Hello,

I've had a 2006 Highlander Hybrid for about seven months now, and have a recurring starting failure, and wondered if any other hybrid owners have experienced this. What seems to be happening is the small 12v battery in the engine compartment loses charge, then the computer won't allow the engine to start.

The first time this occurred, I pulled the battery out and took it to a local auto-parts store to be tested. Since there is no CCA rating printed on the battery, they took a guess and tested it for similar sized utility batteries. It failed the test. They had nothing like it for replacement, so I took it home and put it on my floor charger for about two hours, then drove the twenty-something miles to the dealership to have the charging system & battery tested. After an hour or so, they came to the conclusion that there was nothing wrong, and we must have left an interior light on. They said the battery tested fine, as did the charging system.

Three times since, this has happened again, and no lights were left on. The dash indicator had always shown the battery to be nearly fully charged when parked. I thought that indicator monitored the drive batteries, the technician disagreed. He insisted that it monitors the 12v system also, although I haven't found documentation to that effect.

When this occurs, all indications are that of a dead battery; dim dash lights, multiple system warnings at first, eventually fading to only the "check engine" light. Hooking up a set of jumper cable instantly takes care of it; the engine springs to life, and all systems are then normal. It seems that very little power is drawn from the jumper battery to start it. When it is then shut down, it re-starts with no trouble.

Regardless of what the tech has told me, I think I'll replace the 12v battery as soon as I can locate one, but felt that I should research the topic before arguing with him.
Thanks....

Greetings HD Rider,

Welcome to the Highlander Hybrid "Dead Batteries Society"! Take a look at the 22 (or more previous posts) on this Forum between Lisa W and I. There are about 4 of us on this forum having the same problem with our 12volt batteries. Toyota keeps throwing new batteries at my Highlander Hydbrid. I am on my 4th 12volt battery.

I have a 2006 with about 23K miles on it. You really need to call the 800 number for Toyota, and have them document the problem that you are having. My Hi-Hy has gone over 3 months without having to be jumped. Lisa W indicated that she experienced another 12volt battery problem in May.

Good luck!

Doug

Hello everyone,
I am trying to figure out ways to get Toyota to admit there is a problem. I am tired of being told I am the only one experiencing this issue. I think one of the only ways to get this through to them is to give them case numbers. If you have called Toyota National at
800-331-4331 and received a case number I would appreciate your either posting it on the forum OR emailing it to me. I was told there is no nationwide problem. Case numbers might prove there is. If you haven't called and gotten a case number please think about doing so.
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LIsa