Toyota True Start Battery?

True start Toyota batteries are made by 4 different manufactures the main one being Exide. Basically you have no ideal who made it with any battery you buy. Original 2011 Tacoma battery 2 years, 2 replacement since then. I live in Maine and plow snow with the Tacoma the plow lift is electric. Battery technology has improved a lot in the past several years I'm old enough to remember good batteries lasting 1- 2 years tops.

 

I used to work at interstate batteries and delivered to Toyota all I did was put a Toyota sticker on a black battery

 

Same battery new name. Clarios.

 

News flash they all are, that's why there is a core charge. It is the highest recycled product in America.

 

Yes thats a known, but it's the quality of these batteries that end up recycled, and sold as new. A lot of Walmart batteries aren't what they use to be. Their not getting the same great quality batteries that Johnson controls will normally sell to auto parts stores, and automotive shops.

 

This is why I have all ways said pick them up and buy the heaviest one it has the thickest plates. It is very hard to compare batteries because you really don't know who made them that day or week. Frankly I have had good luck with Walmart batteries. I have a Tacoma, Kia, Diesel tractor, 5K generator (that sits a lot), Zero turn and a pile of emergency radio gear that relies on battery backup just in case. Some WalMart, Some NAPA etc. I don't really care as long as they make power.

 

On my original battery 2018 52k miles

 

I love all these "rub your head and pat your tummy" tips on picking out the best battery on the shelf. Pick out the heaviest one? Give me a break man! You probably look about as silly as me when I am thumping watermelons in the grocery store!

The only tip I ever heard that makes remote sense is checking the manufacture date sticker and buying the one that has the most recent build date.

Carry on!

 

Maybe I should look into the weights of these batteries. I've always gone by the manufactures dates for the fresh's one. I'll try that tip next time.

 

I found this chart helpful in locating the proper TrueStart for my truck: I have a 27F TrueStart in my 2008 Tacoma TRD Sport 1GRFE 4L 6spd manual with tow package. I have a CTEK MUS 4.3, eight-step battery charger that I attached to the plastic top of the fuse box near the battery, and mounted a www.no.co/products/accessories/gcp NOCO AC port to the left side front bumper, so that I can plug in each night without opening the hood or having any outlets hanging. This device and same set-up kept an OEM factory Jeep Patriot battery alive for seven years. I have no doubt it will keep the TrueStart AGM alive for quite some time.

 

Found this thread as my True Start battery just died after 33 months 15k miles. My last one lasted 5 years and many many more miles so caught me by surprise. Was debating changing brands but since its prorated at 50% off a replacement under warranty at the 3 year mark I may just get another.

 

Mine died after 5 years. I thought the Toyota price was a little steep, so I paid $129 for an Interstate at Costco.

 

I replaced it today and asked the counter guy in Toyota Parts how long he sees these True Starts usually lasting. He said its all over - all he can say is 2-7 years.

 

Maybe I’m in the minority, but Walmart batteries have served me well. I’m not going to pay $150+ for a battery.

 

4yrs old and get rid of a battery. Chances are it will die in the most unpopulated area on the coldest or wettest day