Owner guide · Elgin Toyota · Streamwood, IL
Toyota 4Runner Battery Guide
Which replacement battery a 4Runner needs, where the hybrid model's 12-volt battery is, how to jump start either one and how to check the voltage, from Toyota's 4Runner and 4Runner hybrid owner's manuals, read November 10, 2026.
LN3 / LN4Gas 4Runner case sizes
592-776AGas 4Runner CCA by type
Cargo areaHybrid: left-hand side
12.3 V+Gas open voltage at 68°F
What battery does a Toyota 4Runner use?
Toyota's 4Runner owner's manual lists three replacement types, each matching the case size of the battery already fitted: Type A (LN3, 70Ah or greater, 592A or greater CCA), Type B (LN4, 80Ah or greater, 685A or greater) and Type C (LN4, 75Ah or greater, 776A or greater). The 4Runner hybrid manual calls for an LN3 battery with 70Ah or greater and 600A or greater CCA, located in the left-hand side of the luggage compartment.
Gas 4Runner replacement battery types
| Type | Case size | 20-hour rate capacity (20HR) | Performance rating (CCA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type A | LN3 (same as the previous battery) | Equivalent (70Ah) or greater | Equivalent (592A) or greater |
| Type B | LN4 (same as the previous battery) | Equivalent (80Ah) or greater | Equivalent (685A) or greater |
| Type C | LN4 (same as the previous battery) | Equivalent (75Ah) or greater | Equivalent (776A) or greater |
From Toyota's 4Runner Owner's Manual (OM35C28U), page 611, read November 10, 2026. The manual does not say which trims use which type and does not print a model year on these pages; match the battery in your 4Runner and check the manual that came with it. It also says to use a battery that conforms to European regulations and, on vehicles with the Stop & Start system, a genuine battery designed for Stop & Start or one with equivalent specifications.
4Runner hybrid 12-volt battery specifications
| Item | Owner's manual says |
|---|---|
| Location | Left-hand side of the luggage compartment (remove the left-hand side luggage trim cover) |
| Replacement case size | Same as the previous battery (LN3) |
| 20-hour rate capacity (20HR) | Equivalent (70Ah) or greater |
| Performance rating (CCA) | Equivalent (600A) or greater |
| Battery type | Ventilation type calcium battery that conforms to European regulations, with a handle |
| Open voltage at 68°F (20°C) | 12.0 V or more (turn the power switch off and turn on the high beam headlights for 30 seconds) |
| Charging rate | 5 A max. |
| Jump starting point | Exclusive jump starting terminal under the hood (open the fuse box cover, then the terminal cover) |
From Toyota's 4Runner hybrid Owner's Manual (OM35C29U), pages 535, 609, 611 and 624, read November 10, 2026. The manual does not print a model year on these pages; check the manual that came with your vehicle.
How to jump start a 4Runner
If the battery is discharged, both manuals say you can jump start the 4Runner with jumper (or booster) cables and a second vehicle with a battery, or call your Toyota dealer or a qualified repair shop. The gas 4Runner steps, in short:
- Confirm that the electronic key is being carried. Depending on the situation, the alarm may activate and the doors may lock when the cables are connected.
- Open the hood.
- Connect a positive cable clamp to the positive (+) battery terminal on your vehicle and the other end to the positive (+) terminal on the second vehicle. Connect a negative cable clamp to the negative (-) terminal on the second vehicle and the other end to the metallic point shown in the manual.
- Start the engine of the second vehicle, increase its engine speed slightly and hold it there for about 5 minutes to recharge your battery.
- Open and close any of the doors of your vehicle with the engine switch OFF.
- Keeping the second vehicle's engine speed up, start your engine by turning the engine switch to ON.
- Once the engine has started, remove the cables in the exact reverse order from which they were connected.
On the 4Runner hybrid the steps are the same, except that you open the hood and the fuse box cover, open the exclusive jump starting terminal cover and connect the positive cable to that terminal, start the hybrid system by turning the power switch to ON, and finish by closing the terminal cover and reinstalling the fuse box cover. The hybrid manual says to have the vehicle inspected at your Toyota dealer as soon as possible once it starts. Neither model can be started by push-starting, and the manuals say to make sure the cables do not become entangled in the cooling fan. To avoid igniting gas from the battery, the manuals say to make sure each cable is on the correct terminal, keep the other end of the cable on the + terminal away from other parts and metal surfaces such as brackets or unpainted metal, never let the + and - clamps touch, and keep smoking, matches, lighters and open flame away from the battery. When removing the battery terminals, always remove the negative (-) terminal first.
Checking and charging the battery
From the 4Runner and 4Runner hybrid owner's manuals:
Look at the exterior
Make sure the terminals are not corroded and that there are no loose connections, cracks or loose clamps. On the gas 4Runner, the battery's indicator color shows whether it is in good condition or needs charging or replacement; the colors differ by battery type, so check the chart in your manual. On the hybrid, the fluid level should be between the upper and lower lines; if it is below the lower line, the manual says to replace the battery.
Check the voltage
Gas 4Runner: 12.3 V or higher at 68°F (20°C) after turning the engine switch off and the high beams on for 30 seconds. Hybrid: 12.0 V or more at 68°F, measured the same way with the power switch off.
