Car Battery Tester 12v Car... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0769JZK38?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I would buy a battery tester

Doug

 

Car Battery Tester 12v Car... Amazon.com

I would buy a battery tester

Doug

I have a battery tester that indicates the battery has 12.7v. But it doesn’t test CCA. Dealer told me it tested at 440 when it should have 605…BUT when I looked at the battery myself, there’s a big old sticker that says 335CCA, which is apparently what the RAV4 hybrids always have. Sure seems like my service advisor lied to me!

 

If that's the case stop at autozone and have them test it I believe that they test the volts and CCA or have a jump box with you and keep running it since you don't have have any codes.

Doug

 

That’s exactly what I’m going to do! The portable jumper is in the car now and my son is going to take it to AutoZone tomorrow evening. Hoping they can test CCA. I have had exactly zero issues with the car. This surprise came up at my oil change appt today!

 

I think they're taking advantage of you. There is no Cold Cranking required of the 12-volt aux battery in a Rav4 hybrid it is an 45 AH AGM battery that simply starts the electronics. There is no starter motor in the traditional sense. Motor Generator 1 will start the internal combustion engine using power from the traction battery whenever that system reaches a certain threshold

 

Yup! That’s totally what it sounds like! And it’s not like I’ve had any issues with the car either! I’m so grateful for this forum!!

 

Great mines think alike (hope I didn't insult you) love your game plan good luck.

Doug

 

Really appreciate your advice! ☺

 

dealership and they told my 12v battery is bad - only 440 CCA when it should be 605 CCA, which they said is 53% battery health. It’s showing 12.7v.

Well that's total dealer upsell BS. They just usually test for resting voltage (engine off). They can also load test. Neither shows CCA. If they have a special test device they can test for CCA but on a 2 year old RAV4 it's unlikely your battery is shot. 12.7 volts resting is EXCELLENT for a regular lead/acid (non AGM) battery. You don't need a new battery.

 

Unless they're offering you a new battery under warranty, you should pass. There's plenty of life left in it. Mine barely holds 12.4V after I put a charger on it and my RAV4 still works fine, in Canadian weather.

 

I have a battery tester that indicates the battery has 12.7v. But it doesn’t test CCA. Dealer told me it tested at 440 when it should have 605…BUT when I looked at the battery myself, there’s a big old sticker that says 335CCA, which is apparently what the RAV4 hybrids always have. Sure seems like my service advisor lied to me!

The voltage on the battery is not a good indication of health. Only a load test can determine that.

You are right, the battery fitted in my hybrid is also 335 CCA. If the mechanic really had tested your battery, 440CCA means it is in really good shape. But did the mechanic really test the battery or did he lie about that too?

in a Rav4 hybrid it is an 45 AH AGM battery that simply starts the electronics.

The RAV4 hybrid is not always fitted with an AGM battery (the Primes may be). My hybrid battery is just like the OP with 55Ah and 345CCA, non-AGM:

 

The voltage on the battery is not a good indication of health. Only a load test can determine that.

You are right, the battery fitted in my hybrid is also 335 CCA. If the mechanic really had tested your battery, 440CCA means it is in really good shape. But did the mechanic really test the battery or did he lie about that too?


The RAV4 hybrid is not always fitted with an AGM battery (the Primes may be). My hybrid battery is just like the OP with 55Ah and 345CCA, non-AGM:

View attachment 203710

Could be, but irrespective of the battery’s capacity there is no crank load in the hybrid so the CCA rating is not relevant. given the use case of the 12V aux battery.

if you run accessories when not in Ready mode a deep cycle battery is your better bet

 

Sounds bogus. Unfortunate that dealerships make up fake problems, they probably didn't even actually check your battery.

 

I have seen new batteries fail in short periods of time like this before, my suggestion would be to get a interstate battery they stand by them for the original warranty and will even prorated the cost of replacement for 3 years after the original warranty is up, pricing isn't that bad either would estimate the cost of 150-180 for suitable replacement in rav 4

 

Don't get a new one. it's fine for a Hybrid. You don't use cranking amps. MG1 starts the engine. They are scamming you

 

5,000 moving parts in a car, shit happens that's why there are warranties. Take it to Walmart or Auto parts store and have them check it. If it's bad replace it.

 

As a side note - when you buy a 2 year battery, it WILL fail around 2 years. Same goes for 3, 4 and 5 year batteries. I don't know how it happens but it just does. I cannot speak to what this battery does in a hybrid - honestly, I would think the starter would be wired into the big honking hybrid battery.

Having said that, a year ago, I took my RAV4 in for the free oil change. I knew my battery was reaching EOL. You can just tell when you start the car. Toyota offers a lifetime battery for maybe $20 more than a 3 year Interstate battery. No brainer if you ask me. A year later, my wife's Sequoia began cranking slow - it has a lifetime battery as well.

Note - I tend to keep my cars for a very long time....

 

I don't know how it happens but it just does. I cannot speak to what this battery does in a hybrid - honestly, I would think the starter would be wired into the big honking hybrid battery.

There is no starter in the hybrids. The gas engine is "started" using MG1 (motor generator #1) in the PSD (power split device), using electricity from the HV battery.

MG1 is also used to generate electricity to store in the HV battery, and to control the gear ratios of the eCVT.