Highlander Hybrid, Newbie With A Question Options

[HD_RIDER]

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....

[dougster01]

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

[Lisa W]

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.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/liebe011.gif)
LIsa

[Boburke107]

Regarding the dying battery issue, I have had the same problem with my 2006 Highlander Hybrid. Interesting to know I am not alone. It's easy to jump start, but not always convenient. I thought I had left the rear hatch or door ajar. The problem with that is the battery was dying within a few minutes of leaving a door open.... a courtesy light issue shouldn't do that. I am at a loss. If anyone knows a solution to this problem, I would be grateful to know it. Thanks.

[condor2007]

3 times in last 7 months that my 2007 Highlander Hybrid is in the shop because it failed to start again! Toyota better start paying attention to this problem. Not acceptable to be told, did you leave it off for a few days? Did you have the interior light On for too long? Did you open the driver's side door first?

[condor2007]

Was this problem resolved on your car?
I have same problem with 2007 HH. 3 times now in 7 months that it refuses to start! I now hate Toyotas.

[fitfo]

Wow, I thought this was only happening to me. My 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid keeps having a dead battery as well. I just called 800-331-4331 (Toyota Care)and got a case number.

[Appalmama]

I've owned my 2006 Highlander Hybrid for just shy of 3 months and have just experienced the dead battery phenomenon described here - making us late on my son's first day of kindergarten no less! Not what I expected from Toyota quality - especially on a vehicle with less than 33K miles. Has anyone found an acceptable resolution to this problem? I can't imagine having to face the possibility that my car won't start every morning.

[Bakemono]

My advice to all of you would be to call Toyota's customer service and complain. If this truly is a widespread problem and enough people complain, Toyota will do something about it.
Only if enough people complain and Toyota sees that its an issue, will they look into it. I understand you frustration, but whining about it on an internet forum and having a bad attitude about it isnt going to fix the problem.
Call Toyota, be polite about it and they will most likely work with you on it.

[Chris267]

Hi:

I have similiar problem with out 2008 hybrid Highlander - been jumped 6 times in about 15 months. Last weekend it died during a trip after my daughter went into the car to "rest" for 45 minutes while on a ferry! could not get it to start by jump this time.

The dealership mechanic feels that the drain on the battery is due to the key being sensed and some electrical being turned on solely by your having the key within the vehicle (my wife and daughter of ten leave the key in the car (why, I don't know?!) Obviously, we have had many other cars - but we've never had a similiar problem (we are not always forgetting to turn off lights, etc.

We'll have to see how this progresses.

Chris

[Bakemono]

Unless you have the start/stop button pushed so that the car is on, there is no reason why the battery should be draining. It shouldnt be on just by having the key inside the vehicle.
I cant believe that people are simply forgetting to push the button to power down the vehicle, but its a possibility at least in some cases.

[dkevyn]

I have the same issue with my 2006 highlander hybrid. Five months ago the battery was replaced due to the problem and now it happens again. I left it for two days and found that it was dead. The next weekend I left it one day and it was dead. I then trickle charged the battery and of course the next day, it was dead. I called my local Toyota dealer and informed them of this and now they have it in the shop to check for a drain; however the warranty on electrical has just ran out… so I’m hoping I don’t get stuck with a bill for something that should have been covered previously under warranty.

[kkhybrid06]

HYBRID 2006, Toyota Limited. Dead Battery AGAIN!

first post here.

Bought last February w/ 25k miles on it, at LaCresenta Bob Smith Toyota and going to call tomorrow. The battery has died 3 times since I bought it.
First I thought I may have left an interior light on. Second time, I know i did not leave interior light on and this third time..tonight, was out of town for 4 days, 100% no interior lights were left on....again it won't start. All times, AAA came to jump it and it started right up.
4 days is the max amount of time it has been left off.
Ridiculous. I'm concerned to see so many people here experiencing the same thing.
Huge inconvenience when managing a schedule.
I'll post again to let you all know what my dealership says tomorrow. Also will gather any helpful info already posted here.