary, and a new battery should match the original specifications. Installation is done in reverse order, connecting the positive cable first and applying a corrosion inhibitor. For 2004 to 2009 models, the power window system must be initialized after battery disconnection by turning the ignition on, adjusting the driver's window, and ensuring proper operation. For 2010 and later models, the display will show "System Initializing," and the hybrid system must be started with the vehicle in park, followed by steering wheel adjustments.