As the title says, my '04 is still going strong on the original Panasonic battery. Even after a summer of record heat here in NY, the battery shows no signs of dying. I did a 15-second load test on it yesterday and the needle didn't even budge!!

How long can we expect these batteries to last? Anyone else on the OEM battery after seven years?

Still on my factory battery too. 2004 w/ 105k miles. Probably wouldn't be a bad idea for me to get it tested now that you mention it.

Got an 04 built in Dec 03, with 75K. Battery still going strong. This vehicle has been in the AZ desert most of it's life. Had to refill the battery with distilled water as it was getting low. Even though the batteries are supposedly maintenance free, check your battery levels. Haven't had the battery tested; but it seems to be ok.

I have an 04 wth 60k miles and I'm still on the original battery. I'll probably replace it before this winter for peace of mind, but its still going strong.

My 04 80k miles, still has the original too.
Still seems to be strong, I think maybe next year think about getting a new one just to be safe.

Chalk another 04 up with OEM battery here too. 75k.

So there are six of us so far with '04 4Runners still on the original battery. I guess there's nothing "special" about my battery! LOL.

Wow, I'm impressed. Most batteries seem to last 3 or 4 years on my other cars.

Have an '06 with 76k, still have the stock battery and it has spend most of its life in Alabama humidity and heat and probably 20k or so out in Colorado in the dead of winter.

my oem baattery went bad at 120k. bought me a yellowtop. wont ever have to buy another battery for it now.

Yeah, Matsushita-Panasonic are good batteries. Mine lasted 6 yrs.

Q: When its "maintenace free" battery..Is it really that we just install it, and wait for it to die? LOL!

Modern batts are maintenance free. Is there something that we need to do like adding water, acid or check the electrodes so that we can predict or prolong its life?

Nothing "special" when most orig 4runner batts last upto 10 yrs. What I don't like is when mine died in Disneyland.

My '03, built in 11/02, with just under 92k is still running on the original oem battery. No indication of any problems so far, but I expect to replace it this fall before the winter hits.

My '04 w/35K miles has the original Panasonic Battery.
Since my 4Runner sits for periods of time not being used, I put a Battery Tender on it.

The other week after 13+ years the replacement VW Battery in one of my VDubs packed it in.
No doubt an internal failure in the battery as it reads ~ 8 volts without a load on it.

BTW, a while back I opened up the "Maintenance Free" Panasonic battery in my 4Runner.
Sure glad I did as it was LOW on water (ie the plates were VERY CLOSE to being exposed).
Filled it up with distilled water. Found the same situation with a few of the "Maintenance Free" VW batteries as well at various times.
Really have to wonder if these batteries would still be in service today had I not put water in them.

I wonder if it's possible to buy the same Panasonic battery when it needs replacing? I know the dealership will just want to sell you their Toyota branded battery, but I really liked that Panasonic one...

I remember reading awhile back on here that the panasonic is only available in japan.

What about new batteries, I"m thinking getting a sears die hard? Any others that people really recommend?

Funny I should see this thread.
My OEM battery killed over with NO warning about a week ago.
I was 2 hours away from home working. Started great all day, no sign of dying. When I came out of subway, inside walmart, It was dead! Just clicked!
Two good things, one, I was at wal mart, tow I had my volt tester and confirmed it only had 10 volts.
15 mins later I'm on my way home w/ a three year free replacement battery. May not be the best quality, but should last long enough that I'll forget where I bought it!
I have just shy of 122k miles on an 05' Sport V8.