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About the Lexus RX400h / Harrier Hybrid
The Lexus RX400h is a 5-door SUV that went on sale in the United States in 2005 as a 2006 model. It is also known as the “Toyota Harrier Hybrid” in markets outside of the US.
In appearance, the RX400h is nearly identical to the conventional, non-hybrid Lexus RX330.
Battery | 288-Volt Sealed NiMH |
Gasoline Engine | 3.3 liter V6 |
Total Power | 208 hp |
Transmission | Automatic |
Curb Weight | 4190 lbs (2WD) 4365 lbs (4WD) 4497lbs (Europe 4WD) |
Fuel Capacity | 14.3 gallons |
Lexus RX400h Battery Info
Drive Battery
Drive Battery Specs
The RX400h drive battery is a sealed 288-Volt Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery pack consisting of 30 low voltage (9.6-volt) modules connected in series.
Where is the drive battery located on the Lexus RX400h?
The main drive battery in the RX400h can be found in the cabin area, mounted to the cross member, under the rear seat.
Where can I purchase a replacement drive battery for the Lexus RX 400h?
Finding the right drive battery replacement can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some options to help you source a battery for your Lexus RX 400h
Wrecking Yards – Your local wrecking yard can be a good option for finding replacement battery packs. Car-part.com can help you find used batteries for your vehicle:
There are also options for purchasing replacement batteries for your RX 400h online.
Amazon – The largest online retailer in the world has options:
Year / Make / Model | Part # | Source |
2010 Lexus RX 400h | Dorman 587-032 | Amazon |
2009 Lexus RX 400h | Dorman 587-032 | Amazon |
2008 Lexus RX 400h | Dorman 587-031 | Amazon |
2007 Lexus RX 400h | Dorman 587-030 | Amazon |
2006 Lexus RX 400h | Dorman 587-030 | Amazon |
eBay – eBay has some great deals, while giving you the tools you need to shop from reputable vendors.
RX400h Replacement Batteries on eBay
Best Hybrid Batteries – Recommended by one of our site visitors, Best Hybrid Batteries is based out of Shorewood, IL and has a mission to build “Only The Best” hybrid battery packs for their customers each time.
BestHybridBatteries.com: Lexus RX400h
GreenBean Batteries – “Born out of the need for a better hybrid battery, Green Bean Battery was built around the core of creating a reliable reconditioned hybrid battery and extending the hybrid battery life. Since our humble beginnings, we have grown to create a proprietary hybrid battery reconditioning process that puts our hybrid batteries in a league of their own.”
GreenbeanBattery.com: Lexus RX400h
GreenTec Auto – Established in 2012, with 3 brothers working at their father’s auto repair shop, GreenTec Auto’s mission is to create effective and sustainable solutions for you and your vehicle. “Nothing ends up in a landfill.” With over 20 service centers across the United States, there is sure to be a location near you.
GreentecAuto.com: Lexus RX400h
Hometown Hybrids – Specializing in replacing your failed hybrid battery pack at a reasonable cost. Whether you choose a new or rebuilt battery, you can count on their mobile installation service to deliver the best product at a great price.
HometownHybrids.com: Lexus RX400h
How long does a Lexus RX400h battery last?
In most scenarios, a RX400h Hybrid battery can be expected to last somewhere in the range of 100,000 too 200,000 miles. That said, if you buy your RX400h new, Lexus will typically honor a hybrid battery warranty that is good for 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
What to expect when purchasing a replacement battery for your Lexus RX400h Hybrid
The process for purchasing a replacement battery for your hybrid can include a few surprises:
- Core Charges – A “core charge” is where a vendor charges you a fee as collateral until you send them the part that you are replacing, in this case the battery pack. It is not unusual to see a core charge be the same price as your used battery, typically around $1000-3000.
- Shipping Charges – Batteries are heavy! You can’t exactly toss one in the mailbox. Some vendors will include the cost of batteries in your purchase. Others may charge you anywhere from $100 to $300 to ship. You may also be assessed an additional charge to deliver to a residential address.
- Packaging – If you need to ship your battery to a vendor, you may want to consider the cost of packaging. Typically if you are returning a core, you can simply put your old battery in the same packaging that your replacement battery came in, and ship it back. Be extra careful when packing your battery as most vendors require a core battery to be able to be refurbished, and you may not receive back your core charge if the battery is damaged in transit.
