2021 Toyota Camry Discharged Battery with LG DCM
Toyota has issued a Technical Tip regarding discharged battery cases in 2021 Camry, Corolla, Avalon, and RAV4 models equipped with LG Data Communication Modules (DCM). Technicians can use Techstream Healthcheck to determine if a DCM software update is available to address this issue.
Also applies to
- Toyota Avalon
- 2021
- Toyota Corolla
- 2021
- Toyota RAV4
- 2021
Symptoms of a Discharged Battery
Owners of a 2021 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Avalon, or RAV4 might experience a discharged battery. This typically manifests as the vehicle failing to start or having difficulty starting after being parked for some time. A discharged battery can be a significant inconvenience, preventing vehicle use and potentially requiring a jump start or battery replacement.
Understanding the LG Data Communication Module (DCM)
The issue of a discharged battery in affected 2021 Toyota models is linked to the LG Data Communication Module (DCM). The DCM is a critical component responsible for various communication functions within the vehicle, including telematics and connectivity services. If the DCM does not properly enter a low-power state when the vehicle is off, it can continuously draw power, leading to a discharged battery over time.
Diagnosis and Repair for Discharged Battery
Toyota has noted that technicians have been uncertain about the availability of a DCM update for vehicles experiencing a discharged battery. To address this, technicians are instructed to use the "Techstream Healthcheck" diagnostic tool. This tool helps determine if a DCM software update is available and necessary for the specific vehicle.
The repair involves checking the DCM software version using "Techstream Healthcheck" and applying any available updates. This software update is designed to optimize the DCM's power management, preventing excessive battery drain when the vehicle is not in use. Resolving the underlying DCM issue is crucial to prevent recurring discharged battery incidents.
What Owners Should Do
If you own a 2021 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Avalon, or RAV4 and are experiencing a discharged battery, especially if it's a recurring problem, you should contact your authorized Toyota dealer. Inform them about the issue and mention the potential link to the LG DCM and the availability of a software update. The dealer will be able to perform the necessary diagnostic checks using "Techstream Healthcheck" and apply the appropriate DCM software update. Addressing the "Toyota Camry discharged battery" issue promptly can prevent further inconvenience and ensure reliable vehicle operation.
Source: NHTSA ID: 10183280
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the "Toyota Camry discharged battery" issue?
- The "Toyota Camry discharged battery" issue refers to instances where 2021 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Avalon, and RAV4 vehicles equipped with an LG Data Communication Module (DCM) experience battery drain, leading to a discharged battery and difficulty starting the vehicle.
- What is an LG DCM and how does it relate to the battery problem?
- An LG DCM (Data Communication Module) is a component in your vehicle responsible for communication functions. In some 2021 Toyota models, if the DCM doesn't power down correctly, it can draw continuous power from the battery, causing it to discharge.
- How can a technician diagnose the discharged battery problem related to the DCM?
- Toyota technicians use a diagnostic tool called "Techstream Healthcheck" to assess the DCM. This tool helps them determine if a software update is available for the DCM that can resolve the battery drain issue.
- What should I do if my 2021 Toyota Camry has a discharged battery?
- If your 2021 Toyota Camry or other affected model is experiencing a discharged battery, especially if it's a recurring problem, you should schedule an appointment with your Toyota dealer. They can perform a diagnostic check and apply any necessary DCM software updates.
- Is this discharged battery issue a recall?
- No, this specific issue is addressed by a Toyota Technical Tip (TT), which is a type of manufacturer communication or service bulletin, not a safety recall. However, dealers are aware of the issue and can perform the necessary repairs.
What Toyota Camry owners report
Counted from the records in our database across 44 model years.
- 19,642
- Owner complaints
- 74
- Recalls
- 1,998
- Service bulletins
- 2,952
- Crashes reported
- 433
- Fires reported
- 2,097
- Injuries reported
The 2021 model year
166 complaints, the 30th most of 44 model years on file. Owners reported 21 crashes, 2 fires and 16 injuries for this year, which also has 1 recall on file.
Back Over Prevention, the system this article covers, accounts for 35 of 19,642 complaints (0%), including 2 for 2021.
Complaints by model year
| 2002 | 953 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 782 | |
| 2004 | 638 | |
| 2005 | 721 | |
| 2007 | 3,490 | |
| 2008 | 1,095 | |
| 2009 | 1,412 | |
| 2012 | 645 | |
| 2018 | 782 | |
| 2021 | 166 |
Most-reported systems
- Vehicle Speed Control — 3,431
- Service Brakes — 2,805
- Structure — 1,910
- Power Train — 1,796
- Air Bags — 1,712
Latest recalls for the 2021 model year
- 23V865000 — Air Bags (Dec 2023)
Recent owner reports about back over prevention
Read owner complaints →The rear camera has stopped working. It started working intermittently approximately 6 months ago and now it does not work at all. The warning light saying that it was not available would come on when it first started having a problem but that stopped when it…
Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.
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