[brian_bp]

The Sienna - at least the first part of the second generation - uses a BCI Group 24F size of battery. This was a very common size (both my 1984 Tercel and old Chev pickup used it) and is still common as the smallest size in RVs (my travel trailer has one), but it has become much less common recently. Costco doesn't even stock one; Optima doesn't build one. The BCI Group 35 size seems to have replaced it, and since group 35 is the same as or a bit smaller than group 24 in every dimension, some suppliers specify a group 35 for the Sienna. The problem is that the smaller battery has less capacity... and I'm not willing to sacrifice any capacity.

Does anyone have suggestions for a proper 24F replacement, or a report of what you used (if group 24F) or how it has worked?

The battery topic comes up in discussion of batteries going flat due to lights being left on, et cetera, but I don't think that is has been covered yet in this forum as a topic in itself.... but if it has, please point me to it.

 

[brian_bp]

Some of what I have seen, just in the signature lines of the 40 most active posters:

• Costco/Kirkland #9 battery [topspy] (group 35 size?)
• Everstart Maxx battery [hause07] (rated Best Buy in group 24F by Consumer's Reports)

Here are the other (besides the Everstart Maxx) best-rated group 24F options according to Consumer's Reports:

• Interstate Mega-Tron Plus MTP-24 (rated best by Consumer's Reports)
• NAPA Legend Premium 8424 (rated highly by Consumer's Reports)
• Sears Diehard Gold 33123 (rated highly by Consumer's Reports, but other product by same name rated low)

The OEM battery in my 2004 LE is marked as manufactured for Toyota by Johnson Controls.

 

[PHW]

Just put in the Interstate Mega-Tron Plus MTP-24 4 months ago in my 04. My Johnson Control OEM was starting to drain down fast under load so wanted to get it out before the temps dropped. Picked it out via the Consumer Report info and got it cheaper than my typical Sears Diehard buys. Got it from my local garage. Seems solid, topped up the cells at install with a bit of distilled and she hasn't lost a drop since.

 

[topspy]

Great idea for a topic!!
I'll have to follow-up another day (after going to Costco to research it more) with "what" my Coscto #9 is.

FYI....[Johnson Controls] is the manufacturer of the [Interstate] brand of batteries. They also make the ones for Costco/Kirkland, as well as many other "brands".....including some of the Sears/DieHards. There are really only a small handful of major consumer automotive battery makers in the world, and Johnson is one of the largest. The [Optima] batteries are also made by them.

One thing to be very careful about with all battery reviews/comparisons is to be sure of the EXACT part/model number. Many battery manufacturers have gone to separate models (with different specs and performance) for "Northern" vs "Southern" regions and climates. Also, the same model line may have different performance characteristics. Those [Interstate Mega-tron PLUS] batteries are highly rated for CERTAIN sizes, BUT a similar plain [Mega-tron] in the same size doesn't match up, and other models within the line may also perform differently.

YMMV.
Good Luck!! 8)

 

[brian_bp]

I was in Costco today and checked: their fit for the Sienna is their #8, which is a group 35; their #9 is a group 25, and appears to be identical to a #9/35 except that the positive and negative are reversed in position - thus the cable work required. With the two models having the same size, performance, and price, it seems that the #8 is definitely preferable.

An equivalent terminal reversal happens in the group 24 size as well: I think that our group 24F is reversed from the normal group 24 in my old Chevy (as well as the top versus side terminal difference).
Correction: according to a BCI size list I found, a group 24R is a reversed 24; our 24F is a longer (by 13mm or 1/2") version of a group 24.

I noticed in a review that the Costco house brand (Kirkland Signature) is built by Johnson Controls. Since I have been satisfied with the OEM battery (it's dying, but it has taken a beating for six years), that's a selling feature for me.

Johnson Controls does a lot of house brands, and I was interested in the Diehard for that connection.

I was not aware of the north/south difference until I read the Consumer Reports article. By their ratings it makes no difference in some cases, but is critical for the Diehard. I assume that I am more than far enough north to get the right one in local stores...

The difference between Interstate's Mega-Tron (MT-24) and Mega-Tron Plus (MTP-24) is huge, and clearly shown in Interstate's published specs. I would consider only the Plus version.

It will be both funny and sad if to get the best battery and best deal I end up with the one I would have got by just hitting WalMart as the cheap and convenient source, but at least I'll have some confidence in what I have chosen!

 

[topspy]

I coulda sworn that when I used Costco's Fitment/Application Guidebook that it was a #3 for our 2ndGen Siennas, but I'm probably wrong. ??? ??? ???

I do remember though that whatever # it was, the dimensions were slightly smaller (except the height was taller) and the specs/rated-capacities were lower than the #9. That's the main reason I had to DIY a spacer for the #9 because the lower height didn't allow the tie-down bracket to grab the battery any more.

Those Sears/DieHard batteries are getting to be ridiculously expen$$$$$ive.... :

 

[brian_bp]

FYI....[Johnson Controls] is the manufacturer of the [Interstate] brand of batteries. They also make the ones for Costco/Kirkland, as well as many other "brands".....including some of the Sears/DieHards. There are really only a small handful of major consumer automotive battery makers in the world, and Johnson is one of the largest. The [Optima] batteries are also made by them.

