Many Toyota Highlander owners, particularly those with models equipped with the Stop & Start system, have raised concerns about the lifespan and performance of their original EFB batteries. Discussions online often highlight the factory battery’s tendency to degrade faster than expected, possibly due to the vehicle’s charging system prioritizing fuel efficiency over optimal battery health. While some owners opt for expensive EFB replacements or consider switching to AGM batteries, a potentially overlooked setting within the Toyota Highlander’s computer system could offer a different approach to battery management.
Using Toyota’s Techstream diagnostic software, it’s possible to access a “Battery Type” setting that may influence how the vehicle charges and maintains its battery. According to the official Toyota repair manual for 2014-2019 Highlanders (RM3150U), specifically under the “STOP AND START SYSTEM: REGISTRATION” section for 2017-2019 models, there’s a procedure for “SWITCH BATTERY TYPE NOTICE.” This procedure is intended for when the ECM is replaced or when a different battery type is installed.
The manual outlines the following steps to access this setting:
- Connect Techstream to the DLC3 (OBD2 port).
- Turn the ignition switch to ON (do not start the engine).
- Turn on Techstream.
- Navigate to: Powertrain / Engine / Data List / Battery Type.
This Data List menu allows you to check the current battery type setting stored by the ECM (Engine Control Module), which will be either “Specified” or “Other.”
If you wish to change the setting, the manual directs you to: Powertrain / Engine / Utility / Switch Battery Type.
Within the “Switch Battery Type” utility, you are presented with two options: “specified battery” or “other battery.”
The existence of this setting raises intriguing questions, especially for owners considering AGM batteries or those simply wanting to optimize their battery charging profile. Switching to the “other battery” setting might alter the charging parameters, potentially leading to different battery behavior and longevity. While the exact impact of this switch requires further investigation and monitoring of battery charging behavior, the official Toyota documentation suggests flexibility in battery types beyond the originally specified EFB.
Further digging into the Toyota documentation reveals more about the rationale behind this setting. It clarifies that using “other battery types” is indeed permissible and won’t necessarily trigger Stop & Start malfunctions.
Another relevant page within the Stop & Start system documentation outlines the battery charging goals, providing insight into how the system aims to manage battery charge levels.
This information from official Toyota sources begs the question: why isn’t this battery type setting more widely known and utilized, especially by dealership technical staff? Understanding and potentially adjusting this setting could empower Toyota Highlander owners to better manage their battery health and explore alternative battery options with greater confidence. While this setting is not related to a manual stop evap test, understanding your vehicle’s computer system through OBD2 tools like Techstream opens up valuable diagnostic and customization possibilities.
