yes it exploded when she tried to start the car so i suppose that was the source of the spark. when i installed the new battery i put a voltmeter on it with the car running and it showed around 14.5 so should be ok. the acid was somewhat contained by a battery blanket that was installed at the factory.
it was the original battery that failed, so almost 7 years old.

could it have been an internal short that blew the thing?

re new battery, why did i know you would say that peh!!
i have had very good perfomance from die hard int'ls in the past
(have had 2 in the diesel) so that is why i shelled out a few more bucks. it is a group 49 battery that fits a jetta. i believe that is the same as for our diesels?

bob

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1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP