Toyota (dealer brand) battery leaking

[LandCruiser]

Just replaced the dealer brand “Toyota” battery because there was a puddle on top growing yellow lead salt crystals on the terminals.

They claim that this “never happens” and modern batteries shouldn’t do this.

Off road, washboard use can cause this?

Either way I got a new battery for free and a cleaning of the terminals.

 

[fkheath]

Dealer is right that modern batteries don't leak, but there are always exceptions.

Any battery may have some minor leakage around the posts. That is why it is best to put on the chemically treated felt washers available anywhere batteries are sold. Also a good idea to spray the terminals with terminal spray protector.

Off roading or rough roads will not cause this problem. There is no problem with taking your 4Runner anywhere it is capable of going.

 

[LandCruiser]

I can tell you this was more than a minor leak, this was heavy enough that even after I cleaned the battery and terminals there was a puddle again on top in 2-3 weeks and the crystals regrew.

Haven’t seen something like this in the last 20 years.

 

[jrandom]

They claim that this “never happens” and modern batteries shouldn’t do this.

Dealer is right that modern batteries don't leak, but there are always exceptions.

hahahaha that's total bullsh!t they are feeding, "modern" lead acid batteries are the same basic principle, newer materials, as the ones they made 100 years ago. If they can vent they can leak and they do. Just less likely if they are "sealed". I could say I have seen more leak than not leak.

AGM, Lithium ion/polymer, different yes, more modern, more different

 

[pianorocks06]

Dealer is right that modern batteries don't leak, but there are always exceptions.

Any battery may have some minor leakage around the posts. That is why it is best to put on the chemically treated felt washers available anywhere batteries are sold. Also a good idea to spray the terminals with terminal spray protector.

Off roading or rough roads will not cause this problem. There is no problem with taking your 4Runner anywhere it is capable of going.

Agreed - unfortunately the terminal bushings which are molded into the cover can leak from excess physical stress/heat conditions. There is often only a thin coating on the terminals applied before molding to prevent leaks. Surprising to hear this about an OEM Panasonic unit though, they are typically excellent quality from the factory.

 

[Nobody Special]

I can tell you this was more than a minor leak, this was heavy enough that even after I cleaned the battery and terminals there was a puddle again on top in 2-3 weeks and the crystals regrew.

Haven’t seen something like this in the last 20 years.

If these "crystals" were sold as-is, do you think someone would smoke them?
This battery can be a money maker.

(I'm KIDDING)

 

[Dynamo]

The battery in my FJ Cruiser leaked enough to eat away some of the metal underneath the plastic battery tray. I never saw it actually leaking, it always looked ok from up top. I had noticed a couple of spots on my garage floor that I thought was from rusty water but eventually realized was from leaking acid. The battery was a regular parts store battery, not the original Panasonic. I replaced it with an AGM battery from NAPA.

Anyway, something to check if you suspect your battery is leaking.

 

[LandCruiser]

Agreed - unfortunately the terminal bushings which are molded into the cover can leak from excess physical stress/heat conditions. There is often only a thin coating on the terminals applied before molding to prevent leaks. Surprising to hear this about an OEM Panasonic unit though, they are typically excellent quality from the factory.

Not Panasonic, "Toyota" brand battery installed by CO dealership back in 2018.

 

[badattitude]

I believe the True Start batteries are made by Johnson Controls. Same as Interstate batteries. All lead acid batteries sold in the US are made by Johnson Controls or East Penn. I have a NAPA battery made by East Penn.

 

[pianorocks06]

Not Panasonic, "Toyota" brand battery installed by CO dealership back in 2018.

Ah okay, I thought you meant the original factory battery. I believe the TrueStarts are from Johnson Controls (now Clarios) which I have seen leak in the past. Definitely would agree with others who recommend Costco for the quality Interstate batteries and for the warranty. I have used Interstate flooded products in all of my vehicles and only had one leak from the seal. No questions asked when I brought it back a year or so ago.

 

[LandCruiser]

I believe the True Start batteries are made by Johnson Controls. Same as Interstate batteries. All lead acid batteries sold in the US are made by Johnson Controls or East Penn. I have a NAPA battery made by East Penn.

Yeah, that's why I put it in quotes. I'm not even sure if there are any obvious differences between the major battery brands in the US as they only come out of two factories if they're Lead Acid.

 

[Sky]

I believe the True Start batteries are made by Johnson Controls. Same as Interstate batteries. All lead acid batteries sold in the US are made by Johnson Controls or East Penn. I have a NAPA battery made by East Penn.

Johnson Controls sold their battery business last year to Clarios.

This year Exide was sold to Stryten.

Wonder when East Penn will change hands.....

 

[pianorocks06]

Johnson Controls sold their battery business last year to Clarios.

This year Exide was sold to Stryten.

Wonder when East Penn will change hands.....

East Penn has a great operation in PA - they have made significant advancements vertically in their supply chain which give them an advantage. They also make great products with their Intimidator private labels for NAPA and others. While its true that JCI sold their battery division, it was just named Clarios by the new investment group. Too many mistakes leading to poor quality products in a slow moving giant organization is the basic story for Clarios and Exide.

 

[Lester Lugnut]

I have nothing good to say about the dealer-provided Tru Start batteries.

Maybe your luck has been better.

 

[Nuke]

The battery posts are the weakest part of the battery case and any hairline fracture at this location will allow gases to escape. These gases attack the clamp and cable. I see this most often on my tractor battery but have also seen this on two of our four cars over the past decade.

Glad they replaced it at no charge.

 

[Charlievee]

Another leaking from the terminal posts. Will be replacing it with an aftermarket AGM and pass on the weekly baking soda treatment.

 

[KC T4R]

Never experienced leaking but on my 2019 with 8k miles and never any unusual load on the battery, it crapped out while at a wedding in downtown Kansas City. Couldn’t get it going with a jump so it spent the night in the inner city on a Sunday night. Early Monday grabbed a Wal mart battery going on two months, all good. (3 year warranty) we’ll see… $80. I’ve heard of Honda batteries having issues and I’m wondering if this was just a fluke or a bigger issue