Toyota RAV 4 batteries from the third generation experience less load when starting the engine thanks to intelligent starting systems. The engine starts at 100-150 rpm, which prolongs the life of the starter and battery. For earlier vehicle releases, the requirements for the power supply become more stringent.

Battery for Toyota RAV4.

Main characteristics of the battery for Toyota RAV4

Crossovers, starting from the third generation, are available only in a 5-door version with various engines and do not have permanent all-wheel drive.

The main characteristic, battery capacity, depends on the type and power of the engine and can be in the range of 45-100 A/h.

All models use batteries with reverse polarity, which means the “+” terminal is located on the right side.

The power supply provides 12 V under load and has small dimensions of 23/17.5/22.5 cm. For most models, a capacity of 60 A/h and a starting current of 550 A are sufficient.

Batteries found on Toyota Rav 4

The Rav4 was equipped with a variety of versions of power units - gasoline, diesel, turbocharged and not - all these factors affect the characteristics of the battery located in the engine compartment.

Most often, a battery from one of the Japanese manufacturers is installed at the factory - it can be Yuasa or Panasonic. But this does not mean that among the “Europeans” there are no models that would fit the Rav4. The choice is quite large - it can be Mutlu, Varta, Bosch, as well as a number of domestic brands.

All batteries on the Rav4 are made according to the Japanese standard size (JIS), in addition, all batteries must have a reverse arrangement of electrodes that conduct current. This is what the classification of batteries for Toyota Rav4 looks like by size and generation:

• The first (XA10 1994-2000) and second (CA20W 2000-2006 onwards) generations of Toyota Rav 4, on which a gasoline power unit was installed, were equipped with a battery in the old standard size (238x129x225 mm), which is now replaced by 236x128x220 mm . But the size of the installation platform for the battery allows you to place a battery of European standard size 242x175x190 mm.
• The third (Toyota Rav4 XA30 2005-2014), fourth (CA40 2012 - present) and fifth (XA50, presented only in 2021) generations of the Japanese crossover are equipped with batteries in the standard size 232x173x225 mm (this applies to trim levels with gasoline power units).
• Diesel Rav4s in all generations are equipped with the most capacious and powerful batteries on the market (size 306x175x225 mm). And the factory battery on diesel cars has a capacity of 80 Ah and a current of 735A.

Battery selection

When purchasing on your own, you need to remember that Toyota RAV4 uses Asian-type batteries with reverse polarity, in which the positive terminal is located on the right. Crossovers with diesel engines require batteries with a capacity of 95-100A/h.

For cars of the first and second generations

Cars of the first generations did not consume a lot of electricity, and therefore they were equipped with batteries with a minimum capacity. But the seat made it possible to install batteries of larger dimensions than those used by the owners of these cars - batteries with a capacity of 60 Ah (24.2x17.5x19 cm) or more.

Toyota RAV4 of the first generations was equipped with the following batteries:

• capacity 45 A/h;
• dimensions 23.8x12.9x22.5 cm;
• starting current - 330 A.

The battery seat was located near the right wing of the car.

For the third and fourth

The next 2 generations of crossovers received batteries with a larger capacity, 60 Ah and dimensions of 23x17.5x22.5 cm. Separate batches were equipped with a 70 Ah battery measuring 26x17.5x22.5 cm.

Vehicles with diesel engines, regardless of generation, were equipped with a JIS standard battery with a capacity of 90-100 A/h and dimensions of 30.6 x 17.5 x 22.2 cm.

Diesel crossovers produced in Japan were equipped with a Furukawa Battery brand battery with a capacity of 90 A/h and a starting current of 735 A.

Battery selection criteria

First of all, the dimensions of the battery are taken into account, which must correspond to the seat. Depending on the configuration, it may differ.

The reliability of fastening the power source is ensured by the presence of a lower side and a clamping bar on top. The second most important parameter is the capacitance corresponding to the crossover model.

The third parameter is the maximum value of the starting current. The fourth is the date of manufacture of the battery. The newer it is, the longer the battery will last.

Comparative characteristics of different battery models for RAV4

The battery for gasoline Toyota RAV 4 measuring 23.8x12.9x22.5 cm is not supplied to the Russian markets. They are successfully replaced by batteries that are suitable for crossovers of the first 2 generations: 23.6x12.8x22 cm in size, capacity from 45 to 59 Ah, amperage - 430-570 A.

The most common and affordable models:

• Joker 55B24L – capacity – 45 Ah, amperage – 430 A. The battery is slightly different in size – 23.8x12.9x22.7 cm, but this does not affect the performance characteristics.
• Solite 50 Rs – capacity – 50 Ah, amperage – 470 A.
• AlphaLine 52 R – capacity – 52 Ah, current – ​​480 A.
• AlphaLine 55 R – capacity – 55 Ah, amperage – 500 A.
• AlphaLine Ultra 59R – capacity – 59 Ah, current – ​​550 A.