It's getting hard to find an automotive battery which is not made by Johnson Controls. Their own brands include Optima (AGM batteries), Varta (mostly in Europe?), LTH (Mexico), and Heliar (South America), but here their products are sold under various "private brands", including

• Kirkland Signature (Costco house brand)
• Interstate (major North American battery distributor)
• DieHard (Sears house brand)
• EverStart Maxx (WalMart house brand; may not be current supplier but was a few years ago)

Update: I found a web site - AutoBatteries.com - which generally looks like it is independent of any manufacturer, but is actually by Johnson Controls; it seems reasonable to assume that all of the brands listed there are made by Johnson Controls.

I think a problem with the house brands is that the actual manufacturer is unpredictable, because they may change suppliers at any time, and may simultaneously get different models from different manufacturers.

Exide (see Exide automotive) is the only battery manufacturer I have found so far, other than Johnson Controls.

 

[brian_bp]

The premium line from Exide appears to be the Marathon. In that line, there is no Group 24F, but they state:

The 78DT-M108 battery is also compatible with 24, 24F, and 74 batteries with spacer; or 34, 34R, and 78 batteries without a spacer.

BCI Group L (mm) W (mm) H (mm)
24F 273 173 229 OEM size
78 260 179 196 Exide closest fit
35 230 175 225 common possible size, e.g. Costco/Kirkland


The group 78 is shorter (which will fit), a bit wider (Marathon 78 must be under standard size if it fits in place of a group 24F), and much shorter in height (thus the spacer).

The group 35 is quite a bit shorter (in length), and in a Marathon has much less capacity (than group 78).

While the fit information is interesting, this brand probably doesn't matter to me because it appears from the retailer list that they are not available here anyway.

 

[tonystewart]

Replaced battery with Napa Select 8424F

 

[brian_bp]

Thanks for the input.

The batteries discussed so far:
Manufacturer Source Brand Model Part Size "*=Installed by, Notes "
JCI Toyota dealer - Can Toyota C0PBS 7224F 24F C$131.95 72 mo
JCI Interstate Mega-Tron Plus MTP-24 24F *PHW (as per Interstate website)
JCI Sears US DieHard Gold 33123 24F as per Consumers Reports
East Penn? "Sears Can, Kal Tire" DieHard Gold 624FMF 24F * brian_bp, likely Deka Exact Fit, 24R size
JCI WalMart US EverStart Maxx MAXX-24FS 24F
JCI? Autozone Duralast Gold 24F 24F * bobw92
JCI Advance AutoParts Autostart Gold 24F-6 24F
JCI Advance AutoParts Autostart Silver 24F-5 24F * Michael9
Exide? NAPA NAPA Select 8424F 24F * tonystewart
East Penn? NAPA Canada NAPA Power 24F-6 24F
East Penn Deka? 1024F 24F
East Penn Deka? 624FMF 24F
Exide? Canadian Tire Motomaster M72-24F-600 10-2472-0 24F/72
JCI (unknown) ACDelco 60 Series ACD24F60 24F CCA=600

JCI (unknown) ACDelco Professional 24R7YR 24R CCA=700
JCI (unknown) ACDelco Professional 24R6YR 24R CCA=600

JCI Costco U.S. (SoCal) Kirkland US Fit code #3 12865 35 US$56.99 CCA=640 CA=800 RC=100
JCI Costco Can Kirkland Cdn Fit code #8 207250 35 listed for Sienna
JCI WalMart Can Energizer Max 108-35N 1016011 35
JCI WalMart Can Optima RED35 1006383 35 AGM type
Exide? Canadian Tire Eliminator 35

JCI Costco U.S. (SoCal) Kirkland US Fit code #9 12877 34 *topspy US$67.99 CCA=795 CA=1000 RC=105
JCI Costco Can Kirkland Cdn Fit code #4 314594 34
JCI Costco Can Kirkland Cdn Fit code #1 207230 34/78DT
East Penn? "Sears Can, Kal Tire" DieHard ? 7AG78DT 78 AGM
Exide Exide Marathon 78DT-M108 78 as per Exide website
East Penn? NAPA Canada NAPA Legend? DT34/78-7 34/78
East Penn? NAPA Canada NAPA Platinum DT34/78AG-7 34/78

JCI Costco Can Kirkland Cdn Fit code #3 207190 75 not suitable
JCI Costco Can Kirkland Cdn Fit code #9 207240 25 not suitable
JCI Costco U.S. (SoCal) Kirkland Cdn Fit code #8 12873 58 US$64.99 CCA=610 CA=760 RC=90
JCI WalMart Can EverStart ES60-DT450 1016095 ? "not ""Maxx"" line"
JCI WalMart Can EverStart ES60-DT550 1016102 ? "not ""Maxx"" line"



Note: JCI = Johnson Controls Inc.

