The two batteries in a Toyota Aqua
- 12V auxiliary battery: runs the lights, radio, central locking and the computers that switch on the hybrid system. Unlike a normal petrol car, it doesn’t crank the engine. The hybrid system starts the engine itself.
- Hybrid battery: the high-voltage battery pack that powers the electric motor and stores energy from braking. In the NHP10 Aqua this is a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) pack.
Because both batteries can cause problems, it’s worth knowing the difference before you book a replacement.
Signs it’s the 12V battery
- The car won’t switch to READY, or the dash flickers or stays dark
- The remote central locking stops working or is unreliable
- Interior lights are dim, or you hear clicking when you press the power button
- The problem started after the car sat unused for a few weeks
- The 12V battery is several years old
Signs it’s the hybrid battery
- A hybrid system warning light or “check hybrid system” message
- Fuel economy noticeably worse than usual
- The petrol engine running more often
- The charge gauge dropping quickly or jumping around
- Sluggish acceleration
Can you jump-start a Toyota Aqua?
Yes, the 12V system can be jump-started if the 12V battery is flat. On many Toyota hybrids the jump-start points are in the engine bay rather than at the battery itself, so check your owner’s manual for the correct connection points. A jump-start only gets you going: if the 12V battery keeps going flat, it’s time to replace it.
Getting the right 12V battery for a hybrid
The 12V battery in a hybrid is often a different size or type from a standard car battery, so it needs to be matched to your car. The easiest way is to enter your rego on our website and we’ll show you the batteries that fit.
How Car Battery NZ can help
For the 12V battery: we replace Toyota Aqua 12V batteries at your home or work anywhere in Auckland. Same-day service is available, subject to availability, or choose our express 90-minute service. Every fitting includes a memory saver, a charging system test and taking away your old battery, with warranties from 24 to 50 months. See our Japanese car battery replacement page.
For the hybrid battery: we check, repair, recondition and replace Toyota Aqua hybrid batteries, with new-cell and remanufactured options. See our hybrid battery replacement page.