There is a second type of battery for the RAV 4 crossover for gasoline models from 1995-2001, 2002-2003, 2004-2005, 2006 and 2007, 2009 and 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013: dimensions - 24.2x17.5x19 cm, voltage - 430-680 A, capacity – 50-62 Ah. Such batteries are often found with the negative and positive terminals reversed.

Models:

• "Auto Fan" 55R and 60R - domestic battery with a capacity of 55-60 Ah, voltage - 520-470 A.
• Bosch S3 005 – capacity – 56 Ah, starting current – ​​480 A, with variable polarity.
• Varta Blue D24 – battery with reverse polarity, capacity – 60 Ah, current – ​​560 A.
• Moll M3plus 62R – battery from a German manufacturer, 62Ah/600 A.
• Varta AGM D52 – 60Ah/680 A.

The third type of battery for gasoline RAV 4, which is suitable for cars produced in 2013, 2014, 2015-2017, 2018-2019 - dimensions - 23.2x17.3x22.5 cm, amperage - from 550 to 670 A, capacity - 60-78 Ah

Models:

• Asian Horse 60R – 60Ah/540A.
• Afa Asia 60R – 60Ah/510A.
• Globatt Ace 75D23L – 65Ah/680A.
• TAB Polar S 65R – 65Ah/650A.
• AlphaLine Ultra 78R – 78Ah/750A.

The characteristics of the Toyota RAV 4 diesel battery are slightly different from models with a gasoline engine. The following dimensions are often used: dimensions -30.6x17.5x22.5, 30.1x17.5x22, 30.3x17.3x22.5 cm, capacity - 80 Ah, starting current - 750A.

Common models: Joker 105D31L, Mega Calcium 115D31L, Solite 95R and AlphaLine Ultra 105R.

Review of the best models and their approximate cost

For crossovers with a gasoline engine produced before 2013, it is difficult to find original batteries.

It is possible to replace them with the following models:

• A-Mega Ultra 62 Asian type with a capacity of 62 A/h and a starting current of 610 A, a 3-year warranty at a price of 5,700 rubles;
• Varta Blue Dynamic (D47) of Asian type with a capacity of 60 A/h and a starting current of 540 A at a price of 6,200 rubles;
• Rocket SMF 75B24LS with a capacity of 50 A/h, a starting current of 470 A and a cost of 6,300 rubles.

Gasoline

The largest range of batteries is available on the market for Toyota RAV4 crossovers with a gasoline engine. Main indicators of a battery with reverse polarity:

When choosing a model, in addition to price, you should take into account:

• correspondence between the dimensions of the battery and the landing area under the hood;
• battery capacity that satisfies the energy consumption of all vehicle devices;
• the magnitude of the starting current taking into account operating conditions (for areas with severe frosts, the value should be increased by 20%).

Varta Blue battery (Czech Republic) with a capacity of 60 A/h.

Diesel

Diesel-powered RAV4s require powerful batteries. The best option in terms of price/quality ratio is the Rocket SMF 115D31L product, which has a capacity of 95 A/h and a starting current of 790 A.

Powerful battery Rocket SMF 115D31L.

Factory

Cars are equipped with batteries with a capacity of 45 to 100 Ah. There are 4 battery sizes:

1. For the 1st and 2nd generations, batteries with a capacity of 45 Ah and dimensions of 238 * 129 * 225 mm are suitable. For car owners who do not have enough capacity, there is enough space in the engine compartment to install a large battery (for example: 60Ah 242*175*190).
2. The 3rd and 4th generations, equipped with a gasoline engine, acquired the usual battery capacities (55-60 Ah). Dimensions are 230*175*225mm.
3. Some modifications of the Rav series with gasoline engines are equipped with a 75 Ah battery and dimensions 260*175*225.
4. For diesel versions, the battery is provided with the most powerful and largest. The capacity is 90-100 Ah, and dimensions: 306*175*222.

Battery in a Toyota Rav 4 car

Toyota Rav 4 cars come off the assembly line with batteries from the following companies: Panasonic; FB; Yuas. If necessary, the standard battery can be replaced, but you need to know exactly which battery is suitable and will meet all the necessary requirements.

Attention: if the Toyota Rav 4 battery dies when the car is not moving, or dies within a few hours or days with minimal load, and after a full charge the problem remains, then perhaps the problem is not a weak battery.