Updated with manufacturer information (see next post).
Updated with additional models (see later posts).
Updated with corrected Costco information (see later posts).
Updated with Sears information - see later post.
Updated with Advance Auto Parts information - see later post.
Updated with Canadian Tire information - see later post.
Updated with NAPA Canada information - see later post.
Updated with WalMart US information - see later post by tbalon.
Updated with more WalMart US information from topspy; sorted by BCI group size, formatting changes.
Updated with ACDelco information from their website after information from wag.
Updated ACDelco information to show manufacturer as JCI after information from wag - see later post.

 

[brian_bp]

As reported in a TheTruthAboutCars.com discussion...

According to CR: “Most auto batteries are made by just three manufacturers, Delphi, Exide, and Johnson Controls Industries. Each makes batteries sold under several different brand names. Delphi makes ACDelco and some EverStart (Wal-Mart) models. Exide makes Champion, Exide, Napa, and some EverStart batteries. Johnson Controls makes Diehard (Sears), Duralast (AutoZone), Interstate, Kirkland (Costco), Motorcraft (Ford), and some EverStarts.”

While not authoritative, this seems plausible, and I have updated the table in my previous post.

 

[brian_bp]

One more manufacturer:
East Penn (Deka brand)

 

[bobw92]

I installed an Autozone Duralast Gold 24F. Exact same size as OEM.

 

[brian_bp]

I installed an Autozone Duralast Gold 24F. Exact same size as OEM.

Thanks - I added this one to the table above. Johnson Controls' brand listing includes Duralast, so I have indicated them as the manufacturer.

 

[brian_bp]

One more manufacturer:
East Penn (Deka brand)

I checked in the East Penn / Deka catalog and found quite a few batteries which they suggest might fit a 2004 Sienna; I added the two most likely candidates to the table (the highest capacity, and the one they called the "best OEM fit")

 

[topspy]

I checked my local Costco today.

Costco/Kirkland lists OEM = Group24F, and their recommended replacement = #3 / Group35
#9 = Group34 (...it is also printed on my battery....I made the correction to [brian's] nice table up above).
#8 = Group58.

I don't think [#3 / Group35] is the "same" as an [OEM Group24F]. The [#3] looks smaller while retaining approx same height (IIRC), but probably meets/exceeds the OEM specs and terminal orientation. As previously noted in other discussions, [#9] has greater capacities/specs, but has "reversed" terminals, so you would need to make sure the cables can reach.....and have a method to secure the battery as it is shorter and the factory bracket will not suffice by itself (I DIY'ed and added a small wood block).

As [brian] also noted, it looks like [Group24F] is not being carried by Costco any more. ??? ??? ???

YMMV.
Good Luck!! 8)

 

[brian_bp]

I believe that I have resolved the Costco confusion.

The in-store battery catalog is specifically labeled as being for Canada, so the Canadian and U.S. operations presumably have somewhat different product lines, or at least labeling. In both cases, they use a "fitment code" (the #8, etc. of this discussion) to link the catalog, shelf locations, and products. It seems that the Canadian and U.S. fitment codes are different.

In both cases, the recommended fit (other than Optima) for the 2004-up Sienna is a Group 35 model, because the OEM Group 24F size is not available in the Kirkland Signature line. There is a Group 34 model, which has the reversed-terminal issue which topspy explained; compared to a Group 35, the Group 34 is lower but much longer.

There is also a Group 34/78DT which has a spacer (matching it in height to the Group 35) and both top and side terminals - perhaps the side terminals (with adapter posts screwed into them) would be easier to reach with the cables?

I have updated the table in my earlier post to clarify the Costco options, with Costco's "item number" in the part number column.

 

[topspy]

ahhhh yes.....the ol' USA vs Canada model differences trick....~sigh~ : ;D ;D ;D 8)

 

[brian_bp]

Someone voted "My Sienna came with a different size". I'm curious: what year and version (trim level, etc) was this Sienna?

I find it interesting that everyone apparently knows what a BCI Group is.

 

[brian_bp]

Next supplier: WalMart

The batteries specified in the book at the store are

• Optima RED35
  $198
  Optima is JCI's AGM series; their Red models are intended for engine starting application
  BCI Group 35; comes with spacer to make up height different for clamp
  (not slightly higher capacity dual-terminal RED34/78 because terminals are reversed)
• Energizer MAX 108-35N
  looks like a BCI Group 35
  rated 640 CCA
• Energizer MAX 72-35N
  72-35N does not exist, perhaps they mean 108-72N since all auto battery codes start with "108" - but they don't have that either

The other line at WalMart is EverStart, but they have none sized for the Sienna (they stock ES60-DT450 and ES60-DT550)

Energizer MAX and EverStart are both "dist by Johnson Controls Battery Group, Inc"; EverStart has a 1 year replacement warranty (versus 3 year) and is lower priced.

I think that the Max lines (in both Energizer and EverStart brands) are the "premium" models.

In the end, WalMart does not have a direct 24F replacement, and of their two conventional lines I would consider only the Energizer Max. WalMart is a source if the AGM route is considered, and may be the only convenient local source now that Costco no longer has Optima batteries.