Dead battery

[Will]

I've got a 98 E300 TD and yesterday I went to start it up after work and hey presto, dead battery!! I didn't get a low batt light or feedback to the computer dash, or any audio/visual clues that it was getting low what-so-ever, just suddenly dead, and no, I didn't leave on any lights or gadgets that would drain the battery. I've tried jump starting it but nothing, so I'm guessing that the battery has had it but I am concerned that this problem might be related to an alternator. Any suggestions?

 

[Will]

Before you do anything else, check the battery connections! Take off each cable from the battery and clean the post. You can get a special post-and-terminal-cleaner gadget at the local car parts store.

In my experience, when a battery suddenly goes completely dead like that, it's usually a bad connection.

 

[Will]

I've tried cleaning the connections but still no joy, is there any hope for this battery!?!

 

[Will]

It could be that the battery has a shorted cell. When this happens, the battery usually behaves just as yours did. It's fine one minute and dead the next. It will not take a charge and sometimes cannot even be jump-started. It's time for a new battery, but have it checked by your dealer or good service garage.

 

[Will]

Oh well, thanks for your help Dave, most appreciated.

 

[Roger]

I feel sure its a cell thats shorted out and this means a new battery.  Years ago you used to be able to test each cell as the lead connectors were on the outside - you can't now.  I feel that a modern battery should last at least five years. Be brave go straight out and buy a new one.  I have spent much of my life provaricating over batteries and I've at last found the answer.  Buy a new one straight away!!!