I have a 2009 Camry Hybrid with the original 12V low voltage battery. Recently the car has been "dead" after sitting a couple days, after recharging the battery it holds a charge and starts the car for a short period of time but eventually loses charge and needed to be recharged to start the car. I checked on Amazon and saw the Optima Yellowtop D35 was a match and found one at my local Advance Auto Parts and just swapped it out with the original battery. The car now starts and runs fine but shows "Check Hybrid System" warning and I can't enable cruise control. When the OEM battery was being replaced at the parts store I noticed the new Optima does not have the 2 prong sensor connector present on the original battery. The original OEM battery also had a vent hose connection and the parts store mechanic said that is to be expected since the OEM battery is Lead Acid and this new battery is AGM and doesn't require venting (not sure if the hose has a sensor as well to monitor battery health?).
So my conclusion is the new battery is not a drop in OEM replacement but I am wondering whether I should return it or see if there is an adapter for the sensor connection that can provide the correct sensor voltage to the low voltage sensor (assume that is what is being monitored).
Does anyone have any experience replacing the 12V battery with an aftermarket and what can be done to make compatible with the Camry Hybrid electrical monitoring system?

TIA,
-Scott

 

Thought OEM was AGM.

The sensor is a temp sensor. Find out if the store you got the new battery from still has the old one. If so remove the sensor by gently prying it off. Then glue or tape it to the new battery and plug in.

The hybrid is known to set codes if the 12v battery is changed (disconnected) without applying an alternate 12v power source. Try going through 3 shutdowns and start ups to clear codes.

 

Thank you toyomoho! You have no idea how greatful I am really glad that you replied so quickly. I called and they have my old battery there (just did it last night) and said I can come get the temp sensor. This one piece of information just saved me a lot of headaches.

Cheers,
-Scott

 

Be careful when removing the sensor to not damage it. Apparently finding a replacement sensor by itself is almost impossible.

Research the internet for threads on removing it as your not the first to install a replacement that doesn't have a sensor. If needed try to buy the battery back and take it home with you to work on it.