Exploding Battery

[lou]

I have a 2001 C180 Automatic, it had the original Hoppecke battery.

After a 55 mile journey we stopped for a walk in the New Forest.

The car was left for about 45 minutes. On my return, I turned the key and heard a loud bang, the battery had exploded and there was acid everywhere.

Mercedes tested the electrics and said the car was ok, the alternator and other electrics did not cause the problem.

I was left with a bill for £250 (battery plus testing).

Has anyone ever experienced anything similar?

Should I try and claim from Mercedes as the battery was an original fit.

Most batteries just die and lose charge not explode.

Any thoughts or coments would be really useful, this is my first post.

 

[mike65]

Exploding battery warning

!

Mike.

 

[Arnie]

I would write a complaint to DC in Milton Keynes.

If the battery was original fit and the car is only just out of warranty they should compensate you.

It was probably caused by a build-up of hydrogen gas from the battery either having a damaged cell(s) or being over-charged (alternator fault).

It's a very rare occurance and one which I would expect DC to take seriously from a safety point of view.

I guess your car was built in SA rather than Germany as other wise it would have had a better (in my opinion) Varta OEM battery.

Be sure to rinse the area properly as any acid residue will slowely eat away at things. Even take a hose to it on a sunny day.

 

[NormanB]

Lou

Complain and stamp your feet like hell!

I would (if it were my car) be really really worried about the damage that acids is doing - it will have got all over the place. The whole area will need a thorough neutralising (not sure of the right chemical) and a jolly good rinsing.

Best of luck mate!

PS: Just looked it up : Dilute any spillage with clean water and neutralise with sodium bicarbonate.

 

[grasmere]

when you make your complaint its not just about a faulty battery or whatever the cause was to make it explode ! Its about what could have resulted if it happened whilst one of your family was at the open boot whilst you started the engine!!! By the way, was the ventilation tube fitted correctly? I doubt it was afterwards unless you know different .

It can only help raise their awareness at the seriousness incident . . .

Good luck