AGM in 19 Lexus ES350

[Gebo]

In the forums, they say you should not use an AGM battery in the GX460. Something about the charging rate. They say if you use an AGM you need to purchase some other doohicky to allow it to properly charge. I contacted my Lexus service mgr and he said to NOT use an AGM in the 19 ES350.

Do any of you know? I have searched my owners manual for 10 minutes and found nothing. If I go to auto parts stores online, AGM batteries pop up from go start.

In the FB forum for ES350’s they mostly say to get the AGM. I’m thinking my service mgr should know a thing or two??

 

[The Critic]

I have experienced unfavorable lifespans from mass-market AGM batteries when installed into FLA applications. For example, the Kirkland AGM on my 2007 Accord is on its last legs after 3 years.

 

[f355spider]

I have experienced unfavorable lifespans from mass-market AGM batteries when installed into FLA applications. For example, the Kirkland AGM on my 2007 Accord is on its last legs after 3 years.

I've had no issues in a number of cars the last 25 years. I now install AGM in everything as my "go to" unless there is a specific reason not to, such as the OPs possible concern. But I realize everyone's experience can be different.

OP, the issue is many newer cars have a different charging profile that may not be compatible with AGM batteries. This mostly pertains to cars made in the past decade. The claim is it may shorten the life of the battery.

My experience has been with cars older than 10 years old, and newer cars that came standard with AGM, so I cannot say for certain with your car. I am not trusting of service managers in general, as I have found many that perpetuate incorrect information as much as internet forums. Perhaps inquire at a couple other Lexus service departments?

 

[WeyounDS9]

So older cars should be ok wth a AGM?
Otherwise only put in an AGM if it came with one?

 

[D1dad]

Probably the charging system, much like when nissan told me not to use one. Right or wrong, I'm a year into a flooded battery versus an agm and no issues. If I were to use an agm i'd for sure charge it on a regular basis since my alternator does just enough to keep the battery alive

 

[Gebo]

Here's what I have put together. First of all, if you wanna use an AGM I am happy you are happy. But, I will only put an AGM battery in a car that came with an AGM battery. All of my cars will not fully charge an AGM. I think it takes 14.4 volts and my cars only put out 13.8. So I am gonna continue to use regular flooded Duracell battery (East Penn) from Sams.

I think the AGM is geared for start/stop engines. I don't know this. That's what she said.....

 

[f355spider]

So older cars should be ok wth a AGM?
Otherwise only put in an AGM if it came with one?

Basically. But always consult the car manufacturer or service dept when in doubt.
Battery manufacturers have almost universally stated you can replace a flooded with an AGM. That changed in the past 10 to 12 years as car manufacturers have changed the charging algorithm to limit charging only when absolutely necessary as the alternator has parasitic drag on the engine, effecting fuel economy. But battery manufacturers continue to promote AGM for everything without consideration to the charging profile of the car.

Sometimes (not always) these algorithms are optimized for the battery the car manufacturer supplies, whether flooded, EP or AGM. In those cases, it can be best to stick with what came with the car.

 

[nthach]

It’s funny - the aftermarket pushes AGMs for all Toyota hybrids, but Toyota installs an EFB(or just a plain flooded battery) as default. I’ve seen an Optima kick the bucket barely 3 years in service, while I’ve had a Deka AGM go on for almost 5 years. The S46B24R battery used in the Prius/RAV4 Hybrid until Toyota switched over to DIN sized batteries is all AGM in the US but the factory one is flooded.

I’ll keep installing flooded ones unless I know factory is AGM. If it’s a problem child application like a Subaru or some Lexus models where the battery is close to the firewall, I’ll go Deka or Korean that use the old ACDelco Freedom “sealed” config vs. Clarios that seem to love puking acid and corroding cables. I know if it’s a BMW, VW or Ford, the battery type is coded into the BCM/ECM and up/downgrading battery chemistry can be possible.

 

[f355spider]

It’s funny - the aftermarket pushes AGMs for all Toyota hybrids, but Toyota installs an EFB(or just a plain flooded battery) as default. I’ve seen an Optima kick the bucket barely 3 years in service, while I’ve had a Deka AGM go on for almost 5 years. The S46B24R battery used in the Prius/RAV4 Hybrid until Toyota switched over to DIN sized batteries is all AGM in the US but the factory one is flooded.

Be aware that Optima red top (spiral cell AGM)basically suck in quality control. I have three in a row leak in less than a couple years. Consumer Reports rates them poorly for useful life. They had a great reputation 10 to 15 years ago...no longer.

Surprisingly, the Optima yellow top (flat plate lead AGM) have rated very well with Consumer Reports testing. I still don't trust them and have moved on.

 

[nthach]

Surprisingly, the Optima yellow top (flat plate lead AGM) have rated very well with Consumer Reports testing. I still don't trust them and have moved on.

Optima only sells the Yellow Top for the S46B24R Prius/RAV4 Hybrid application. I had one hit the deck at just shy of 3 years. The Deka AGM(Intimidator 9A51P) for it - relabeled for O’Reilly, Napa/AAA and Bosch seems to work OK. Walmart and Costco sell a Korean AGM.

 

[f355spider]

Optima only sells the Yellow Top for the S46B24R Prius/RAV4 Hybrid application. I had one hit the deck at just shy of 3 years. The Deka AGM(Intimidator 9A51P) for it - relabeled for O’Reilly, Napa/AAA and Bosch seems to work OK. Walmart and Costco sell a Korean AGM.

I have purchased four of th Korean AGMs from Walmart...so far so good, but the oldest is only 2.5 years old...
The German made Clarios AGM from Varta are awesome. Hard to find, with so many factories Clarios has now around the world...but the German ones still turn up at Costco and WalMart occasionally. I have one that is now just shy of 7 years old.

 

[nthach]

I have purchased four of th Korean AGMs from Walmart...so far so good, but the oldest is only 2.5 years old...
The German made Clarios AGM from Varta are awesome. Hard to find, with so many factories Clarios has now around the world...but the German ones still turn up at Costco and WalMart occasionally. I have one that is now just shy of 7 years old.

I’ve seen one at the local O’Reilly. And a Chinese Clarios at AZ.

The RXh needs a battery next. If it’s flooded, it’s getting a flooded. Else, I’m rolling a 20-sided dice at Costco.

Oddly enough, a friend’s 2021 Forester uses an EFB, made by Panasonic. She’ll ask me for battery recommendations.

 

[Gebo]

It’s amazing to me how many problems show up with a weak battery that hard to diagnose. My GX 470 was throwing all kinds of different weird codes and they didn’t make sense. I replaced the battery and they all went away.

 

[JHZR2]

I've had no issues in a number of cars the last 25 years. I now install AGM in everything as my "go to" unless there is a specific reason not to, such as the OPs possible concern. But I realize everyone's experience can be different.

OP, the issue is many newer cars have a different charging profile that may not be compatible with AGM batteries. This mostly pertains to cars made in the past decade. The claim is it may shorten the life of the battery.

My experience has been with cars older than 10 years old, and newer cars that came standard with AGM, so I cannot say for certain with your car. I am not trusting of service managers in general, as I have found many that perpetuate incorrect information as much as internet forums. Perhaps inquire at a couple other Lexus service departments?

Agree; I’ve run AGM in old (early 90s) Europe vehicles which undercharge them a bit. Otherwise I’ve had software coding needed to ensure the charge profile is correct.