[rhcev6]

This is the procedure for the my 2003 which came off the site: http://www.elearnaid.com/opbaandkitfo.html - THX JEFF!

Does anyone know the best way to keep the 12V system powered while I change the battery so I do not have to change the radio or DVD nav system prefrences all over again?

I found my battery going as low as 9.6V during the below test so I just ordered the yellow top battery + kit for my 03.

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Do this test after you have driven the car for at least 30 minutes. This will give the battery a chance to be fully charged.
1. Put the transmission in Park.

2. Turn ignition switch to off.

3. Engage the parking break

4. Turn ignition switch to Accesory. (do not start the engine)

5. Push Display button. (2001 to 2003)Top rocker to the right of the radio 2004+ top button to left of screen - "DISPLAY" will now appear in the upper left corner of your screen.)

6. Push on the upper left of the display just inside the box, withdraw, push on the lower left of the display and withdraw. Do this three times. Keep trying till the screen changes. If the word "Display" in the upper left hand corner of the screen goes away hit the display switch again.

7. Push on Menu in upper right of display screen.

8. Push on Display Check

9. Push on Vehicle Signal Check

10. You will see the 12 volt voltage displayed.

11. With no electrical accessories on including lights the voltage should be fluctuate between 12.2 and 11.9. The lower the voltage, the less of a charge your battery currently has. If the voltage is low do not proceed as the load test might totally discharge your battery. (If you see a voltage around 13.5-13.8 you are seeing voltage from the high voltage battery being converted to around 13.5-13.8 in an attempt to recharge your battery. This normally does not occur till after you start the engine but might occur earlier if the battery is very drained.)

12. You can also test the battery by turning on the headlights, rear window heater and the heater fan. For a new battery the voltage would be around 11.3. If the voltage drops below 10.2 it should definitely be replaced. For voltages in between the lower the voltage, the lower current charge of your battery.

Note: If in doubt disconnect the 12 volt battery completely (start with the negative post to avoid shorting the battery) and hook it up to a battery tester.

[Mckenzie500]

I guess it should work; morover, Prius and Camry fall under same category, so I don't think there'll be major differences.

[jdenenberg]

rhcev6 said:

This is the procedure for the my 2003 which came off the site: http://www.elearnaid.com/opbaandkitfo.html - THX JEFF!

Their and all other procedures on the discussion groups are derivatives of the original which I believe was mine in early 2009. There are variations for different models and the one at elearnaid is a bit too optimistic in evaluating failed batteries (they are avoiding being accused of promoting early replacements).

Does anyone know the best way to keep the 12V system powered while I change the battery so I do not have to change the radio or DVD nav system prefrences all over again?

Any clean source of 12v power can be connected at the jumping terminal in the fuse box under the hood. Just be careful to avoid the live Plus terminal wires touching any metal parts or you will need to reset everything or in the worst case, blow the 100 amp fuse

I found my battery going as low as 9.6V during the below test so I just ordered the yellow top battery + kit for my 03.

The '03 uses a smaller battery, will the Yellow-Top fit?

JeffD

[rhcev6]

Does anyone know where the jumping terminal is located on an 03?

That sounds a LOT better than leaving the car on while changing the battery. The Yellow top 51R will fit with some minor changes - all parts and instructions came with the battery from elearnaid. The only thing I think they might be wrong about on their web site is that this will increase mileage. I'm not sure how the engine is forced to run to charge the battery when it looks like the 12V power comes from the inverter/HV battery which shouldn't put much of a load at all on the HV battery to make the engine turn on, right?

jdenenberg said:

Their and all other procedures on the discussion groups are derivatives of the original which I believe was mine in early 2009. There are variations for different models and the one at elearnaid is a bit too optimistic in evaluating failed batteries (they are avoiding being accused of promoting early replacements).Any clean source of 12v power can be connected at the jumping terminal in the fuse box under the hood. Just be careful to avoid the live Plus terminal wires touching any metal parts or you will need to reset everything or in the worst case, blow the 100 amp fuseThe '03 uses a smaller battery, will the Yellow-Top fit?

JeffD

[bwilson4web]

rhcev6 said:

Does anyone know where the jumping terminal is located on an 03?. . .

I have one and there isn't. Jumping has to be direct to the 12 V battery unless you want to do some fuse box hack.

Bob Wilson