The reason that the battery runs out may be a current leak in the on-board network. Most often, the leak is caused by incorrectly connected electronics (radio, alarm). An important point is that a leak can appear on this equipment, even if the devices have been in operation for some time and previously behaved normally.

Battery diagnostic methods

The readings of the amount of charge in the battery by the on-board computer should be treated with distrust at first. A digital multimeter will provide reliable information if you follow the measurement rules.

Engine running

The voltage level at the battery terminals when the engine is idling should be within 13.5-14 V. In frosty weather, within 10 minutes after starting the engine, the battery voltage can reach 14.2 V. This phenomenon is caused by a drop in battery charge when simple, especially at negative temperatures.

If the voltmeter readings are within 13-13.4 V, you need to make sure that the generator is working and clean the surface of the battery terminals. If, with a connected load, the voltage is below 12.8 V, you should contact a specialist to check the battery.

When muted

Battery voltage measurements with the engine off are carried out when preparing the car for long trips.

Voltage readings:

• 12.5-13 V - indicate normal battery charge;
• 11.8-12 V - indicates a discharged battery.

Based on the voltage, it is possible to approximately estimate the degree of charge:

• 12.1 V - corresponds to 10%;
• 12.5 V - indicate 50%;
• 12.9 V - 90%.

How to charge correctly

Modern devices automatically maintain the required level of charge current. For manually operated devices, it is possible to reduce the recovery time by increasing the current.

In these cases, the current supplied is 33-35% more than the recommended value. This charging mode should not be used regularly as it will shorten the battery life. Its use is justified only in emergency cases.

Checking the battery charge.

Self-replacement battery

A modern battery is a functionally complete device that can be replaced by a person without special knowledge. During the replacement process, the car radio may be blocked and you will need to activate it with a code.

The fourth and fifth generations of RAV4 use IBS technology, which includes a sensor on the negative terminal of the battery that monitors the number of battery replacements and condition. This technology contributes to economical battery consumption and longer service life.

Removal

To remove the battery you need to do the following:

• turn off the ignition, open the hood;
• Use a 10mm wrench to loosen the fastening of the upper battery strap;
• remove the wire from the negative terminal;
• unscrew the connector from the positive terminal;
• remove the clamping bar;
• remove the battery by pulling it towards you and up.

Installation

Installation steps are performed in reverse order:

• place the battery on the landing pad;
• attach the clamping bar;
• connect the wire to the positive terminal;
• connect the negative wire last;
• tighten the fastening nuts.

Tips and tricks to extend your battery life

Battery life depends on its type and operating conditions. If you use a serviced battery, then you need to check the electrolyte level and its density 2 times a year.

If the parameters deviate from the recommended values, adding water or electrolyte will be required. Maintenance-free devices must be replaced with new ones when the parameters go beyond the permissible values.

To extend the life of any type of battery, we recommend:

1. Avoid deep discharge of the battery, especially in conditions of negative temperatures, which require increased power output for the operation of lighting equipment, heated windows, seats, etc.
2. Avoid trips of less than 10 km, during which the battery does not have time to restore its charge.
3. When parking for more than 10-15 minutes, turn off all types of electrical energy consumers, incl. engine.
4. Limit starter operation to 10-15 seconds in winter. If necessary, repeat starting the internal combustion engine - pause between attempts for at least 30 seconds. Before starting, warm up the battery by turning on the high beam lights for half a minute. To reduce energy consumption when starting, depress the clutch.
5. Keep the battery case and terminals clean, eliminating self-discharge currents.
6. Regularly check the battery mounting to eliminate vibration.
7. Fully charge the battery once every 2 months in winter, once per quarter in summer.

Following these recommendations will allow you to extend the battery life to that specified in the technical data sheet or exceed it.

What does it cost from the factory?

Toyota RAV4 produced by the plant is equipped with products from Japanese brands such as FB, Yuasa, Panasonic. The search for such a battery is not always crowned with success and then you have to buy alternative options. To ensure full operation of all systems, the battery must meet the following requirements:

1. The polarity is reversed.
2. The standard is Japanese JIS.
3. Capacity - 60-70 Ah depending on the type and size of the engine.
4. Cold cranking current - starting from 330 A for the first and second gasoline modifications and ending with 735 A for diesel models.

Dimensions also vary. On first and second generation cars, batteries with dimensions of 238.0 x 129.0 x 225.0 mm were installed. True, there is enough space on them to install batteries common in Europe. The 3rd generation models already used energy storage devices with dimensions of 230.0 x 175.0 x 225.0 mm. The standard battery for a diesel engine had almost the same performance, only its length was increased to 306.0 mm, and its capacity ranged from 90 to 100 Ah.

For installation, you do not need a lower side, since fastening is carried out using the upper clamping bar.