Does anyone know why my Hilux Surf would come with a dual battery setup from factory? There is nothing extra in terms of lighting or aux outlets, compared to Canadian or USA 3rd Gens.

Do diesels require more power to start?

Abso-friggin-lutly. Not only does it take more amp to turn over an engine with twice the compression as a gas engine, but in cooler weather you're Also burning glow-plugs (before engine start) which is Another huge load.

Dual batteries aren't necessary for diesel, my VW diesel only had 1 battery, but I think you'll find it's more normal for either 2 batteries or 1 Huge one as you get into larger displacement engines. My VW only had a 1.9l engine. Even there, a brand new battery would need to be replaced by either the 4th or 5th winter (depending on when I installed it), whereas the batteries in my gas vehicles routinely go more than 8 with some hitting 10+ years.

Can you post pictures of how the OEM dual battery setup is done?

-Charlie

It might be like my cummins where there was a battery at each headlight. I had two Group 27’s. Newer ones use dual 65’s.


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Huh, that's a really good question. I've seen maybe 2 or 3 diesel Surf owners on here so one of them would have to know, on the off chance they see this. Can't remember any of their usernames to tag them right now. I would definitely imagine they do but I've never once heard mention of it - but then again, there's not much talk on the diesel models anyways since we never got them here in the states and the overwhelming majority of the userbase here is American
Diesels absolutely require more power and more often than not have dual batts from the factory; as Brian said you can get away with one sometimes, but that's almost always with tiny TDI engines. I believe my buddies cummins actually has 3 batteries, if I remember correctly

Here ya go!

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Is it just me or is that a cleaner and more organized bay than the 5VZ

No cruise control, no evap charcoal box, no rear heat, no spark plug wires, and an intercooler hiding much of the hoses and wires on the motor. Plus an abnormally clean white firewall...

The dual battery was an option on Japanese Surfs. It was called the winter package as gets cold in the north, where snow and ice dominate in the winter.

Man, that thing is cool looking.

The kz diesel motors air box routes to the L side because of the OEM batteries on both corners of the engine bay. I believe the starter battery is on the R and the other is on the L. I was going to swap this motor in my truck, but decided not to in the last minute very capable turbo/diesel. My 2nd reason for not doing the swap is because I already have a R side snorkel.


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