Slow charge, in the open
Both manuals list 5 A max. Recharging produces flammable, explosive hydrogen gas, so charge in an open area, not a garage or closed room without enough ventilation. The hybrid manual says never to recharge while the hybrid system is operating and to turn off all accessories.
If the battery stays in the vehicle
Disconnect the ground cable, and keep the charger's power switch off while connecting and disconnecting its cables.
After reconnecting
Gas 4Runner: if the engine will not start, shift to P, open and close any door and restart. On both models the smart key may not unlock the doors right away, so use the wireless remote control or the mechanical key, and the engine or hybrid system may not start on the first attempt but will on the second. Information stored in the ECU is cleared and some systems may need initialization.
From Toyota's 4Runner Owner's Manual (OM35C28U) pages 535-537, 610 and 622 and 4Runner hybrid Owner's Manual (OM35C29U) pages 535-537, 610 and 624, read November 10, 2026. The manuals also say to wear safety glasses, avoid sparks from tools touching the terminals and keep children away from the battery.
Replacing a 4Runner battery
Use a battery with the same case size as the one fitted. The manuals say that if the sizes differ, the battery cannot be properly secured, and if the 20-hour rate capacity is low, the battery may discharge even when the vehicle sits for only a short time, and the engine or hybrid system may not be able to start.
On gas models with the Stop & Start system, the manual calls for a genuine battery designed for Stop & Start or one with equivalent specifications; with an unsupported battery, Stop & Start functions may be restricted, battery performance may decrease and the engine may not be able to restart. For the hybrid, the manual says to use a 12-volt battery designed for the vehicle, because otherwise hydrogen gas may enter the passenger compartment and cause a fire or explosion, and to reuse the exhaust hose and fit the exhaust hole plug to the new battery.
Removing the battery terminals clears information stored in the ECU, so the manuals say to contact your Toyota dealer before removing them, and to always remove the negative (-) terminal first.
Elgin Toyota service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7 a.m.-7 p.m. |
| Sat | 7 a.m.-4 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Elgin Toyota's website, November 10, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Toyota 4Runner battery FAQ
What size battery does a gas 4Runner need?
Toyota's 4Runner owner's manual lists three replacement types, each with the same case size as the previous battery: Type A, LN3 with 70Ah or greater (20HR) and 592A or greater (CCA); Type B, LN4 with 80Ah or greater and 685A or greater; Type C, LN4 with 75Ah or greater and 776A or greater. The manual does not say which trims use which type, so match the battery that is in your 4Runner or ask our service team.
What 12-volt battery does the 4Runner hybrid use?
The 4Runner hybrid owner's manual calls for a 12-volt battery with the same case size as the previous one (LN3), 70Ah or greater (20HR) and 600A or greater (CCA): a ventilation type calcium battery with a handle that conforms to European regulations.
Where is the 12-volt battery on a 4Runner hybrid?
The manual says it is located in the left-hand side of the luggage compartment. Remove the left-hand side luggage trim cover to reach it. For jump starting, the manual uses an exclusive jump starting terminal under the hood, inside the fuse box cover.
How do I jump start a gas 4Runner?
With jumper cables and a second vehicle with a battery: confirm the electronic key is being carried, open the hood, and connect the cables to your positive (+) battery terminal, the second vehicle's terminals and the metallic point the manual shows. Run the second vehicle's engine slightly faster for about 5 minutes, open and close any door with the engine switch OFF, then start your engine and remove the cables in the exact reverse order.
What voltage should a 4Runner battery have?
The gas 4Runner manual lists an open voltage of 12.3 V or higher at 68°F (20°C), checked after turning the engine switch off and turning on the high beam headlights for 30 seconds, with a slow charge rate of 5 A max. The hybrid manual lists 12.0 V or more at 68°F, checked after turning the power switch off and the high beams on for 30 seconds, and a 5 A max. charging rate.
Can a 4Runner be push-started?
No. The gas 4Runner manual says the engine cannot be started by push-starting, and the hybrid manual says the same of the hybrid system.
Can Elgin Toyota replace my 4Runner battery?
Yes. Both manuals point owners to a Toyota dealer for battery replacement details. Our service team at 1600 W. Lake St. in Streamwood can test the battery and fit the right one for your 4Runner. See the service hours above or schedule online.
4Runner battery weak or flat?
Bring it to Elgin Toyota, 1600 W. Lake St. in Streamwood. Our service team can test the battery and replace it with the right one for your 4Runner.
Sources
Battery types, location, jump start steps, charging and voltage figures are from Toyota's 4Runner and 4Runner hybrid owner's manuals, read November 10, 2026. Your own owner's manual is the final word for your vehicle. Address and hours are from Elgin Toyota's own website. Photo is illustrative.
- 4Runner Owner's Manual (OM35C28U): checking and charging the battery (pp. 535-537), jump starting, discharge and replacement types (pp. 609-612), electrical system specifications (p. 622), Toyota, read November 10, 2026
- 4Runner hybrid Owner's Manual (OM35C29U): 12-volt battery location, cover and charging (pp. 535-537), jump starting and replacement requirements (pp. 608-613), electrical system specifications (p. 624), Toyota, read November 10, 2026
- Address and service hours, Elgin Toyota, November 10, 2026
