My i-Force Max has an.... Alternator???

[Bravada]

The batteries in the iForce MAX hybrids are not AGM batteries. They are made by Clarios, model # 380LN3-MF. It is an Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB), designed for automotive use. It is a maintenance-free battery, meaning it does not require refilling with fluid after use. The "MF" in the product name stands for "Maintenance Free". This battery is a suitable replacement for various vehicle models, including the 2018 Toyota Camry. It has a 12VDC voltage and is identified by the BCI Group Size 48, EN Group Size LN3, and DIN Group Size H6.

Thank you for confirming my assumption, as AGM is not found anywhere on my battery.

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[Tom Sellick]

So my guess is that the harness is largely the same between the hybrid and non hybrids. So there is probably a plug for an alternator if I were to guess.

Based off of what I am seeing, I bet a recall is going to be coming on this. They changed a pretty major component within a year of releasing the truck, so its to be expected. I already reported mine to Toyota HQ and I will be taking it to the dealer to get perhaps a new battery.

Something I failed to mention is a Toyota employee I know that does various events, said some of their prototypes had an issue with the battery dying. And he actually showed me that he had a jump pack hooked up under the rear seat on a Trailhunter a few years ago when I first got the chance to see these things up close.

Again, I suspect a recall is coming and these will be added on to existing trucks in the future.

Hey there. Wondering if you have heard any more about this through the grapevine? Or anyone else hear anything?

 

[TacoFreak]

Judging by how Toyota has been dealing with other 4th gen issues I am not expecting much. I think @Independence Overland is basing that on how Toyota treated customers in the past. But I don't see that much these days and I expect that they will just keep ignoring this and hoping we go away.

I hope I'm wrong, but I bet I am right.

 

[Tom Sellick]

Judging by how Toyota has been dealing with other 4th gen issues I am not expecting much. I think @Independence Overland is basing that on how Toyota treated customers in the past. But I don't see that much these days and I expect that they will just keep ignoring this and hoping we go away.

I hope I'm wrong, but I bet I am right.

I’m sure you are probably correct.

 

[turnermier]

Has there been any more discoveries on this? I popped a lot of hoods at the dealership and never found an alternator

 

[BoboForShort]

Has there been any more discoveries on this? I popped a lot of hoods at the dealership and never found an alternator

Seems like the 2025+ Tacomas that have the option for 4 AUX switches have an alternator. I'd assume the same is true for the 4Runners.

As to why, there isn't a solid answer. My guess is that it's to cover the extra current draw for an additional 10A accessory switch. Seems odd for that to be the cutoff for the DC to DC converter, but that's what determines if it has an alternator or not.

The dead battery complaints seem to be unrelated and it's starting to sound like possible faulty batteries from the factory.

 

[gpburdell]

Seems like the 2025+ Tacomas that have the option for 4 AUX switches have an alternator. I'd assume the same is true for the 4Runners.

As to why, there isn't a solid answer. My guess is that it's to cover the extra current draw for an additional 10A accessory switch. Seems odd for that to be the cutoff for the DC to DC converter, but that's what determines if it has an alternator or not.

The dead battery complaints seem to be unrelated and it's starting to sound like possible faulty batteries from the factory.

A couple cases may be something to do with the individual DC-DC converter rather than faulty battery, but largely I'm sensing the issue is more isolated than widespread. Doesn't make it suck any less for those affected, particularly those whose dealers shrug it off as "normal" and they don't have multiple other dealers to visit.

 

[turnermier]

Seems like the 2025+ Tacomas that have the option for 4 AUX switches have an alternator. I'd assume the same is true for the 4Runners.

As to why, there isn't a solid answer. My guess is that it's to cover the extra current draw for an additional 10A accessory switch. Seems odd for that to be the cutoff for the DC to DC converter, but that's what determines if it has an alternator or not.

The dead battery complaints seem to be unrelated and it's starting to sound like possible faulty batteries from the factory.

Interesting.. I thought I got every option when I purchased my 2025 but I didn't find any way to get four switches

 

[gpburdell]

Interesting.. I thought I got every option when I purchased my 2025 but I didn't find any way to get four switches

I believe it is TH and Pro only, and not sure if it's a chosen option or just comes with current builds of those trims.

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