Lexus RX400h 12V Aux Battery
The RX400h also contains a lead-acid 12-Volt battery. This 12-Volt auxiliary battery powers the vehicle electrical system similar to a conventional ICE vehicle. As with other conventional vehicles, the auxiliary battery is grounded to the metal chassis.
The12V auxiliary battery is located in engine compartment area.
The 12V battery does not power the electric motor, generator, inverter/converter, A/C compressor, and electric power steering.
Lexus RX400h 12V Battery Terminal Maintenance
Maintaining your Lexus RX400h 12V battery terminals is essential to ensuring a positive electrical contact. We recommend cleaning terminals and using a terminal protectant spray to prevent corrosion on your battery terminals.
CRC Battery Cleaner w/ Acid Detector will clean your battery terminals and surface, neutralizing acids and detecting leaks.
CRC Battery Terminal Protector Spray is designed to protect battery terminals from corrosion, a leading cause of hard starting and battery failure.
Lexus RX400h 12V Battery Testing, Maintenance and Repair
Battery testers are an inexpensive way to save yourself time in repairing your Lexus RX400h. A healthy 12V battery will read between 12.6 and 12.8 volts when tested. Anything lower, and you may want to consider replacing your batteries or checking the battery fluid levels.
Jump starting a Lexus RX 400h Hybrid
If your Lexus RX 400h 12V battery has died, you can still access the vehicle as long as you have the key fob. Check out the following video to learn to jump start a Lexus RX 400h Hybrid:
14 Gauge Jumper Wires are a great solution for most hybrids, as they do not require the bulky jumper wires that have traditionally been used in older vehicles.
Shop 14 Gauge Jumper Wires on Amazon
A jump box can also be a life-saver! If you do not have another vehicle to jump your car from, you’ll want to look at getting a jump box. Here are a few that come highly recommended:
ZunDian Battery Jump Starter with Air Compressor Car Tire Inflator, Portable Power Station 110V, 1600 Amp, 400W Power Inverter USB DC AC Outlet | Amazon | $$$ |
NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp 12-Volt UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter Box | Amazon | $$ |
BUTURE Car Battery Jump Starter 2500A Jump Box (8.5L Gas/8.0L Diesel) | Amazon | $ |
Lexus RX400h Gasoline Engine
The RX400h features a 3.3-liter aluminum alloy gasoline engine.
Lexus RX 400h Drivetrain
Toyota’s gasoline-electric hybrid system for the RX400h has been named “Hybrid Synergy Drive” and means that the vehicle contains a gasoline engine and an electric motor for power.
Additionally, the gasoline engine powers an electric generator to recharge the battery. Unlike a plug-in hybrid or pure BEV, the RX400h never needs charging from an external electric power supply.
The FWD RX400h features only a front electric motor, and the optional AWD RX400h features an additional rear electric motor.
Front Electric Motor
The electric motor powering the Lexus RX400h can be found in the engine compartment. It is a 3-phase high voltage AC permanent magnet electric motor contained in the front transaxle. Power from this motor is delivered through the front wheels.
Rear Electric Motor
The optional AWD RX400h featured a 3-phase high voltage AC permanent magnet electric motor contained in the rear transaxle and is used to provide power to the rear wheels.
How to reduce throttle Lag in a Lexus RX400h
If you are experiencing throttle lag in your Lexus RX400h, it might not be your battery. It might simply be the way the car is configured from the factory.
One way to eliminate throttle lag would be to use a “Pedal Commander” to make the vehicle more responsive when you press on the accelerator.
A pedal commander has the following benefits:
- Faster acceleration
- Multiple configuration options
- Eco-mode, for up to 20% additional fuel savings
- Plug and play installation, bluetooth
- Will not void your warranty
Lexus RX400h Pedal Commander on Amazon
Lexus RX 400h Reviews
For a look at what life is like in a 163,000 mile Lexus RX400h, check out this YouTube review:
Join a Lexus RX400h Community
ClubLexus.com – The #1 Lexus community’s RX sub-forum. Join in on conversation around your favorite Lexus models.
LexusRXOwners.com – Lexus RX Community and Owner’s Club
LexusOwnersClub.com – Lexus RX300 / RX330 / RX350 / 400h / F-Sport Club discussion, troubleshooting, maintenance upgrades and other community discussion
LexusEnthusiast.com / Lexus RX – Upgrades, troubleshooting, photo sharing, and general discussion about the Lexus RX lineup.