I have a 2016 Camry Hybrid XLE and the 12V no longer holds a charge in super cold weather. I can jump it, but if I do not drive it the next day, it dies again. Toyota has no OEM replacements and can't even give me a date when they will have one I can buy (backlog of 3,500 units).

I have read almost every thread related to this topic on this forum and the Toyota Nation forum and I still can't figure out which replacement battery will work. Most threads trickle off without a specific battery recommendation or the battery has to be drilled to fit the vent. I am a sad middle age lady with no friends or family nearby living in a new area - I am not qualified to drill holes in something that scares me.

I need an AGM with vent holes, top mounted terminals, that will fit within these specs: width 6.81", length 10.25", and height with terminals 8.94". I do not care about battery warranties and I don't care if it's a premium brand or manufacturer. I just need to get to work this week. I will spend up to $500.

So far I've found 3 options.

• The Optima Yellow Top Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Battery BCI Group Size 35 620 CCA D35. According to a post by Optima Jim, this battery does NOT have a vent hole (even though there is a Optima video on youtube proclaiming ALL batteries have vent holes).
• The Optima Yellow AGM Top Post Battery Group Size S46B24R - this does have vents, but is technically for a Prius and is slighly smaller from a width and length perspective. So far, this seems like it might be the best option.
• Batteries Plus says this battery will work: SLI24FM Duracell Ultra Car and Truck Battery | Gold Flooded | 725CCA | Group Size 24F, but it does not say this battery is an AGM. I booked an install but nobody will call me back to confirm they will install the battery and it is an hour away from me.

Anyone have any ideas for what I can do? I'm at my wits end.

 

Absolutely, positively do not install that SLI24FM.
Absolutely, positively do not drill a battery to fit the Vent.

In addition to the same size, it also needs to have the terminals on the same sides. Positive to the front (left) side of battery.

If you're considering the Prius battery, Duracell makes the SLI51PAGM. It is a better choice than the Optima.

I located this document which gives you MANY options:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...o/edit?tab=t.0

Several options, including the Walmart option the author used have the posts on the wrong sides, but they installed the battery rotated 180° to compensate.

 

 

Thank you for responding. I found that document in an earlier search. It's extraordinarily helpful. I was trying to figure out which of his recommendations was the easiest to install and still for sale. When you search for the different batteries online, no retailer will say it fits. And none of the local shops in my area wanted to install a battery that isn't guaranteed to fit the car.

Batteries Plus had the Duracell option. I didn't realize it wasn't AGM. I called and he said they can install the SLI24FAGM Duracell Ultra Car and Truck Battery | Platinum AGM | 710CCA | Group Size 24F. I am going to jump it and drive it there on Wednesday morning. Fingers crossed that it will work. I will report back in case anyone searches for this infomation in the future.

 

That's essentially identical to the Walmart battery the author used. Group size 24F meaning it should be nearly identical in size as your AGM, but it will need to be installed "backwards" to swap the terminals.

A perfect solution would be that exact battery in Group Size 24, which just swaps the terminals.

Uncertain about the vent.

 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgvZQedgpdY

Put one in my 2021 LE AND IT'S GREAT

jp