Can't find a replacement 12v battery for my Prius.

toyota dealers don't carry them anymore?

 

In late 2003, the Gen 1 battery was upgraded to this one (allowing for a couple part-number changes in the years since).

Depending on the age of your 2003, that would be an exact replacement if yours came with the upgraded battery originally.

If your car came with the older smaller one, then moving to the upgraded one will require this tray-and-cable upgrade (just $30ish, one time), and then the above battery is the Toyota exact fit for your car going forward.

-Chap

 

ain't nothing cheap about owning a hybrid.

 

Friend of mine recently replaced the 12V battery on his 2002. The price was $300+ from a Toyota dealer. Even the parts counter guy thought the price was out of line, but that's what it was.

I'd recommend measuring the space available and trying to find a substitute. Will probably require changing the cables.

 

12 Volt Toyota Prius Battery for 2001-2003 with installation kit $153, includes new cables

Or D51R Optima $240 includes new cables. Optima battery and installation kit for Prius 2001 to 2003

Or $238 Amazon D51R, free Prime shipping no new cables.

 

Have you tried Autozone? O'reilly's? Walmart? Spec is for a deep cycle, but really a motorcycle AGM or a lawn tractor battery would do the job for a lot less money. I'm using a UPS (computer back up) battery, for over a year now. Works just fine and I think it was around $60.

 

This is a copy/paste from my reply in another thread....


When I replaced my 12v battery in my 2001 a while back, I just went into Autozone with my stock battery's measurements and ended up finding a Duralast 8AMU1R. Their web site says it doesn't fit the Prius, but with minor tweaks, it works fine. I believe it is actually for a Miata. They list it at about $125. It is a vented AGM battery with about the same length and width as the stock battery, but slightly shorter. Its fits easily in the space, but I needed to use a wood spacer so the hold-down clamp would cinch up tight and hold it in place. Also, it uses standard size terminals (but in the correct locations). This is a pretty easy fix also because the entire negative cable can easily be replaced, and the stock positive clamp bolts onto the end of the factory cable, so you can just replace the clamp. Here are the battery's specs from Autozone's web site:

Product Details

Part Number: 8AMU1R
Weight: 24.0 lbs
Warranty: 5 YR
Notes: Warranty consists of 3 years free replacement plus 2 years prorated. *** 370 Cold cranking Amps (460 cranking Amps) ***. 45 reserve minutes. Check the customer's vehicle, battery installation could take up to 30 minutes. Battery located in trunk. Special 12-volt: 9 3/4" x 5" x 7 1/2". Battery is vented to outside of vehicle (AGM)
Application: Automobile
BCI Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 370
BCI Cold Cranking Amps Value: Tested to BCI Standard
BCI Designation: U1
Battery Height: 186 mm - 7 5/16 in
Battery Length: 197 mm - 7 3/4 in
Battery Width: 132 mm - 5 3/16 in
Core Charge Applicable: Yes
EN / DIN Designation: Not Applicable
JIS Designation: Not Applicable
Positive Terminal Side: Right
Post Location: Top Post
Reserve Capacity (min): 45
Voltage: 12

 

Here is what I found as “cheapest 12v battery for Prius”:

Only need to buy some new post connections at Walmart for $5


Works perfect. $90 total


iPhone ?

 

I needed to replace the 12V battery in one of my 2001 Priuses. I did not want to pay the $300 for a stock battery so I took the measurements and my tape and went to Sam's Club. Found a lawn mower battery the correct size and it did the job. Didn't have to replace battery cables.

 

Could you tell us the exact battery you found, and any adjustments you had to make? I am a not-so-mechanical woman with a 2002 Prius...

 

If you are not able to make the necessary adaptations yourself it is probably cheaper to go with original equipment:


2001 Toyota Prius Vehicle Battery - 0054435060550 | Toyota, Rockwall TX

 

I'm willing to try. I have tools available, and DO fix things like toilets, oil changes, tune ups, air filters, etc....myself! Just need t know the parts and what needs to be done! Don't have $300 to spend on a battery at the moment! THANK YOU!

 

But does this fit and work for a first generation, 2002 Prius

 

The link I posted is for an exact fit for your Prius. It’s only about $135 with shipping.

2001 Toyota Prius Vehicle Battery - 0054435060550 | Toyota, Rockwall TX

 

This is the one I've been using in mine
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/platinum-5003/more-powersport-30734/battery---automotive-16864/battery---best-fit-16245/7272aa5cfedd/super-start-platinum-battery-group-size-s46b24r/s46b24r/6319920?q=s46b24&pos=0

 

I can order it cheaper locally, for $104, but I thought 2880021050.
2880021050 - Toyota Vehicle Battery | Toyota, Rockwall TX
. was the exact fit, and locally it's $195 online, though they for some reason mark it up above the MSRP to $300. Some pictures I've seen of the one you suggest would not fit... I'v had quotes from $50-$150 to install it!!!

 

When I called O'Reilly they said they don't have one that fits for a Prius, though yours sure looks like it does! It costs $199 here, and you may have to adapt it, and it's not deep cycling, so there's no advantage over the OEM one that I can order locally from a dealer here for $195, on sale from the MSRP of $235.

 

If you live where it's hot most of the year it may be worth it getting a more expensive battery with a longer warranty, I've been saved a couple times by having a long warranty, the battery goes and I get a free one. I might be wrong but I do believe dealer batteries could have a 5 year warranty. I'm too lazy to look that up or ask though. What I'm saying is if it's $35 more, it might be worth it.