How add water to maintenance free OE Battery

[edwardh1]

My 04 HL original maintenance free battery has no removeable caps like some aftermarket batteries

but on the top it has a color chart for the "eye" and for one of the symptoms it says "add water"
How do you add water?

[LifeTech]

If it is a Panasonic Labled( stamped on side of battery) OE Toyota battery, as I surmise, Remove the 2 sticker lables on the center portion of top of battery, Voila, yu will see Cell caps that can be removed with a screw driver. I would test the voltage before and after servicing the battery for comparison purposes. This will indicate if there was any issue forthcoming prior to a fill up as needed. The end cells usually will need a liitle more water. (normal after several years) But, a single inner cell that is very low is a sign of a problem battery down the road.

USE ONLY Distilled water!!!

If they are not up to the lower ring inside each cell, add some distilled water...a small bit at a time, Do not overfill. I like to trickel charge at this point for insurance, but a nice drive would suffice. Yu could also use a battery hygrometer to test each cell before yu fill each up...again Only with Distilled water. Using Tap Water WILL destroy an otherwise serviceable battery.

LifeTech

[buglao]

it is time for new battery. it will eliminate a lot problems later. But you still do whatever you like. it is your.
good luck.

[edwardh1]

the eye itself looks like it can screw in and out but its not over the cell (s)

[LifeTech]

Yu don't add distilled water to the "Eye" plug!

Yu add to the individual cell caps (raised portion on top) under the sticker lables (2) that get removed.

Alternatively, The Panasonic Battery is of High grade quality and IS serviceable. It has a translucent/clear case and if yu remove the battery from the vehicle and place on level surface, yu will see the sides are stamped with Lines indicating FULL and ADD lines. This is a decent indicator of the electrolyte level without removing the cell caps.

Once yu opt for a new battery, No Toyota dealer is going to get yu this Panasonic battery. They are selling budget grade garbage. Best to shop around and pay Good money elswhere for a high CC amp battery. Exide and Interstate Batteries come to mind. Optima is popular too, but I feel over rated. Optima is known for their deep cycle batteries (for Boats etc.)

Your call.
To really know if yu need a battery it must be bench tested for Cranking amps. My opinion is if it was never abused, and is working fine, just service it , clean and grease terminals, check level and yu should be fine for another year or so. The Panasonic's have lasted many years, Unlike ANY Toyota "TRUE START" Dealer replacement battery.(Crap)

5+ years is pretty much normal on these OE Panasonic's. If the Eye is green and yu never had any issues prior, then this battery is probably still good.

Just my thoughts.

LT

[edwardh1]

It is a panasonic.thanks