Choosing the right battery for your Toyota Celica 5 (1989-1993) is a key factor in ensuring reliable starts, optimal performance of your vehicle’s electronics, and overall longevity of your car’s electrical system. The Toyota Celica 5 from this era comes with different engine options, and each has its own specific requirements for the battery, not only in terms of size and type but also starting current and mounting type. Let’s break down what you need to know to make a wise choice for your classic Celica.
The most important thing to consider is always compatibility with your engine type. For example, if you own a 1.6 STI or a 2.0 Turbo 4WD model, without the Start-Stop system and running on petrol, you’ll typically need a 12V lead-acid battery with a capacity of 45 Ah. The required cold cranking amps (CCA) should fall between 330 A and 390 A. This is crucial, especially if you live in colder climates, as a battery with sufficient CCA will ensure your engine starts reliably even when temperatures drop. For these engine variants, a few suitable examples of battery models include Bosch S40 21, Exide EB454, Lucas LP053, and Varta B32. It’s important to note that these are only suggested models; other batteries with matching parameters and dimensions will also be appropriate.
A unique aspect of these Celica versions is the use of the B0 type battery mount. This detail is easy to overlook but makes a real difference. While most modern cars, and even many vehicles from the same period, use the more common B13 mounting type, the Celica 5 in these configurations requires B0, which is less common. This can affect your battery shopping experience, so always double-check the mounting type before purchasing.
If you own the 2.0 GTi version, you’ll need a slightly larger battery with a capacity between 60 Ah and 65 Ah, and a cold cranking current in the range of 390 A to 580 A. This is due to the more powerful engine, which requires a bit more energy, especially during cold starts. Like the other versions, these engines do not use Start-Stop technology, so standard lead-acid batteries are sufficient. Example models that fit this Celica variant include Bosch S40 24, Exide EA654, Exide EB604, Lucas LP005, and Varta D47. Again, these are just examples, and the main thing is to match the specifications. For the 2.0 GTi, you might encounter both the B0 and the Korean B1 mounting types, so check your original battery or battery tray before making a choice.
One interesting tidbit about the 1989-1993 Celica is how its electrical system, though simple by today’s standards, is robust, which means the car is generally forgiving when it comes to battery brands, as long as you stick to the right specifications. This flexibility is great for classic car enthusiasts, who might want to invest in a more premium battery for peace of mind, or find a budget option that still meets the technical requirements. Another point worth mentioning is that while AGM and EFB batteries are becoming more popular in modern cars, especially those with Start-Stop systems, your Celica will perform perfectly well with a classic lead-acid (flooded) battery, and there’s no real benefit to spending extra on advanced types unless you have unusual power demands from custom electronics.
For any of these engines, always ensure the battery you choose fits physically in the battery compartment, as the Celica’s battery tray isn’t as spacious as in some newer cars. Also, pay attention to the terminal layout (polarity) and the hold-down style, as getting these wrong can make installation impossible. Finally, if you drive your Celica infrequently, consider investing in a battery maintainer or trickle charger to keep the voltage stable and extend the life of your new battery.
Overall, selecting a battery for your Toyota Celica 5 from 1989-1993 is mostly about matching the right capacity, starting current, and attachment style to your specific engine version. While the market offers a wide range of brands and models, sticking to the recommended parameters and taking note of the unique mounting type will ensure hassle-free operation for years to come.
Toyota Celica in version 5 was produced in the years 1989 – 1993. Below we present the specifications of batteries suitable for specific engines.
Basic parameters of batteries suitable for Toyota Celica (1989-1993):
| Layout | Terminal types | Base hold-down |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | B0 |
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | Korean B1 |
Toyota Celica 5 – petrol engines:
- 2.0 GTi
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 24 | 60 Ah 540 A | 232x173x225 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB604 | 60 Ah 390 A | 230x173x222 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA654 | 65 Ah 580 A | 230x173x222 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP005 | 60 Ah 540 A | 230x170x225 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic D47 | 60 Ah 540 A | 232x173x225 mm | More |
Toyota Celica 5 – petrol engines:
- 1.6 STI
- 2.0 Turbo 4WD
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 21 | 45 Ah 330 A | 238x129x227 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB454 | 45 Ah 330 A | 237x127x227 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP053 | 45 Ah 390 A | 234x128x220 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic B32 | 45 Ah 330 A | 238x129x227 mm | More |
If you’re still unsure which battery fits your Toyota Celica , or if you want to help others in their selection, please send us a photo of your current battery in the comment section at the bottom of the page. You can also send the picture to contact@whatbattery.co.uk (we will place it in the comments to also help other users). Be sure to specify the car model, year, type, as well as the engine capacity and power. We’ll do our best to assist you!